Iran lose, but their voices are heard

GURGAON, October 20: For once it was difficult to determine which contest was fiercer - the one on the field between Indian and Iranian women footballers during their AFC Asia Cup 2008 qualification round clash or the one off it among the supporters.
With just 30 Persian girls creating one helluva atmosphere which would have even put the aura of a guys' match to shame, Indian women got a taste of what they would be up against when they travel to Tehran for the away leg in a week's time.
While Indian women inflicted a 3-1 defeat - the worst loss for Iran, the earlier being a 2-1 in the final of the West Asian Football Federation Championship against hosts Jordan last month - the clamourous cheering for the visitors revealed Iranian women's almost unsurpassable passion for soccer.
"Women in our country would even eclipse men when it comes to living the game," Iran defender Katayoun Khosrowyar said.
When mentioned Iranian film director Jafar Pahani's Offside - where six Iranian girls disguise themselves as boys (as women are barred from watching the men's matches) in order to enter Tehran's Azadi Stadium to watch the 2006 World Cup Asian zone qualifier against Bahrain (June 8, 2005) - Khosrowyar admitted that though she hadn't seen or heard something of that nature "but I won't doubt that happening as women are absolutely crazy for the sport".
"But nothing to worry, when Indian team comes there we will make sure they don't get fazed and have enough rooting for them too," Khosrowyar quickly assured.
Result: India 3 (Bembem Devi 15,80; Bala Devi 29) - Iran 1 (Fereshteh Karimi 9).