Really weird feelings here.
While I was glad to see Islamic Republic humiliated in the first match (as were many other Iranians, with several videos of people celebrating the loss on the streets), I am starting to feel bad for the players.
Starting to think they are stuck between rock and a hard place. They got trashed by regime newspapers after the game, and they don't seem to have won back the hearts of too many Iranians even after non-singing of the anthem, going by what I'm seeing. I'm also hearing rumours that players are under massive psychological pressure from both sides and just really want to get home and get out of the spotlight.
Can't stand that Portuegese Tony-Pulis-wanna be Queiroz though who insulted Iranian fans. I'm glad that Japan and KSA have shown him up.
I think under normal circumstances, we're more than a match for Wales, but currently, I can't see this team recovering mentally from Monday's humiliation and all else that's going on in the background.
However, if the players get their head sorted and Pulis starts both Taremi and Azmoun together, then we'll have a good chance. Also, our most dynamic midfielder Vahid Amiri is a staunch regime supporter, so if he starts he'll sing the anthem. But him starting probably increase our chances in this game. But I also despise him and hope he gets a career ending injury, because if he wasn't a footballer, he'd probably be on the streets shooting people now. So I hope he drops dead. I'm hearing the main goalie, Beiranvand is good to come back and start btw.
Anyways, all of this is nothing compared to the ruthless murder the regime is conducting in Kurdistan region now and funerals of children and teenagers every other day. Really puts things in perspective.
I'm gonna go with Wales 2-1 or 3-1 , but wouldn't be too shocked if Islamic Republic wins either.