Cyprus News Agency

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei congratulated Iran's national football team for its performance and its message of unity.

Baqaei said: "Bravo to Iran's national football team, which acted as one united and harmonious body, kept its eyes on the goal, and did not allow extraordinary and inhumane pressures to prevent it from moving forward. At a time when pressure, narrow-mindedness, discrimination, and restrictions had made perseverance harder than ever, the Iranian national team demonstrated that true victory lies in overcoming the spirit of surrender and despair. Neither the restrictions became an excuse, nor did the pressure lead to submission. They faced danger, kept running, and until the very last moment kept hope and love alive on the green fields through Iranian values and conduct. Perhaps even more important than the result was what they gave us during these days: passion, excitement, smiles, and above all, this profound reminder that there is one inviolable bond shared by all of us, which we cherish with all our being: the jewel called the homeland, 'Iran'."