Iranian striker Sara Didar fought back tears as she expressed hope that her country would remain 'strongly alive' as the conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate. 'Obviously, we're concerned and sad at what has happened to Iran and our families in Iran,' Didar told reporters on the Gold Coast in Farsi. 'I really hope for our country to have good news ahead and I hope that my country will be strongly alive.' But they did stage a protest of sorts by remaining silent during the national anthem prior to Monday's 3-0 loss to South Korea. 'We want to give them the best tournament possible in terms of giving them the experience of a lifetime.

Source: Daily Mail March 04, 2026 15:58 UTC