Before the match with the Iranian team, US captain Tyler Adams and coach Gregg Berhalter answered a series of questions on social and political issues at a press conference.
Because the questions had nothing to do with what was happening on the pitch, it was all the more impressive how calmly Adams and Berhalter responded to the questions.
But it was above all the answer to a reporter’s question from Iran that resonated. The journalist pointed out to Adams that his country was not pronounced “AI-ran” but “I-ran” – he wanted to “establish that once and for all”.
He then asked Adams if he did not find it problematic to represent a country that discriminates against black people.
The footballer initially responded with an apology, for mispronouncing Iran. With a calm tone, he then said, “There is discrimination everywhere you go.”
He said he had lived abroad in recent years and had to assimilate into different cultures. In the process, he said, he has found “that in the US we are making progress every day…. Education is super important here. For example, you just taught me the pronunciation of your country. As long as you see progress, that’s the most important thing,” said Adams, who he explained grew up with African-American roots in a white family.
The 23-year-old professional’s response caught the attention of the football world. England international Gary Lineker praised Adams for his “intelligent, graceful” response. Others called Adams’ response “smart”, “mature” and “respectful”. He proved he was a good leader with his response, thinks another.
Tyler Adams mispronounced Iran and was called out by an Iranian journalist – who followed up with a question on discrimination in the United States.
His response: An all time classy answer- Captain & Leader. USMNT pic.twitter.com/pELQmBttPl
– Stu Holden (@stuholden) November 28, 2022
The teams of Iran and USA will meet this Tuesday evening at 8pm at the Al Thumama Stadium. The last match between the countries, considered arch-rivals, dates back 24 years.
The Iranian team is under considerable pressure: apart from their sporting performance, the players’ behaviour in terms of gestures of support for the protests in their country is being closely watched. When the “Melli” team did not sing along with the anthem during their first match against England, this was received positively by the population, which opposes the government.
However, there are more and more reports that athletes were threatened after this action, their families were pressured at home. In their second match, some sang with their eyes closed and visibly moved.