Iran team performs anthem and gesture during Women's Asian Cup clash
Iran's squad performed their national anthem and offered a salute prior to losing to Australia at the Women's Asia Cup on Thursday, following a silent observance in their initial fixture.
During Monday's encounter with South Korea, the Iranian athletes remained still, just two days following the onset of hostilities from the US and Israel towards their nation.
Post match, Iran manager Marziyeh Jafari noted that her squad was overwhelmed with worry for relatives back home amid the ongoing strife, with athletes describing a profound sense of isolation from family members.
Come Thursday, the full Iranian lineup executed the salute and anthem rendition on the Gold Coast in Queensland.
In the game itself, they suffered a straightforward 4-0 loss to the hosting Australians, who advanced to the quarter finals alongside South Korea.
Australia matched South Korea's six points in Pool A after the latter overcame a feeble Philippines side 3-0.
Right from the start, it was evident the Matildas outclassed their rivals, prompting the Iranians to employ delaying tactics in an effort to break the rhythm.
The hosts drew first blood after merely nine minutes as Amy Sayer delivered what appeared a crossing pass that arced over keeper Maryam Yektaei's grasp.
Mary Fowler of Manchester City extended the advantage on 27 minutes, netting her 17th for the Matildas after Yektaei fumbled the ball, allowing Fowler to nudge it over the line.
Alanna Kennedy added a third eight minutes on, curling a fine effort from within the penalty area following a setup from Sam Kerr.
The Australians anticipated further additions in the latter half, yet beyond Kennedy's brace completion at the 58 minute mark, their superiority yielded no additional tallies.
South Korea, who eliminated Australia in the 2022 edition, lead the pool via superior goal difference and face the hosts in Sunday's decider in Sydney.
"That memory lingers in our thoughts," reflected Australian midfielder Kennedy regarding the prior defeat.
"However, our primary focus remains enhancing our form throughout this competition we aim to surpass tonight's display."
The South Koreans, silver medallists behind China in 2022, netted twice before the interval and once following to secure quarter final progression.
The Philippines pushed forward against South Korea yet rarely threatened to find the net.
In opposition, the Koreans posed a constant threat on the break, opening the scoring in the 12th minute as Jeon Yu-gyeong collected possession inside the area, swivelled adroitly, and slotted low beyond Olivia McDaniel.
Three minutes later, they doubled up with Park Soo-Jeong carving out room beyond the box and unleashing a powerful left footed drive into the upper right corner past McDaniel.
The Filipinos managed stoutly at the back to repel Korean opportunities, though 16 minutes into the second period, Mun Eun-ju capitalised on melee inside the six yard box to volley in from near quarters and confirm victory.