Young Lions sound early warning; Iran on target for women’s rights

DOHA: The sound of silence bounced off and echoed on the terraces of Khalifa International Stadium as Iran’s players lined up for the national anthem but did not sing. And when television cameras zoomed in on a woman in a hijab crying silently, you knew Team Melli had left an impact on the World Cup before they had kicked a ball.

There are few things more soul-stirring at World Cup games than teams belting out the national anthem and the stadium singing along. Meanwhile, faced with the threat of bookings and sending-offs, England and other countries decided against wearing an armband for solidarity with the LGBTQ+.

When the match ended 6-2, with the English Lions promising to make it a winter to remember, both teams had scored crucial points — one an early warning to all contenders, the other for gender equality and the right to protest.