AZADI STADIUM

Location: Tehran, Iran Teams: Esteghlal and Persepolis Built: 1971 Capacity: 781, 16

Originally built to serve as the centrepiece venue for the 1974 Asian Games, the Azadi Stadium remains the biggest stadium in Iran. According to a poll by Goal.com ,it is also the most intimidating stadium in Asia, partly due to the stadium’s unique design – which helps amplify crowd noise across the pitch – and partly as a result of the intense rivalry

that it hosts. Esteghlal and Persepolis, Iran’s most successful clubs, both play their home games at the Azadi Stadium, as does the Iran national team. In 1997, a record 128,000 crowd watched on as the home side drew 1-1 with Australia in a World Cup qualifier, eventually going on to qualify for France ’98 by virtue of away goals. Since then, the capacity has been gradually reduced down to 78,116, but it remains a daunting proposition for any visiting side.

Situated in west Tehran, the ground was originally named the Aryamehr Stadium and is commonly referred to as a “bee swarm” due to the loud sound of vuvuzelas – a soundtrack that became so familiar during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Stunning…a general view of the stadium

Derby Day…a view from the stands during Esteghlal v Persepolis

Divided…fans of Persepolis (L) and Esteghlal (R) during the Tehran derby

History… women are allowed to attend Iran’s World Cup qualifier against Cambodia