)
A day after their dramatic exit from the World Championship, the Iranian national team players took time to pose for photos and sign autographs for fans outside their hotel in Tijuana.
Iran narrowly missed out on qualifying for the knockout stage of the tournament, a result that brought immense disappointment to the team's camp.
The team finished third in Group G with three points, earned from draws against Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt. Iran appeared set to advance on tiebreakers when, on Saturday night, Algeria scored a stunning goal in added time to make it 3-2 against Austria. However, seconds later, in the final attack of the match, Austria equalized, and that draw sealed Iran's elimination.
It was the final painful moment for Iran in a turbulent World Championship, both on and off the pitch.
Following their elimination on Saturday night, the team released a statement expressing their "heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful people of Mexico and especially to the beautiful city of Tijuana."
"It is truly difficult for all of us to leave Tijuana," the statement continued.
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)
&format=webp)
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)
&format=webp)