The national soccer team began an incredible journey Sunday and was to arrive after midnight Costa Rica time to Tehran.  They were scheduled to test the pitch at 6:30 am our time. 24 hours later is game time, where temperatures were expected to be near 60 degrees at the start of the match.
Players had to do isometric exercises and stretches in their seats to combat travel fatigue. The journey was of epic proportions, and even included a bus transfer in the US.  The players left Juan Santamaria aiport in Alajuela at 2:30 pm on Sunday. The plane flew to Guatemala, then to Washington DC, and then they took a charter bus to New York City for the flight to Dubai.  From there a commuter flight to Tehran. A total of 40 hours!!

Psych War
When the Tricolor contends with Iran in Tehran it will put an exclamation point on what some Iranis are calling a psychological war.

A few days ago, a government spokesperson accused “The West” of launching a psych war against Iran’s national team.

According to an ISNA news wire, the leader Gholan-Huessein Elham affirmed that the refusal of westerners to play friendly international matches with Iran is a psychological war, and the purpose is to isolate Iran before the world.

Prior to negotiating a friendly with Costa Rica, Iran failed to find any team willing to face its all stars, because of the government’s refusal to put an end to its nuclear program, according to officials.

Countries such as Rumania, the Ukraine, promised to play but backed out of friendlies in the Azadi stadium. Spain also said no, thank you. Belarussia, Colombia, Turkey and Switzerland have all been asked to play, but have not replied.

So tomorrow’s match may be Iran’s final warm up in preparation for the World Cup.