With a game against Iran on Tuesday, Tyler Adams faced the media ahead of what is a geopolitically charged group stage game against Iran. Accompanied by manager Gregg Berhalter, the two USMNT representatives faced harsh questioning from legitimately disgruntled Iranian journalists.
The harangue comes largely as a result of USMNT media accounts excluding the stealth of the Iranian flag. The emblem, a symbol of the Islamic republic, did not appear in the USMNT preview of its meeting with Iran. US Soccer later said that this was an intentional move. It was a way to support the Mahsa Amini protests that are currently taking place in Tehran. US Soccer later removed those posts and restored the Iranian flag to its official likeness.
On Monday, USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter and captain Tyler Adams faced the brunt of criticism from Iranian journalists. Throughout the press conference, Berhalter and Adams said that the players and coaching staff knew nothing about US Soccer’s placing of the incomplete Iranian flag.
Tyler Adams talks about Iran at press conference
Regardless, Tyler Adams, the team captain, answered all questions with poise, respect, and honesty. For example, Adams faced a question about his acceptance of representing a country with “so much discrimination against blacks at its borders.” Adams, rather than brush the question aside, stepped into his role as the classy leader.
“There is discrimination everywhere you go. One thing I’ve learned, especially from living abroad for the past two years and having to fit in with different cultures, is that in the US we continue to make progress every day. Growing up, I grew up in a white family with African American descent. Through education, I think it is very important.
“It is a process. As long as you see progress, that’s the most important thing.”
Berhalter also grapples with Iranian issues
Berhalter, the main focal point for the entire US World Cup operation, answered even more questions than Adams. Standing out among the others was a question about why Berhalter has not asked the US government to withdraw a naval ship in the Persian Gulf near Iran.
Berhalter, like Adams, has repeatedly stated that they are focused on soccer. In fact, Berhalter repeated several times that he is only a soccer coach.
The full 30-minute press conference is available via FIFA.
The United States faces Iran in a win-or-go-home contest on Tuesday beginning at 2 pm ET. If the United States loses or ties, they return home. Iran advances with a win or potentially a draw.
PHOTO: IMAGO/PA Images
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