Watch heartwarming moment USA star Antonee Robinson hugs distraught Ramin Rezaeian after Iran’s World Cup KO
THE football world has hailed a beautiful moment between USA’s Antonee Robinson and Iran’s Ramin Rezaeian at the end of their World Cup clash on Tuesday night.
Gregg Berhalter’s side booked their place in the last 16 and knocked Iran out in the process as Christian Pulisic’s goal handed them a 1-0 win in their crucial group stage match.
GettyAntonee Robinson consoled Ramin Rezaeian after the final whistle[/caption]
GettyThe pair embraced as Rezaeian broke down in tears on the shoulder of Robinson[/caption]
GettyUSA leapfrogged Iran to clinch a last 16 place on Tuesday night[/caption]
And the Iran players were left devastated at the final whistle as their World Cup campaign came to an end.
The moment was all too much for defender Rezaeian – whose home country are currently going through a turbulent time.
But Fulham left-back Robinson was on hand to console the Iranian right-back as he wept on the shoulder of the American – despite historic tensions between the two nations.
The clip went viral online and led to a heartwarming response across the world.
Reacting on social media, one person said: “BEAUTIFUL display of brotherhood! These two men said it all.
“When the US and Iran can embrace with such compassion like this, it’s a symbol of the highest and truest part of our humanity. Peace and love to Iran..”
Another added: “That is BEAUTIFUL! The BEAUTY of sport!”
A third simply said: “True sportsmanship.”
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And a fourth replied: “Absolutely brilliant. Sport overcomes everything.”
USA will now face Holland on Saturday as they fight for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.
The Americans have not reached the last eight since the 2002 tournament – when they were eliminated by eventual runners-up Germany.
