'Great for Iran's youth'

11 June 2006
by FIFAworldcup.com
Abbas Kiarostami, film director

Kiarostami began his directing career when he founded the film department of the Kanun Centre for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults, based in the Iranian capital Tehran. His output was impressive and he quickly became one of the most prominent figures in the country’s cinema. In 1997 he was awarded the Palme d'Or at the Cannes International Film Festival for his film A Taste of Cherry, and in 1999 he won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival for The Wind Will Carry Us.

Abbas Kiarostami on…
Mexico 3 Iran 1
I think Iran played well. They gave it their all, in spite of being a group of young players making their first FIFA World Cup appearance. The first half was great.

They are setting a fantastic example for Iranian youth, whose eyes are glued to their performances and who are hoping that this time they will make progress in the tournament.

I loved watching the painted faces of the Mexican fans, and their dancing. That side of football is really special! However, we mustn’t get carried away; we’ll have to see how things go against Angola and Portugal. Portugal could be tough, but I hope that we’ll beat Angola at least. I would love it if Iran made it to the Round of 16; we need something to cheer about.