World Cup: Iran to France

Like hundreds of millions of sports fans around the world, every four years I turn my attention to soccer's premier event, the World Cup. The final qualifying game for the 32-nation group going to France in mid-1998 is over, and Iran edged out Australia by holding the "Socceroos" to a 2-2 draw. Iran thus advanced on FIFA's rules about goal difference.

I must admit being partial to non-European, non-South American soccer teams, and am not afraid of saying I hope the 1998 World Cup produces a surprise victor. It would be marvelous if a team like Mexico or Japan or Nigeria became world champions.

I followed the news about the Iran-Australia game with interest. At 4:45 p.m. on Nov. 22, I tuned in to BBC radio, when Australia was leading 1-0. A bit later, the Socceroos had increased their lead to 2-0. A recording of an Australian- accented announcer was played, and he was saying excitedly: "Look out world! Australia will surely go to France!"

During the 9 p.m. TVRI Indonesian language news program, the announcer broke the news that Iran had leveled the score to 2-2, and thus captured the final World Cup slot. I was amazed but remained unconvinced until this result was confirmed by tuning in to BBC radio once more. A recording of the Australian announcer again after the final goal: "Iran has scored! Oh no! The Australians are bewildered and in absolute disbelief! Iran has come back from the dead!"

Iran were the underdogs, playing away from home in front of an estimated 90,000 Melbourne crowd. Even The Jakarta Post's correspondent had predicted (Nov. 29): "(The) blend of youth and European experience should see Australia gain the result they need to qualify for France."

I have often sided with underdogs. May some new soccer faces win the 1998 World Cup in France.

FARID BASKORO

Jakarta