Iran's National Soccer Team Sparks Change Back Home and Unites Its People
*By Christian Smith*
Iran is in the running to advance from the group stage of the FIFA World Cup, and the excitement over the team's performance is beginning to spark change back home.
For the first time since the Iranian Revolution of 1979, women were allowed to watch the men's national team, Team Melli, compete in the World Cup at a televised watch party in Tehran's Azadi Stadium. It's an example of the powerful influence of the world's most popular sport, said Jeffrey Marcus, publisher of World Cup newsletter "The Banter."
"Iran is mad about sports, and specifically about soccer, in part because it's the one secular institution that really unites the whole country," Marcus said in an interview on Cheddar Thursday.
When it comes to letting women in Iran watch the national team on TV, Marcus noted, "It's not quite getting them into the stadium to watch a live match, but maybe that's next."
Team Melli, [tweeted a photo](https://twitter.com/TeamMelliIran/status/1009492592562761728) of women inside the stadium cheering during its match against Spain with the caption "Azadi Stadium now."
Iran currently sits in the third spot in Group B behind Spain and Portugal. A win against Portugal on Monday would put it in the Round of 16 for the first time.
Team Melli has qualified for the current group stage five times: 1978, 1998, 2006, 2010, and 2018.
For the full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/how-irans-soccer-team-is-making-an-impact-back-home).
Bills players held up three fingers in recognition of defensive back Damar Hamlin, who wears the number 3 on his jersey, as the crowd chanted "Hamlin! Hamlin!" Hamlin is recovering in a Cincinnati hospital after going into cardiac arrest at a game on Monday.
On Monday, football fans were stunned when Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed and suffered cardiac arrest. Cheddar News explains the condition and the steps to take if you witness an incident.
Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin collapsed on the Cincinnati Bengals' field Monday night, and the NFL has announced that the suspended game will not resume this week.
Cheddar's Kristen Scholer caught up with all-time NBA great Shaquille O'Neal in his hometown of Newark, NJ, working with Icy Hot to repair rundown basketball courts around the country. The Hall of Famer also spoke about the current NBA finals between the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors and had a lot of praise for the Warrior's guard Stephen Curry. "He's the greatest shooter of all time. I had a conversation with Stephen A. [Smith], where does he rank? He's a special player. He has his own category," Shaq said.
The PGA has suspended 17 golfers, including Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson, who are competing in a Saudi-backed golf event outside of London. In a memo, commissioner Jay Monahan said "these players have made their choice for their own financial-based reasons", announcing they are ineligible to participate on the PGA tour or any other tours it sanctions. Hugh Kellenberger, Senior Managing Editor at the Athletic, breaks down the controversy, and what might happen next.
Auction house Christie's will be presenting "Legacy of the GOAT," which will include a rare Michael Jordan signed rookie card and sneakers. Caitlin Donovan, the vice president of Christie's handbags and accessories department. joined Cheddar News to discuss the special memorabilia selection for the NBA great. "He's been a global phenomenon, so he's really shaped '90s culture and streetwear culture," she said. "And we see bidders from every pocket in the world."
Kona Brewing Co., pro surfer Anna Gudauskus, and surf photographer Sarah Lee are embarking on an 1,500+ mile beach cleanup down the East Coast. Gudauskus and Lee join Cheddar News to discuss the initiative.
