Iran and US first faced each other at the 1998 World Cup at the Stade de Gerland stadium in Lyon, France. The match ended 2-1 in favor of the Iranians, with goals by Hamid Estili and Mehdi Mahdavikia. Brian McBride scored the only US goal.
In the mood for another historic game? Take a look at the top nine quotes from the players who participated in the 1998 match - and some politicians:
1.
US defender Jeff Agoos said at the end of the game: “We did more in 90 minutes than the politicians did in 20 years.” 2.
US captain Thomas Dooley: “We live in peace and we don't want to talk about the events that took place 20 years ago.” 3.
US midfielder Alexi Lalas: “This game influenced the fate of the planet.” 4.
Mohammad Khakpour, a player on the Iranian national team, said after the victory: “What we managed to do in the match against the United States, our countries' politicians couldn't do in years.” 5.
Mehdi Mahdavikia, author of Iran's winning goal: “Iran versus the United States was the match of the century.” 6.
Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, addressing the Iranian national team after the match, said, “Tonight, the arrogant opponent again tasted the bitter taste of defeat at your hands. Be happy that you pleased the people of Iran.” 7.
Iran's President Mohammad Khatami: “The victory of the Iranian team is a symbol of national solidarity.” 8.
US President Bill Clinton said in a video message, “I congratulate us on the work that President Khatami and I have done to improve the situation.” 9.
US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright issued a statement: “The initial contact has been established. As the wall of mistrust comes down, we can develop with the Islamic Republic, when it is ready, a road map leading to normal relations. Obviously, two decades of mistrust cannot be erased overnight. The gap between us remains wide. But it is time to test the possibilities for bridging this gap.”