The world's television cameras were trained on the Iranian soccer team competing at the 22nd FIFA World Cup in Qatar on Friday. Not just on their feet but on their mouths. 

Before their first game on Monday against England, the players defiantly declined to sing their national anthem. Moreover, they did not celebrate when they scored their two goals. This has been widely interpreted as an act of protest against the Iranian government, currently facing mass civil upset about, among other things, the unfair treatment of women. The protests began in late October when a 22-year-old woman, Masha Amini, died after being arrested by morality police for allegedly violating the country’s strict headscarf laws.

Iranian media cut away from the lack of singing during the game, and have downplayed the disobedient action. However, reports suggested that the players could face serious reprisals for their defiance. 

This loomed as the team took to the pitch to face Wales at Al-Rayyan Stadium outside of Doha on Friday. Before the game commenced, the team did sing, but, in the words of The Guardian, it was a “half-hearted” vocalization with “their lips barely moving.” 

Soccer players are often lampooned for their demonstrative reactions during play, in the hopes of inspiring a referee to call a foul. Today, reading their expressions meant a lot more. 

During the match, there was some tension in the stands, the Associated Press reported. Spectators in support of the Iranian government were said to have been harassing those who were in protest. Fans wearing shirts reading “Woman, Life, Freedom,” received boos. Security guards prevented some from entering the arena with Persian flags representing the time before the Islamic Revolution of the late 1970s. Shouting matches broke out, and at one point, when three different women were speaking to foreign media, they were surrounded by loud men who chanted “The Islamic Republic of Iran!” to disrupt the interviews. 

Nevertheless, Iran beat Wales 2-0. They lost their previous game against England 6-2. On Tuesday, they will play The United States. 

Elsewhere in Qatar, an unexpected and charming development has blossomed. Many fans report being delighted by the “Singing Street Marshalls” that have popped up around the stadiums. These helpful guides, perched atop lifeguard chairs, have been hired to direct people to public transportation hubs. Most are migrant workers from Ghana and Kenya, and after a few days of boring, repetitious instruction, they have taken to giving their message in song. Given the controversy surrounding which A-list performers would come to Qatar, where a variety of human rights can land someone in prison (see: Rod Stewart turning down a $1 million gig) it’s good to see people at the grassroots filling in the gaps. 

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