Tijuana (Mexico): Less than 240-km from Los Angeles' World Cup stadium sits the hotel housing Iran's team.
The entrance to the Marriott in Tijuana, Mexico, is barricaded, flanked by police and members of the Mexican National Guard, guns held close. No one enters without a hotel reservation or special pass.
Despite the tensions and challenges surrounding Iran's participation in the World Cup, early Saturday morning finds the mood inside the four-star hotel relaxed, even jubilant. Several dozen fans mingle and bond over their shared excitement to see the squad's players before they depart for their second group-stage match.
"I wanted to come down to support Iranian soccer, and cheer for them when they exited the building and make them happy," says Lucas Zarrabi, 13.
The teen, who attended Monday's 2-2 draw with New Zealand and has a ticket for Sunday's match against Belgium, is one of several fans from Los Angeles who made the drive to stay with the team.
