Physical Toll on Players
The manager further explained that multiple players suffered from physical cramping during the match due to inadequate preparation time and heavy travel, necessitating non-technical substitutions.
"Before the game, I said we haven't had time to adjust because of the travel," said Ghalenoei.
"Many of our players, they had cramps, and that's why we had to substitute them. So it wasn't for technical reasons that we made substitutions.
It was because of the injury and because of the cramp."
He noted that players will be examined by the technical staff, but the forced early return makes the situation more difficult.
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Despite the off-field issues, the coach praised the quality of the match and thanked the thousands of diaspora fans who filled the stadium near Los Angeles.
"We're facing more hurdles, but we're not going to let that stop us from doing our best," said Ghalenoei.
"I think today was one of the best games in the World Cup so far, and I think the fans really enjoyed it inside the stadium and outside the stadium."
Team captain Mehdi Taremi echoed these complaints, highlighting administrative hurdles that resulted in key staff members, including the Iranian football federation president, being denied visas by the United States.
"We have to leave Los Angeles right now, and it's not good for us," said Taremi. "I think FIFA have to help us more than this.
... Everything is like a disaster, actually, for us."
