Air Niugini wishes to advise the travelling public that due to an ongoing dispute between Puma Energy and the Bank of PNG, Puma has decided to restrict the supply of fuel to Air Niugini and all other airlines effective from today. This restriction applies to Port Moresby and all the airports around PNG. Unfortunately, there is no alternative supplier of aviation fuel in most airports, including Port Moresby. Consequently, Air Niugini is forced to announce that the remaining domestic flights for today (Thursday 1 December) have been cancelled due to PUMA Energy’s refusal to supply Jet A1 fuel to the airlines. The airline is also cancelling half is domestic flying for Friday 2nd December to reflect these restrictions imposed by Puma. These cancelations will have to be ongoing each day until Puma’s restrictions are removed. Air Niugini will endeavour to advise passengers in advance of their flight being cancelled, however due to the difficulties of predicting exactly when the daily fuel allocation will run out, this may not always be possible. Puma has advised that they will continue to refuel international flights as normal. Air Niugini regrets any inconvenience caused to our customers, however the situation is outside the airline’s control. Air Niugini said “We have done everything possible to ensure that this situation did not occur and that we could continue to support the people of Papua New Guinea especially in this busy Christmas period. We can assure all our customers that we are completely up to date with our payments to PUMA Energy and this regrettable situation is 100% outside the control of Air Niugini. We will continue to work with all concerned to ensure normal operations can resume as quickly as possible”. Air Niugini apologise to its customers for the inconvenience, acknowledging the matter is outside of its control and that the airline will not reduce its operational standards and that safety is always paramount. Our customers are advised to revalidate their travel to the next available flight once the date these restrictions will be lifted is known.

World AIDS Day, December 1st highlights the need for more focus on HIV/AIDS and ensuring everyone has access to medical testing, treatment, and care across the world. Papua New Guinea has the highest HIV incidence and prevalence in the Pacific. According to UNAIDS, approximately 45 000 people are living with HIV in the country, of whom 65% are on antiretroviral therapy. With proper medical care and antiretroviral drugs, HIV infection has become a manageable chronic health condition, enabling people living with HIV to lead long and healthy lives. Knowing your status also means better health outcomes and reduces the likelihood of further transmission to others. At the Sir Brian Bell Foundation, we are proud to do our part to bring awareness on HIV/AIDS in our communities providing access to health information and working with various organizations as well as making testing available to all potential blood donors at the Sir Brian Bell Centre for Transfusion during mini-physical examinations. All blood donors are provided with a mini health check which includes HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STDs, and numerous other diseases that can be found by testing the blood. “We encourage everyone to be informed learn about HIV/AIDS and get yourself tested and know your status to help us in our plight to stop the disease impacting our communities. Start conversations, seek advice if you have questions and most importantly break the stigma so more people will access care” commented Sir Brian Bell CEO Bronwyn Wright. World Health Organisation: The global HIV response is in danger, even as HIV remains a major public health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Over the last few years, progress towards HIV goals has stalled, resources have shrunk, and millions of lives are at risk as a result. Division, disparity, and disregard for human rights are among the failures that allowed HIV to become and remain a global health crisis. On 1 December WHO joins partners to commemorate World AIDS Day 2022, under the theme “Equalize”. WHO is calling on global leaders and citizens to boldly recognize and address the inequalities which are holding back progress in ending AIDS; and equalize access to essential HIV services, particularly for children and key populations and their partners. Learn more: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-aids-day Source: Sir Brian Bell Foundation 

Mathew Leckie netted his 14th goal for Australia to send the Socceroos through to the last 16 of the World Cup for only the second time in their history. The last time they accomplished such a feat was 2006. "We had our doubters but with our spirit, our belief, our work ethic and how close we are as a group, it shows on the pitch," said a jubilant Leckie. "That last 15-20 minutes, we battled until the end and it didn't matter what they threw at us, we weren't conceding." For Denmark, it has been a disappointing tournament. Down and out with Kasper Hjulmand's side taking just one point from their three games. Source: FIFA

Investment in education has always been a priority for Digicel Foundation therefore it is pleased to announce the completion of a 8-in-1 double-story classroom for Tubusereia Primary School in the Hiri-Koiari District, Central Province. The project was completed in September 2022 at a cost of K1.02 million with a contribution of K50,000 from the school. This is the first biggest classroom construction funded by Digicel Foundation. The School has a plan to become a Junior High School which will allow students from the neighboring villages to remain within the area to continue their education without having to travel miles away to boarding school to access Grades 9 and 10. A key requirement to ensure this becomes a reality is extra classrooms to cater for the increase in enrollment which is something we were pleased to partner with the school to address. Mr Manu Momo, Chairman of the School Board said, “The 8 in 1 classroom for Tubusereia Primary School by Digicel Foundation is by far the single most significant infrastructure development for the school in years. The new set of classrooms also signifies a greater milestone for the school and community in realising its dream and wish to elevate Tubusereia Primary School to a Junior High School catering for students from Tubusereia Village and the surrounding communities within the next three years. For that, I on behalf of the School’s Board of Management, say a very big Thank You to Digicel Foundation.” The completed school infrastructure project comes with eight fully furnished classrooms inclusive of 120 standard student desks and chairs, whiteboards, pin boards and teachers’ tables and chairs for each classroom. The project also includes two 9,000L Tuffa tanks on a reinforced concrete base with a lockable tap to ensure the students have access to clean drinking water. Oliver Camplin-Warner, Head of Telstra International which overseas Digicel Pacific was there to officiate the event and said, “The work of the Foundation over the past 13 years has been a wonderful achievement for us and we are proud to continue in the rich tradition of Digicel which is to give back to communities through the Digicel Foundation. We welcome Tubusereia Primary School into our own Digicel and Telstra Foundation footprint that spans across all of PNG, Australia and parts of South East Asia.” Since its establishment in 2008, Digicel Foundation has invested over K162 million into social projects reaching 936, 000 direct beneficiaries in all the 89 districts in PNG. In Central Province alone, we have invested K9.422 million into projects including: · 25 double classrooms for Primary Schools & 1 x 4 in 1 classroom building · 8 school libraries · 3 Ambulances & 3 rural health aid posts · 12 community learning centres Digicel PNG Foundation will continue to work in partnership with the government, communities and other stakeholders to ensure we create a world where no one is left behind.

Captain. James Edwards, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command chaplain, traveled to Papua New Guinea to build upon and strengthen the ties with Lt. Col. Mark Neapali, the force chaplain of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF). Australian Defence Force’s Chaplain Thomas Zaranski of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, Townsville, joined Edwards and Neapali for the visit. Edwards held exchanges with Neapali and Zaranski on the current status of the PNGDF chaplaincy, training for chaplains and future directions of the PNGDF Chaplaincy. Edwards and Neapali participated in one-on-one meetings with other chaplains to discuss future opportunities for engagement and shared perspectives on serving the spiritual needs of the armed forces of each branch. Edwards praised the PNGDF chaplains’ service to their forces. “Chaplain Neapali and his staff accomplish such an immensely important service to the service members of the Papua New Guinea Defence Forces,” said Edwards. “Their commitment to connecting the spiritual bond of the nation’s richly ingrained religious community in their day-to-day lives as defenders of the nation is inspiring to myself and to the people Chaplain Neapali reaches.” Zaranski said he was honored and excited to visit Papua New Guinea, and humbled to represent the Australian Defence Force for the meeting with Neapali and Edwards. “I commend Lt. Col. Neapali and his team for the very important work that they do every day supporting the members of the force, their families and the defence community,” said Zaranski. “ADF and PNGDF Chaplains have a longstanding relationship through Australia’s Defence Cooperation Program with PNG, and my team and I look forward to continuing to partner with our U.S. colleagues to support the PNG Chief of Defence Force’s aims, and the needs of the PNGDF community.” Edwards and Zaranski also participated in the church service at St. Paul’s Military Chapel on Nov. 20. “Joining Chaplain Neapali in their Church services was a wonderful way to participate in and learn how profoundly the communities connect to their faith,” said Edwards. “I look forward to many more discussions and engagements with the PNGDF Chaplaincy and finding ways to partner in their outlooks for the future.” Photo credit: US Embassy

PNG Air recognises literacy and early learning are essential for every child, and so the airline is pleased to affirm and extend our continued support to Buk bilong Pikinini Children’s Libraries, as a Platinum Sponsor of the organization. Buk bilong Pikinini seeks to help increase literacy rates in PNG via the establishment of Library Learning Centres, which provides an Early Childhood Education program for 5-year-old children. The organisation also supports schools with the donation of school library kits and literacy resources to ensure the students have books to support their education PNG Air first established our partnership with Buk bilong Pikinini in 2018, carrying books, teaching materials and training staff all across the country as part of our Community and Social Responsibilities program. We have since uplifted and flown school library kits and teaching materials to hundreds of schools across the country, that have all gone to directly impact children at elementary, primary and secondary schools. Most schools in PNG no longer have school libraries and books for their students, which makes it difficult for the teachers to teach and the students to become literate. Present at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding today at our Aircraft Maintenance Hangar in Port Moresby, were children from Buk bilong Pikinini Library, officers from BbP, Leanne Resson, Bbp Executive Officer and Simon C. Pitt, PNG Air Chief Commercial Officer as airline officials looked on. “PNG Air is pleased to be able to renew our partnership with Buk Bilong Pikinini. It is essential that children have access to books and other learning materials, and so today’s signing further strengthens PNG Air’s commitment to education in PNG”, said Simon C. Pitt. Leanne Resson said: “The support provided by PNG Air is a true gift to schools and communities across the country. Education is key to community development and allows children to aspire to future careers that will benefit the whole community. We are so grateful to be working with PNG Air to support schools across the country with the donation of high quality books for all ages and subjects. Since the partnership started in 2018 we have been able to support more than 500 schools with our school library kits, books and literacy resources for the Buk bilong Pikinini Library Learning Centres as well as also receiving support for the team to travel for training and observation. We could not be more grateful. With this generous renewed support from PNG Air, we are looking forward to be supporting many hundreds more schools across PNG.” With their series of ‘When I Grow Up’ books for young readers, we are pleased to also have a book for young aspiring pilots. These books, among others in the series, are available from Theodist, on the Buk bilong Pikinini web gifting shop https://bukbilongpikinini.charity/ or directly from the Buk bilong Pikinini Head Office. PNG Air congratulates Buk bilong Pikinini for celebrating their 15 Year Anniversary, a significant achievement that has undoubtedly contributed to the organisations impact with children.

The Coffee Industry Corporation (CIC) Limited has renewed its partnership with the Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access (PHAMA) Plus Program to further improve productivity among smallholder farmers and to boost the profile of PNG coffee in specialty markets. Through this collaboration, supported by Australia and New Zealand, PHAMA Plus will continue to provide technical support to those involved in the coffee value chain to help increase the volume of good quality coffee exported to high-value specialty and differentiated markets. “We need premium prices for good quality coffee to make coffee farming profitable for smallholders. This means maintaining quality control at all steps of the value chain, from production to processing and export,” said CIC Chief Operations Officer, Steven Tumae, after signing the Memorandum of Understanding. “Investments in agricultural and business training, tools and equipment, and market development through this partnership will open doors to increase incomes for small growers, enhance PNG’s export capabilities, and increase its foreign exchange revenues.” The partnership will also support small scale processing methods and new technology for coffee farmers targeting improved bean quality. Through the strong cooperation between CIC, PNG Women in Coffee Association (WICA) and PHAMA Plus, women in the coffee value chain will be supported to improve their post-harvest processing skills, coffee cupping knowledge and barista skills, as well as receive support with market access both domestically and overseas. PHAMA Plus National Facilitator Tamar Amean said the partnership will focus on establishing links with buyers in specialty markets and promoting PNG coffee in alternative markets. “We’re pleased to continue our work with CIC to support the implementation of regulatory improvements and explore opportunities to position PNG coffee to be more competitive,” said Mrs Amean. “PHAMA Plus supported the development of CIC’s Marketing and Communications Plan 2022-2025 which we are now rolling out. This includes attending select overseas coffee trade shows and promoting of PNG coffees to targeted overseas buyers. We will also place more emphasis on promoting the domestic sales and using ground coffee instead of instant coffee.” Coffee is the second most important agriculture cash crop in PNG after palm oil. Up to 400,000 rural households rely on coffee as a principal source of cash income, particularly in PNG’s highlands. In the previous phase of the PHAMA Plus program, PHAMA Plus supported CIC to roll out national green bean (grading) standards which addressed the price discrimination between small holders and plantation owners in the coffee industry. Samples of PNG specialty coffee green were shipped to USA, Australia and South-East Asia. This remains a priority in the new partnership. PHAMA Plus and CIC’s collaboration contributes to strengthening the partnership between government and private sector, which is critical to growing the PNG coffee industry.

The National Superannuation Fund (Nasfund) recently renewed its partnership with PNG Cancer Foundation (PNGCF) for a further 12 months. This partnership will see Nasfund continue providing PNGCF with in–kind support to cover administration and logistic costs as the official Cancer Information Education Communication (IEC) awareness material distributor through its network of 15 branches & 7 service centers in PNG. The awareness materials will be displayed at our Branches’ operations and will be accessible to our staff and our 600,000 plus members as when they get the opportunity to visit our branches. The MOU will also see Nasfund Partnering with PNCF to roll its provincial awareness programs through our branches nationwide. Speaking at the MoU partnership renewal, Nasfund General Manager Talent & Culture Mr. incent Lialu highlighted that the biggest issue in cancer awareness in PNG was the lack of awareness and having access to right information. “Not many people are aware of such services where they can get information on infections like breast cancer or cervical cancer for instance. Even if they do, cultural barriers prevents them reaching out for help. As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility Program (CRS), the Fund recognizes our duty to members across the country to continuously provide these awareness materials issues of health and well-being. As a Trustee, our members and staff are our priority - we are not only responsible for growing our members’ savings, but we are also responsible for their health and wellbeing.” PNGCF Executive Manager, Priscilla Napoleon expressed the Foundation’s gratitude to Nasfund Board and Management for the timely support. Ms. Napoleon reiterated their gratitude to the Fund in allowing this information pamphlets to be available across Fund’s vast branch network to educate and raise awareness for its members on the prevention of cancer and encourage healthy lifestyle choices among Papua New Guineans. Since the October 2021, this partnership has seen vital cancer awareness materials distributed to over 5,000 members through Nasfund’s extensive branch network.

To help control rising HIV infections, the United States government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has handed over Papua New Guinea’s first-ever Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) medication to the National Department of Health. PrEP is medication that reduces the chances of getting HIV by up to 99 percent. The medication is used worldwide to prevent HIV infections, and it is recommended for anyone who is at risk of contracting HIV through person-to-person transmission. “The United States is glad to support our partners, the Government of Papua New Guinea and the National Department of Health with this donation and rollout,” said Joseph Zadrozny, Chargé d’Affaires, United States Embassy. “PrEP is completely safe, and I have no doubt that with proper use, it can help turn the tide of HIV infections here in Papua New Guinea.” Dr. Peniel Boas, National HIV Program Manager, National Department of Health, said, “We welcome PrEP as another mode of HIV prevention in PNG. No one method of HIV prevention will work alone. We need more to achieve an impact on the increasing HIV new infections. The public must have access to a fair choice of HIV prevention methods.” Papua New Guinea has the highest HIV incidence and prevalence in the Pacific region. The country represents 95 percent of the reported HIV cases in the region; approximately 59,000 people in Papua New Guinea are living with HIV. Papua New Guinea is one of only two countries in the Pacific with rising HIV infections. [caption id="attachment_31417" align="alignnone" width="677"] Image caption: Joseph Zadrozny, Chargé d’Affaires, United States Embassy and Dr. Peniel Boas, National HIV Program Manager, National Department of Health shake hands at the official PrEP Handover event in Port Moresby on November 29.[/caption] USAID, through implementing partner FHI360, will support the rollout of PrEP in the NCD, in close collaboration with the National Department of Health, National AIDS Council Secretariat, NCD’s Provincial Health Authority, and community partners including the Key Population Advocacy Consortium, Hope Worldwide PNG, and Anglicare PNG. In 2023, PrEP services will launch in three selected sites in the NCD: Heduru, Lawes Road and Anglicare clinic. The U.S. government aims to achieve inclusive, resilient, and sustainable control of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in PNG in collaboration with partners like the National Department of Health, and FHI360, and through the leadership of the affected community. Through its five-year, $17.2 million HIV Support in Papua New Guinea Activity funded through PEPFAR, USAID works with government counterparts, multilateral and donor organizations, and local partners to contribute towards the HIV/AIDS response in the NCD and nationally aimed at strengthening PNG’s HIV/AIDS interventions to bend the curve towards epidemic control.

Since its maiden voyage in October 2021, the marine landing craft MV Islander has been ensuring uninterrupted freight transport as part of Australian Government support to improved service delivery in the South Fly District, Western Province. The MV Islander and its workboat the MB Humbii have been delivering freight for Australia’s health, education, infrastructure, community and economic programs for over 12 months. In addition to transporting cargo for Australian-funded programs, the service has assisted PNG Government agencies and the Western Provincial Government. This includes regularly transporting medical supplies and equipment for the Western Provincial Health Authority. During this year’s general election, the MV Islander assisted the PNG Electoral Commission to ship a container with ballot boxes and other essential materials to Daru. Australian High Commissioner, Jon Philp, visited the MV Islander during a trip to Daru early this month to witness the delivery of cargo firsthand. “As PNG’s largest province, we understand transportation and logistical challenges slow the delivery of services and programs and increase costs” Mr. Philp said. “While Western is blessed with vast and beautiful coastlines, rivers and lake systems, we understand the logistical challenges that come with such large water systems and we’re pleased to partner with the PNG Government and the Provincial Government to deliver development programs more efficiently.” Mr. Philp added, “being such close neighbors – with longstanding cultural and historical ties – Australia has a deep understanding of the challenges that Western Province faces”. When Mr. Philp called aboard the MV Islander, its cargo included a 20ft container and five pallets of medical supplies for the Provincial Health Authority, and over 100 tonnes of building materials for water harvesting and rehabilitation projects to support the implementation of the South Fly District WASH Plan. During its first year of operation the MV Islander completed 28 voyages between Port Moresby and locations in South Fly District, primarily Daru and Mabudawan. This initiative is ensuring program partners can continue to support economic growth, enhance stability and improve service delivery across Western Province, as part of the broader PNG-Australia Partnership.

The United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator and UNDP Director for Asia and the Pacific, Ms. Kanni Wignaraja, arrived to a traditional welcome at the Jackson’s International Airport in Papua New Guinea today. Ms. Wignaraja will be in the country for four days. Upon her arrival to Port Moresby, Ms Wignaraja, will meet with the Prime Minister, James Marape and followed by a series of meetings with senior government ministers. Ms. Wignaraja will deliver a key note speech at a policy dialogue on climate action and green economy transition that will be held at the APEC Haus. The dialogue, titled ‘Post COP27 Climate Round table – From Policy to Action: Papua New Guinea Leading the Green Economy Transition’ will showcase how the country’s potential for a transition towards a green and blue economic development pathway, working in partnership with the natural environment, can result in a more prosperous and equitable Papua New Guinea for future generations. The dialogue will discuss and highlight the country’s potential for a green and blue economic transition as a necessary development pathway to ensure property and well-being for all people. Ms. Wignaraja will then be accompanied by UNDP Papua New Guinea Resident Representative, Mr. Dirk Wagener, to the Southern Highlands Province to interact with communities engaged in the UNDP-led UN Highlands Joint Programme. Ms. Wignaraja will observe UNDP’s support to critical efforts by local institutions in response to a surge of tribal and sorcery accusation related violence and to advocate for an increased support to address all forms of violence in the Papua New Guinea Highlands region. UNDP Papua New Guinea Resident Representative, Mr Dirk Wagener, said Ms. Wignaraja’s visit further strengthens UNDP’s commitment to supporting Papua New Guinea’s development agenda.

The US Men’s National Team (USMNT) was made to work hard for its place in the World Cup knockout stage, earning a tough 1-0 win over Iran in a nerve-racking Group B decider at Qatar 2022. Christian Pulisic’s first-half goal was all that separated the two sides as the USMNT reached the round of 16 for the first time since 2014. The pressure was certainly on for Gregg Berhalter’s side in Qatar after the national team’s failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, but the US got the job done with three gritty group performances. It certainly wasn’t pretty at times, in particular in the closing stages against Iran, but progressing through the group stage was the minimum expectation for this exciting young team. There will be some concerns going into the knockout stages, though, after Pulisic suffered an abdominal injury while scoring the winner. The USMNT will be hoping its star man, dubbed ‘Captain America’ by some, is fit for the round of 16 tie against the Netherlands on Saturday following the news that Pulisic had been sent to hospital for a scan. [caption id="attachment_31386" align="alignnone" width="906"] USA goalkeeper Matt Turner celebrates Christian Pulisic's winning goal.[/caption] Winner takes all This was the only the third meeting ever between the two nations and their first World Cup encounter since France 1998 – a politically charged match that saw Iran emerge as a shock 2-1 winner. That was the first time that Iran and the US, sometimes described officially in Iran as the ‘Great Satan,’ had met on the football pitch and the biggest sporting occasion between the countries since the 1979 revolution. The build-up to this game in Qatar has been similarly tense, with Iran even calling for the USMNT to be expelled from the World Cup after the US Soccer Federation posted an Iranian flag without the emblem of the Islamic Republic on its social media platforms to show support for protesters in Iran. USMNT manager Berhalter and captain Tyler Adams also faced some tough questions from Iranian journalists in a fiery press conference, fending off accusations of hypocrisy and disrespect. The furore surrounding this game only added to the drama of a matchup that – even in a vacuum away from off-field issues – was guaranteed to be fraught with tension. Both teams knew a win would secure a place in the round of 16, but for the USMNT even a draw would not be enough to see it progress from the group. There weren’t too many signs of early nerves from the USMNT as Berhalter’s side dictated the play in the opening stages – enjoying 65% of the possession – though it took until the 28th minute for it conjure the first chance of note. Josh Sargeant’s long-range effort took a deflection off an Iranian defender and fell perfectly into the path of Timothy Weah, who perhaps didn’t realize he was all alone in front of goal and rushed a headed effort that Alireza Beiranvand in the Iran goal caught with ease. On the half hour mark, Weah once again took up a brilliant position inside the box but skied his effort well over the crossbar after being set up by Sargeant. The USMNT’s pressure eventually told seven minutes before half time, taking the lead following an incisive team move. Weston McKennie’s pinpoint cross field ball was headed back across goal by the marauding Sergiño Dest and bundled home bravely by Pulisic, who suffered a hefty collision with Beiranvand as he turned the ball over the line. The USMNT’s delight swiftly turned to worry as it was evident that Pulisic was in significant pain following the clash, limping heavily as he was helped off the pitch by two medics. Pulisic soon re-entered the pitch, but the Chelsea man was clearly still struggling with the knock. As the USMNT grew in confidence, spaces began to open up in Iran’s defense and Weah thought he’d doubled his team’s lead just before the interval, finishing wonderfully with the outside of his boot only to be met by the linesman’s flag for the narrowest of offside decisions. [caption id="attachment_31411" align="alignnone" width="906"] USA players celebrate at the final whistle.[/caption] Though Iran would have been happy to weather that first-half storm, it was a surprisingly subdued performance – in particular following Pulisic’s goal – from a team that had caused both England and Wales defensive problems in its opening two matches. Iran did begin the second half with more authority, creating two brilliant chances for Saman Ghoddos but the Brentford forward was unable to trouble USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner. With the clock ticking down, Iran had a glorious chance to level the score but Morteza Pouraliganji’s stooping header flashed narrowly wide of the far post much to the relief of the American fans in the stands, many who had their heads in their hands. There were loud calls for a penalty from the Iranian players late on in the nine minutes of added time, with Mehdi Taremi insisting that Cameron Carter-Vickers had pulled down the Porto forward down as he attempted to get on the end of a cross. After a brief, tense check, VAR decided it wasn’t a penalty and soon after referee Mateu Lahoz blew his whistle to end the game. Both teams sank to the floor – for very difference reasons – but the USMNT will know an improved performance is necessary if it wants to have a chance of advancing further in Qatar. ‘I hope our fans … forgive us’ Following the defeat, an emotional Saeid Ezatolahi asked for forgiveness from Iran fans. Iran was in a strong position going into the final game following that crucial 2-0 win over Wales, needing just a draw to progress, but put in a disappointing performance with a place in the knockout stages on the line. “I’m really sorry on behalf of our players, our group, that we couldn’t get our opportunity to qualify for the next round,” the midfielder said. “Life and football is going on and that can be a good lesson for us, at least for the young players like me for the future. So I hope our fans and our people in Iran, they forgive us and I feel just sorry, that’s it.” Iran coach Carlos Quieroz said “the dream is over” but is already looking to the future. “The first half was US and the second half Iran,” said Quieroz, who is Iran’s longest-serving coach, having managed the team from 2011 to 2019, before returning for a second spell in charge in September. “The difference [was] we didn’t score in the second half as we should. But, the dream is over. Now, its thinking about the next step for Iran,” added Quieroz, who is the only coach to have led the team to consecutive World Cups. Source: CNN News