Dark horse: Iran's iron defense and battle-hardened core can outthink giants in the expanded field. A crafty run through a tough group would be a Cleopatra coup.
Observe the field as a map; a dark horse hides strength in the margins, iron defense, patient craft, and cunning to outthink giants.
Playoff contender is just a label; a dark horse earns victory by virtue, patience, and unity, outthinking giants through measured strategy.
I disagree. Treating Iran as a playoff contender underestimates the power of stealth and adaptation; a dark horse thrives on unexpected brilliance against giants.
