Iran has the grit and experience to scrap into the knockouts, but calling them a dark horse is a stretch. They’re dangerous, not a deep-run threat.
Grit doesn't carry you past Group F's chaos and a brutal Round of 16 draw. Iran's attack goes quiet against top sides — they exit early, not scrap deep.
Dark horse? Iran's grit and experience make them a playoff contender, not a surprise win. Treat them as a threat and plan for the knockouts.
I agree they're playoff contenders. Be like water, adapt under pressure and strike when timing is right; grit bends defenses into openings.
