First, cautious singing along to the anthem, then a loud sporting statement: Iran can surprisingly continue to dream of the round of 16 at the World Cup.
Despite the political unrest at home, coach Carlos Queiroz's team deservedly defeated Wales around record-breaker Gareth Bale 2-0 (0-0) - thanks to two goals in added time.
Iran now have everything in their own hands thanks to a brave performance, a victory in the politically charged game against the USA on Tuesday is enough.
Late goals from Roozbeh Cheshmi (90+8) and Ramin Rezaeian (90+11) gave Iran their first World Cup win against a European side.
After their opening draw, Wales now need help to reach the round of 16, and in the Battle of Britain against England, the first World Cup success in 64 years is imperative.
Star player Bale replaced Chris Gunther as the Welsh record player with his 110th appearance – but was unable to put his stamp on the game.
Wales completed the final phase after a red card against goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey for gross foul play (86th) outnumbered.
Unlike the collective silence at the start against England (2: 6), the Iranian players sang their anthem this time - rather reluctantly.
At first there were slight whistles from the ranks, but this was quickly mixed with cheers, and weeping fans were also seen again.
In addition, messages of freedom were taken from the supporters by stewards, and on Friday there was also a lot of criticism of the regime.
For weeks, Iran has been rocked by the worst protests in decades.
The death of a young woman in police custody had triggered this, and the security apparatus reacted with extreme severity.
The horror at the many killed demonstrators was great.
"I'm ashamed (as an Iranian) when I see the pictures of the last few days," striker Mehdi Taremi wrote on Instagram.
Violence is unacceptable and will definitely not solve the country's problems.
The players are aware of possible consequences in their home country.
At the same time, many supporters of the protest movement had sharply criticized Iran's Team Melli in recent weeks.
In particular, a photo with President Ebrahim Raisi in a relaxed mood caused outrage shortly before departure.
The critics complained that the action on the field was too late and too small.
In the past few days, there have been reports of the threat of drastic sanctions and increased pressure on professionals from the government.
"We're not under pressure," attacker Mehdi Taremi said before the game.
And in fact, the Queiroz-Elf did not seem inhibited by the difficult situation.
Leverkusen's Sardar Azmoun, recently a supporter of the demonstrators, fired a first warning shot early on in the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium (7').
Otherwise, the Asia representative was extremely snappy in the duels, boldly switched at top speed.
Wales looked a bit surprised in front of 40,875 spectators, but accepted the fight after just over ten minutes.
Kieffer Moore (12th) failed acrobatically at the first big chance to Hossein Hosseini.
A fast-paced game with enormous intensity developed.
A goal by Ali Gholizadeh after a great combination didn't count because of offside (15').
After the break, Azmoun (51st) and Gholizadeh (52nd) each hit the post within 15 seconds.
As a result, Wales also risked a little more by switching from a five-man to a four-man chain, but the ideas were lacking.
Instead, Hennessey had to unpack a brilliant save when Saeed Ezatolahi (73rd) shot, Iran now increased the pressure, then even played with the majority and was rewarded.