TEHRAN, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Iran captain Masoud Shojaei on Friday appologized the Iranian fans as he felt responsible for Iran's 2-1 loss to Iraq in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier, according to Tehran Times daily.
Shojaei received his second yellow card in the final minutes of the match for violent conduct and Team Melli suffered a bitter loss in injury time in Amman on Thursday.
"I apologize to the fans for letting them down," Shojaei said. "I have always tried my best for Team Melli. I have always tried to make my people happy. I know that how important the win is for the Iranian people. I have nothing to say. I am ashamed of what I have done. I vow to stay strong and work harder."
The Thursday defeat was Iran's second loss in a row as the Iranians were defeated by Bahrain 1-0 in Group C last month.
Iraq are now top of Group C with 10 points while Iran are third, four points adrift of Iraq.
