The World Cup clash between the United States and Iran 24 years ago is considered one of the most politically charged matches in soccer history. This time, the political overtones are just as strong and relations perhaps even more fraught as the US and Iran face off once again on Tuesday in Qatar, reports AP.

Iran’s ongoing nationwide protests, its expanding nuclear programme and regional and international attacks linked back to Tehran have pushed the match beyond the stadium and into geopolitics.

When relations soured between the US and Iran depends on who you ask. Iranians point to the 1953 CIA-backed coup that cemented Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi’s power.

Americans remember the 1979 US Embassy takeover and the 444-day hostage crisis during the Iranian Revolution.

In soccer, however, the timeline is much simpler as this will be only the second time Iran and the US have played each other in the World Cup.

Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul