The story: Divisions among Iranians leading up to the FIFA World Cup have come to the fore following Iran's 6-2 loss to England. Supporters of the anti-government protests in Iran have for weeks charged that the national team does not represent the country but rather the ruling establishment. As a result, some Iranians have been celebrating the loss. State media have reacted by denouncing “traitors at home and abroad.” It has also sought to highlight the English team's strength after days of talking up Iran's potential for causing an upset.

The coverage: Iran suffered a historic 6-2 loss against England at its opening game at the World Cup in Qatar on Nov. 21.

• Prior to the game against the Three Lions, Iran's worst game at the World Cup was a 4-1 loss to Peru in 1978 during its first appearance in the competition.
  
  
• Mehdi Taremi, who plays for Portuguese club Porto, scored a brace for Iran, becoming the first Iranian player to score more than one goal in the...