DOHA, Qatar -- It was a night of gut-wrenching, intestine-curdling disappointment for Iran. That's what happens when you exit a FIFA World Cup. And, no, it really doesn't matter if you bow out after outplaying the opposition or after throwing up a stinker, after a tight edge-of-seat affair or after being blown out.
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It hurts. That whole "head held high/did us proud" stuff may provide a balm at some point, but not at the final whistle.