Crowds, Iranian police face off after World Cup win

By Kasra Naji
CNN Correspondent

TEHRAN, Iran (CNN) -- Security forces in the Iranian capital and many cities around the country calmed noisy street celebrations Friday that threatened to develop into anti-government demonstrations after Iran won an international soccer match.

In Tehran, tens of thousands of people drove their cars and motorcycles through the streets of the capital, shouting and creating massive traffic jams after Iran won 1-0 against Thailand in the quarterfinal round of a World Cup qualifying match. Many, mostly young men, danced in the streets and waved the Iranian flag -- behavior which the authorities find repugnant and a challenge to Islamic sensibilities.

Police in uniform and in plain clothes, expecting trouble, were out in force several hours ahead of the match in Tehran. They made many arrests, turning the good-natured celebrations into a tense standoff, with many people continuing to drive around the streets quietly, creating traffic jams.

Last week similar celebrations broke out after Iran tied a crucial match with Saudi Arabia.