This story from the Daily News about soccer fans watching the big game at Los Pollitos on Fifth Avenue on Sunday. I was in there after the game on Sunday and fans were still screaming and clapping.

There were chickens to roast, salsa to make and customers to serve inside Los Pollitos restaurant on Fifth Ave. in Brooklyn.

But for Miguel Tufino, the most important thing was the Mexican soccer team playing its opening game of the World Cup against Iran.

"I was working, but I was watching, too, of course," said Tufino, 23.

Cheers echoed in taquerias and Mexican restaurants across the city as Mexico shook off a slow start to beat Iran 3-1.

"I hope they keep it going," said Tufino, an immigrant from Puebla, Mexico. "We are all behind them."

For Mexicans, the day was just about soccer, pure and simple.

Things were a bit more complicated for Iranians in the city, several dozen of whom gathered in Manhattan to munch on kebabs and watch the game.

They despise the authoritarian Islamic regime in Tehran, but they insist they still support their underdog team 100%.

"Politics don’t matter in soccer," said Reza Khalili. "I’m an Iranian, these guys on the team are Iranian, so I support them."

Iran has made headlines for its nuclear program, its president’s anti-Israel rants and strict Islamic laws that bar women from even watching soccer games with men.

But controversies and politics were set aside for the day as Iranian expatriates concentrated on the basics – enjoying each other and rooting for their team.

"I miss the feeling of being among all my family and other Iranians,"