Comprehension Passage
Read the following passage and answer the given questions:
The connection between Maryam ___(X)___ the Iranian people to its national team runs deep. Following the 1979 revolution ___(Y)___ heralded a new era under a strict authoritarian regime, the side was seen by people as a conduit of being able to show the world how normal the citizens ___(Z)___ compared with how they were portrayed in the media.
Select the most appropriate word from the options against___(Z)___
1
were
2
was
3
is
4
are