Late objectives by Roozbeh Cheshmi and Ramin Rezaeian give Iran essential victory.
Two objectives in fast succession deep into added time have given Iran their first win on the World Cup, defeating a spirited Wales workforce that ended the sport with 10 males.
Wales dominated the possession all through Friday’s match, and the primary half had been a intently contested affair as each units of followers passionately urged on their groups.
Iran have been the higher workforce and unfortunate when Sardar Azmoun and Ali Gholizadeh hit the suitable and left submit inside a couple of seconds shortly after the restart, whereas Wales’ finest alternative got here early from Kieffer Moore and late from Ben Davies.
Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey was given his marching orders within the 86th minute after bringing down Mehdi Taremi outdoors the field. There could be no complaints after VAR confirmed the collision a number of occasions, forcing the referee to reverse his earlier determination to brandish a yellow card.
A thumping long-range effort by Roozbeh Cheshmi despatched Iranian followers screaming inside Ahmad bin Ali Stadium eight minutes into the second-half damage time. It was as clear a strike as you will get, because it sailed previous a number of defenders and nestled within the backside of the online.
Wales gamers dropped to their knees in shock.
Ramin Rezaeian then made it 2-0 three minutes later, delicately lifting the ball over substitute keeper Danny Ward and sending Iranian followers into raptures.
It was an enormous win for Iran’s coach Carlos Queiróz who had confronted criticism within the wake of his aspect’s 6-2 loss to England. After the sport, he stated, “I don’t have phrases to say thanks to our gamers. They have been good. They deserve all of the respect.”
Gareth Bale was bitterly disenchanted in his post-match interview. “We’re gutted. There’s no different option to say it. It’s tough to take, however we have now to get well and attempt to go once more.”