DOHA, Qatar (AP) — With goalkeeper Ali Beiranvand probably sidelined after a scary damage in Iran’s World Cup opener, backup Hossein Hosseini has a tall activity in opposition to Wales and star Gareth Bale.Iran, in final place in Group B after a 6-2 loss to England, faces Wales on Friday at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.Hosseini has already confronted a frightening opponent in Qatar, taking on when Beiranvand was stretchered off within the first half of the tournament-opening loss on Monday earlier than England had opened the scoring.Beiranvand was allowed to proceed enjoying by Iran’s coaching workers after a collision with a teammate, however later collapsed to the sector and was taken to an area hospital.Iran was not commenting on his standing, besides to say that he had a nostril damage, he was again with the group and he had undergone exams.The damage known as consideration to FIFA’s concussion protocol. Whether it is decided that Beiranvand had a concussion, he’d be dominated out beneath FIFA’s return-to-play guidelines.Iran head coach Carlos Quieroz was pragmatic following the rout. “We win or be taught. We had the privilege to be taught plenty of issues with the English group,” he stated. “And I’ll say in conclusion that we’re a lot better ready now to play in opposition to Wales.”Bale transformed on a penalty kick within the 82nd minute to earn Wales a 1-1 draw with the USA in its opener.The draw gave Wales some extent in its first World Cup match since 1958 and a shot on the knockout spherical inside attain. Bale, who performed for Main League Soccer’s LAFC this previous season, now has 41 objectives in 109 worldwide appearances.Bale struggled with accidents and health for a lot of the yr, however scored on a header for LAFC within the MLS Cup championship earlier this month. LAFC received on a penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw with Philadelphia.He’s not Wales’ solely risk. Kieffer Moore, a striker for Bournemouth, might make his first World Cup begin. Moore was a second-half sub in opposition to the USA and instantly made an affect. “He made a large distinction for us,” Wales head coach Rob Web page stated.Iran, which certified for the final two World Cups, hasn’t ever superior to the knockout spherical. And it doesn’t seem the group will undergo this yr, both. Iran’s journey to Qatar has been clouded by unrest at house. The nation, which sits throughout the Persian Gulf from Qatar, has been rocked by protests following the loss of life of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died whereas being held by morality police for allegedly violating the nation’s obligatory gown code for girls. Activists known as for Iran to be expelled from the World Cup earlier than the event began. Of their opener, the Iranians didn’t sing the nation’s nationwide anthem in an obvious present of solidarity with protestors.Arduous-line Iranian media sought responsible the loss to England on the unrest. The each day Kayhan stated Iran’s rout got here after “weeks of unfair and unprecedented psychological warfare in opposition to the group … from home and foreign-based traitors.”___
Iran will probably have backup keeper in match in opposition to Wales
