Published on 25 Nov 2022 6:38 pm (UK Time)
Qatar 2022 witnessed another shock result as Carlos Quiroz’s Iran beat Robert Paige’s Wales 2-0, to put them on the brink of elimination.
The Welsh came into this fixture having secured a late point in their opening game against the USA, while the Iranians were hoping to put aside their 6-2 drubbing by England.
Wales had a few opportunities to open the scoring, particularly when Keefe Moore’s effort from Conor Roberts’s cross was fired straight at Iran Keeper, Hossein Hosseini.
Ali Alizadeh thought he opened the scoring, but VAR ruled it out for offside.
Iran almost got their reward, when Ezatolahi’s cross just missed the out-stretched leg of Sardar Azmoun.
Wales was all over the place and needed half-time.
Azmoun almost open the scoring straight after half-time when Iran’s counter-attack led to his effort striking the post.
While Golizadeh’s tempted curler struck the post, making him run out of luck.
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Wayne Hennessey denied Tehrami by palming his low-drilled effort onto the post, but the Nottingham Forrest Keeper did not last long on the pitch, as he was sent off for a clumsy challenge on Iran talisman Mehdi Cerami.
And much to Wales’s frustration, Ben Davies’s attempt to drive from outside the box was tipped over the bar by Hosseini.
The Iranians were finally rewarded for their efforts when Hennesey’s total misjudgment of a sweep brought him a straight red.
And they took advantage when Chesmi struck home the opener after 98 minutes.
And to rub more salt into the wounds, a blistering counterattack allowed Remin Rezaelan to net home the winner in the 101st minute.
This is a huge blow for Wales, who must have been buoyed after Gareth Bale’s last grasp penalty earned them a crucial point on Monday. Their fate now lies on beating England on Tuesday, and hoping that other results in this group go in their favor.
“We can’t sit and cry about it,” “We want to give our supporters something to cheer about. They have shown massive commitment to come over [to Qatar] and it really disappoints me that we’ve given them that. We’ll bounce back, we’ll pick them up and go again.”
Rob Paige: The Gaurdian
Is this the end of Wales’s World Cup dream, or can they produce something special against Gareth Southgate’s sidw next week?
Find out on World in Sport.
