Qatar 2022: Iran crush Welsh hearts with last-gasp double

Iran scored two dying minutes’ objective to safe an important 2-nil victory over 10-man Wales in Group B of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, leaving the Dragons on the point of elimination from their first finals in 64 years.

Iran had been overawed and outclassed of their opening 6-2 defeat to England however confirmed much more competitiveness on the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium. Star striker Sardar Azmoun was Workforce Melli’s most harmful attacking risk, and Carlos Queiroz’s crew even had the ball at the back of the web by means of Ali Gholizadeh, however the effort was dominated out for offside. 

Though the Welsh struggled to get talisman and captain Gareth Bale into the sport, Kieffer Moore did have a incredible alternative to interrupt the impasse, forcing Hossein Hosseini right into a reflex cease from point-blank vary.

The primary half’s principal speaking level arguably got here even earlier than kick-off. 

The hundreds of travelling Iran followers within the stadium booed their nationwide anthem because the gamers sang alongside solely half-heartedly in one other obvious protest towards the worrying scenario that continues to unfold at residence. In distinction, their opponents’ supporters and beginning XI bellowed Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau with the standard enthusiasm and emotion.

A draw would do little good for both aspect, and it was the Asian outfit who appeared to understand the necessity for extra urgency greatest. Remarkably, they hit the woodwork twice inside seconds, first through an effort from Azmoun earlier than Gholizadeh crashed the publish with a roller from exterior the world. Azmoun hit the rebound straight at Wayne Hennessey because the Dragons by some means escaped. 

For many of the second interval, it was one-way site visitors as Iran piled ahead. Hennessey wanted to supply a finger-tipped save to disclaim Saeid Ezatolahi, though the shot-stopper’s efficiency could be remembered for one thing totally completely different. 

With lower than 10 minutes remaining, the 35-year-old floored Mehdi Taremi because the striker bore down on objective. Though referee Mario Escobar initially gave a yellow card, it shortly grew to become purple after a brief session with the pitchside monitor.

Because the match appeared edging in direction of a stalemate, substitute Rouzbeh Cheshmi struck an excellent drive from 25 yards into the nook past the outstretched hand of alternative goalkeeper Danny Ward. The objective was a large blow for Rob Web page and co, and Ramin Rezaeian secured the win with a fragile chip over Ward on the counter assault within the 98th minute. 

Iran climbed to second within the group and can now hope to succeed in the Spherical of 16, whereas Wales must beat England of their closing group encounter to progress.