Iran strike late to keep hopes alive
Rouzbeh Cheshmi and Ramin Rezaeian score to give Iran a famous win over Wales
Iran claimed a famous 2-0 victory over 10-man Wales yesterday as Carlos Queiroz’s men scored two goals deep into added time to keep their World Cup campaign alive.
The Iran players, who sang the national anthem before kick-off, sent their thousands of supporters at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium delirious by beating a European team at a World Cup for the first time. ales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey became the first player to be sent off in the Qatar tournament for clattering into Mehdi Taremi late in the game.
Iran, who had earlier twice struck the woodwork, finally broke the deadlock in the 98th minute through substitute Rouzbeh Cheshmi’s powerful drive.
Ramin Rezaeian clipped in a second on the counter-attack three minutes later.
Iran, who would have been eliminated with a defeat, instead climbed to second in Group B behind England, against whom they had lost 6-2 in their opening game.
Wales tumbled to the bottom of the group and will have to defeat neighbours England in their final match next week to have any chance of reaching the knockout phase in their first World Cup since 1958.
Singing the anthem
The Iran players opted to sing the national anthem in contrast to their stance before the game against England, when they remained silent in an apparent gesture of solidarity with antigovernment protesters. Some Iranian fans were in tears during the anthem.
Wales manager Rob Page elected to start striker Kieffer Moore after his impressive appearance as a substitute against the USA. The Bournemouth man’s flick-on led to an early effort from Neco Williams that flew just over the crossbar.
The Welsh carved out the first clear chance in the 12th minute as Moore stretched to volley Connor Roberts’ cross, but goalkeeper Hossein Hosseini was able to parry his effort.
Iran thought they had taken the lead minutes later, although Ali Gholizadeh was clearly offside before he tapped in and the goal was ruled out by VAR.
The game opened up in the final minutes as both sides knew they likely needed more than a draw.
Iran were given a huge boost in their push for a winner when Hennessey was dismissed.
An emotional day for Iran and their fans was given its crowning moments right at the death when Cheshmi hammered home from the edge of the box and Rezaeian raced clear to clip over Ward.