Wales’ first World Cup in 64 years looks set to end at the first hurdle after a gut-wrenching – but deserved – final defeat by Iran in Qatar.
Substitute Roozbah Chashmi struck from 20 yards nine minutes into stoppage time, before Ramin Rezaian finished off a counter-attack to seal victory for a resurgent Iranian side, who won for the first time in their history. Hopes of reaching the knockout stage have been renewed.
It was a decisive blow to Welsh chances of victory, which ended when goalkeeper Wayne Hennessy was sent off with four minutes of normal time for a careless challenge on Medhi Treimi, following a review by the video assistant referee. given.
As they did in their opening draw with the United States, Wales started badly and had the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to thank when Iran’s Ali Gholizadeh had a goal ruled out for offside.
In the most charged atmosphere of this World Cup, Iran’s players this time sang their national anthem – having refused to do so before their opening defeat against England in an apparent show of support for anti-government protests in their country. – but their own fans sang the anthem and some could be seen crying in the stands.
Roared on by an enthusiastic and almost entirely Iranian crowd, Carlos Queiroz’s side were unlucky not to score early in the second half as Sardar Azmoun and Gholizadeh both hit the post within seconds.
Wales were in complete disarray and, as they went in search of a late winner they desperately needed, a long ball over the top exposed the defense and Hennessy brought down Tremey.
Hennessey was initially shown a yellow card, but it was changed to red after the referee advised a check on the pitchside monitor, the 35-year-old becoming only the third keeper to be sent off at a World Cup. went.
It sealed Wales’ fate for the match and, in all likelihood, their hopes of reaching the second round.
While Robert Page’s men were just as abysmal against the USA, Iran were unrecognizable from the side that were beaten 6-2 by England in their first match and thoroughly deserved the win.
Wales now face the huge challenge of needing to win their final group match against England on Tuesday, who take on the USA later on Friday.
It’s not impossible, but based on the performances of the Group B teams in Qatar, Wales’ first World Cup in 64 years looks to be in serious danger of an early exit.
Wales put in another poor performance.
Having been absent from the World Cup since 1958, Wales marked their emotional and long-awaited return to football’s grandest stage with a 1-1 draw against the United States at the same stadium on Monday.
They looked overwhelmed during the first half by the intensity of the occasion in which they were beaten by the USA, but improved considerably after the half-time introduction of Kiefer Moore.
The Bournemouth striker started this time and, while his presence gave Wales an extra dimension in attack, he was still as troublesome in midfield as he was against the USA.
Iran sensed this weakness and pressed their opponents high up the pitch, causing panic among Wales’ midfielders and defenders, particularly on the break.
Despite their weakness in the middle, where Page was stuck with the same selection, Wales looked more dangerous when they played wide, and it was Moore who stood to take advantage.
Connor Roberts found the 6ft 5in forward with a fine cross from the right in the 13th minute and, although Moore pulled to connect with the volley, it was straight at goalkeeper Hussain Hussaini.
Roberts’ next involvement three minutes later proved to be of little difference, as his crossfield pass was cut out near his own penalty area, allowing Sardar Azmoun to tee up Gholizada, who finished into an empty net. At first there was no flag but, after a quick VAR check, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Azmoun headed the next chance as Wales struggled to get hold of the game. Fortunately for them, as exciting and well-drilled as Iran were, they didn’t create much in the way of real scoring chances.
Wales is slow to make changes.
Despite the obvious problems his side faced in the first half, Page made no changes at half-time.
Just as his failure to follow the lessons of the USA game in the first half invited Iranian pressure, Page’s inaction on this occasion forced Wales to go on the back foot in the second half.
They were lucky not to go behind five minutes after the restart when Iran hit the post twice in the space of seconds.
First, Azmoun hit a right-footed effort that rattled off the woodwork and fell to Ghalizada, whose curling left-footed shot hit the far post. Azmon was the first to react, but his recovery was blocked by Hennessey.
Wales were a mess at the time, their defense harassed and given no protection from the players in front of them.
These struggles made it impossible to attack with any cohesion, making Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey almost obsolete.
It was a disappointing sight for Wales fans to see these two great players – the heroes of the last two European Championships – reduced to peripheral figures on this occasion.
Wales still pushed themselves forward in the vague hope of forcing a late winner, but disappointment was their undoing when Hennessy caught Tremey with a high boot.
The day belonged to Iran, who pulled away late to secure the victory they richly deserved.
After too much time was given away by Wales’ tiring bodies, Chashmi unleashed a sublime strike from 20 yards that whistled into the bottom corner for wild celebrations. It was the 42nd goal of the World Cup, but the first from outside the box.
Then with Wales even more exposed, it was left to Rezaian to apply a delicate finishing touch as Iran cruised to victory, knowing another win against the US for the first time in the second round. Will save their way.
