Iran players are not keeping dry after two goals in stoppage time against Wales | 2022 Football World Cup

Iran was carelessly put away by England in the opening match of group B (6-2). But against Wales, with star player Gareth Bale, the formation of coach Carlos Queiroz was life-threatening in the transition. Frivolous sometimes too.

The difference in the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium was only made deep into extra time on Friday, when the Welshmen were on the field with ten men – after a completely justified red card for goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.

Iran, with Feyenoord player Alireza Jahanbakhsh only as a substitute, showed such admirable resilience. The Persian Lions were under high tension on the field. Not so much because of that defeat in the opening game against England, but because of the massive civil protests in the country.

In September, 22-year-old woman Masha Amini was found dead in a police cell. After that, there were riots everywhere. They are brutally crushed by the regime in Tehran. The bloody violence has already killed hundreds and thousands of arrests. To regain control, dozens of ‘insurgents’ have demanded the death penalty.

The protests also brought politics into the sporting arena. A global backdrop. The terror did not leave the football players cold. In solidarity with the victims of the violence in their own country, they did not sing the national anthem prior to the duel with England.

That sparked anger among those in power in Tehran. The dictators clearly increased the pressure on the Iranian team this week. Before the confrontation with Wales, the players sang now, although that was more under their breath than enthusiastically. Tears of grief, meanwhile, flowed from the stands and angry shouts against the Iranian regime were heard again.

It was great that Iran performed so well under that immense pressure in the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium. The Persian Lions were better; flashing in the counter. The Asians overcame the setback. Ali Gholizadeh’s goal was disallowed for offside. Justice eventually ensued. With a great shot, Rouzbeh Cheshmi ensured the Iranian liberation after 98 minutes. Afterwards, Ramin Rezaeian provided a complete party.

A party that was also celebrated in the streets of Tehran. For a moment, the pain in Iran was pushed to the background. Just for a moment. For Wales and Gareth Bale, the inglorious elimination threatens in Qatar.

“This is a wonderful day for us. It’s just the beginning and we have to finish the job. Respect to my players, today they showed their love for football,” Portugal’s Carlos Queiroz told the BBC.

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