Outsiders Iran kept their chances of qualifying for the World Cup Round of 16 in Group B with a 2-0 win over Wales. The “Dragons” disappointed and are facing the end.
Iran’s footballers kept their dream of reaching the knockout stages of a World Cup for the first time alive with a passionate game. They came to a late 2-0 (0-0) win against Wales on Friday (25.11.2022) at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Al-Rayyan. After the 6-2 debacle against England, the Iranians improved enormously and were initially unlucky that an offside goal was ruled out and the post came in the way twice. Both goals came in injury time.
Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey saw the red card in the closing stages for a serious foul (83′). Captain Gareth Bale’s team is now on the brink of extinction, the “Dragons” only have one point in Group B. In the group final next Tuesday (November 29, 2022 / 8 p.m. CET), Wales will meet England in a “brother duel”, while Iran will play against the political arch-enemy USA at the same time.
Iranian players sing anthem
In view of the protests against the mullahs’ regime in Iran that have been going on for more than two months, all eyes were once again on the underdog’s players even before kick-off: Would they refuse to sing along to the national anthem again, as they did against England? No, all the players, including Leverkusen’s Sardar Azmoun, who had shown solidarity with the protesters at home before the World Cup, at least moved their lips.
Gholizadeh offside – Iran’s goal doesn’t count
In terms of sport, Carlos Queiroz’s team showed a clear improvement. The Portuguese coach made a total of four changes to the starting XI and this was instrumental in the Iranians combining well and getting a lot more of the game initially. However, a goal by Ali Gholizadeh was disallowed because the Belgian player was ruled offside after a one-two with Azmoun (16′).
Hosseini thwarts Moore chance
Four minutes earlier, Kieffer Moore had let the raucous Welsh fans in the stadium take a deep breath. The Bournemouth striker, also a new start after the 1-1 draw with USA, leapt foot-first into a perfect Connor Roberts cross. Iran goalkeeper Seyed Hosseini thwarted the chance with a brilliant act. The actual number one, Alireza Beiranvand, who suffered a serious head injury early in the 6-2 win against England, saw it through his face mask with benevolence.
The game remained intense in the second part of the first half, but there were few scenes in the penalty area. It was only in injury time that there was more excitement in front of the Welsh goal when Azmoun narrowly missed a cross from the half field (45+2).
Double chance Iran – the posts are in the way
Iran were still in control after the restart, and once again the focus was on the offensive duo Azmoun/Golizadeh. A double chance in the 52nd minute saw Welsh goalkeeper Hennessey already beaten, but Azmoun was initially blocked by the right post. On the second attempt, Golizadeh’s shot from 18 meters landed on the left edge of the goal. Azmoun had to leave the field after a good hour due to a left leg injury.
His colleagues continued to fight for their chance to stay in the tournament. Saeid Ezatolahi narrowly missed the Welsh goal (72′). The Welsh only woke up in the closing stages. In the 83rd minute, the powerful Iranian substitute keeper Hosseini deflected Ben Davies’ long-range shot over the crossbar.
Wales keeper Hennessey sees red
Almost in return, then the excitement of the final phase. The Welsh goalkeeper brutally rammed the rushed Mehdi Taremi far outside the penalty area. Referee Mario Escobar from Guatemala first pulled out the yellow card, but corrected himself after the intervention of the video assistants and sent Hennessey off with the first dismissal of the tournament (86th).
Wales keeper Wayne Hennessey kicks Mehdi Taremi over.
Two goals in stoppage time
In the end, the Iranians rewarded their self-sacrificing struggle with a last-minute goal. Rouzbeh Cheshmi crafted a long-range shot from 20 meters flat into the right corner (90+8). Team Melli cheered enthusiastically and Ramin Rezaeian went one better after a counterattack (90+11).