Wales 0-2 Iran: Match report, player ratings, fan reaction & more

Posted Friday, November 25, 2022 by 101 GREAT GOALS

Wales headed into the game having secured a 1-1 draw with the USA in their opening group match.

Iran, meanwhile, were put to the sword by England, with the Three Lions smashing six past them on Monday.

So, if either side wanted to stake a claim for a spot in the last-16, they needed a win on Friday.

And when all was said and done, Iran picked up the three points, leaving Wales’ qualification hopes in tatters.

Wales started the tie the brighter of the two sides, with Kieffer Moore forcing a good save out of the Iran goalkeeper 11 minutes in.

Iran then scored 15 minutes in following a Conor Roberts mistake but it was ruled out for offside.

Iran grew into the game following that disallowed goal, pegging Wales back and creating a few chances. However, they were unable to find the opener in the first half.

Iran hit the woodwork twice five minutes into the second half, with Sardar Azmoun forcing a good save out of Hennessey as well.

This led to Wales making two changes 57 minutes in to try and reestablish a foothold in the game. But Iran continued to test the Welsh outfit, with Hennessey pulling off another good stop to this time deny Saeid Ezatolahi.

Wales’ hopes of securing a point were then dealt a major blow. Wayne Hennessey was sent off after rushing out of his box and kneeing an Iran player in the head.

And in the 98th minute, Iran sucker-punched Wales to snatch the three points. Joe Allen’s poor clearance was met by Roozbeh Cheshmi, whose low shot beat Danny Ward from outside the box.

Iran then added a second 100 minutes in after Wales were caught on the counter.