The Dragons of Wales lost 2-0 to Iran in their second Group B match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar through two back-breaking late goals scored by Rouzbeh Chesmi and Ramin Rezaeian at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan.
Iran had a goal ruled out for offside in the 16th minute following a VAR check.
Harry Wilson had a shot blocked in the 42nd minute for a corner kick after a pass from Kefar Moore.
Ahmad Noorolahi fired in a long range effort for Iran in the closing stages of the first half but couldn’t score.
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Iran hit the post twice in the 51st minute but couldn’t find the net as Sardar Amzoun and Ali Gholizadeh tried to put the ball past the Welsh goalkeeper.
Moore had a chance to score a minute later as headed Gareth Bale’s cross over the bar.
Wales goalkeeper, Wayne Hennessy saved a shot from Saeed Ezatolahi as he pushed it wide for a corner kick as the Iranians pilled on the pressure.
Hennessy was shown a red card in the 86th minute after hitting Mehmi Taremi’s head with his knee outside the box.
Rouzbeh Chesmi finally opened scoring for Iran in the eighth minute of the stoppage time with a shot from outside the box , Ramin Rezaeian scored the second goal three minutes later against the run of play.
The Dragons play England next on November 29 at Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium and Iran play the United States of America on November 29 at the Al Thumama Stadium.
Iran are second in Group B with three points and a goal difference of minus two, while Wales have only one point.
By Toju Sote
