Iran stun Wales to keep World Cup qualification hopes alive

(Football news) After losing the first game 6-2 against England, Iran looked down and out but they have managed to stun the world. Carlos Queiroz's men managed to get a 2-0 win over Wales with 2 goals in injury time. The victory now puts them in a good position to secure qualification as they just need a win against the USA. Wales on the other hand will be extremely disappointed with their performance as they now have a very miniscule chance of making it to the Round of 16, especially because they play England in the next match. Wales made a major change as they switched to a 3-5-2 formation with Gareth Bale and Kieffer Moore up front. Dan James was dropped from the starting line-up as the system didn't work in the first half against USA. 

Wales did have 68% possession but they had only 3 shots on target compared to Iran's 6. Iran looked to have taken the lead in the 16th minute via Sardar Azmoun but the goal was ruled out by VAR for an offside. Iran hit the post twice but still couldn't find the back off the net. Both the goalkeepers made a couple of good saves but Wayne Hennesssey's afternoon didn't end well. The Welsh keeper came sprinting out of his line to stop a player from reaching a long ball despite having two defenders. He was initially given a yellow card but VAR changed it to red and rightly so. Hennesssey's decision to come out was completely wrong; it eventually cost Wales the match.

Iran scored 2 goals in injury time via Roozbeh Cheshmi and Ramin Razaeian to earn 3 points. Gareth Bale has a knack of turning up in big games for Wales even when he didn't have game time at Real Madrid but in the 2 games so far, he has clearly looked like a player who hasn't played much football with his club. This tournament is definitely the end of Wales' golden era as both Bale and Aaron Ramsey are unlikely to play in another international tournament.

Also read: Southgate makes controversial decisions in England's draw against USA

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