First, cautious singing along to the anthem , then a loud sporting statement: Iran can surprisingly continue to dream of the round of 16 at the World Cup. Regardless of the political unrest at home, coach Carlos Queiroz’s team deservedly defeated Wales 2-0 (0-0) with record-breaker Gareth Bale – thanks to two goals in added time.
In the first half it was Iran who started the game braver. In the 16th minute, the Asians supposedly rewarded themselves, but Ali Gholizadeh’s goal was ruled out because of a narrow offside position.
The Welshmen found it difficult to get into the game, but had the best chance of the first half through Kieffer Moore. After half-time, Leverkusen’s Sardar Azmoun initially failed on the right post and Gholizadeh just a few seconds later on the left post (52′), the opening goal didn’t want to come at first.
Wales keeper sees red
Tempers heated up again in the 85th minute: Iran star Taremi ran towards the Welsh goal after a long ball, but was badly cleared by goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey in front of the penalty area.
After the intervention of the video assistant, referee Mario Escobar issued a red card after he had previously only drawn a yellow card. It was also the first dismissal at the World Cup in Qatar.
After Itumeleng Khune (South Africa vs. Uruguay, 2010) and Gianluga Pagliuca (Italy vs. Norway, 1994), Hennessey is only the third goalkeeper in World Cup history to be sent off with a red card.
In injury time, Iran then deservedly broke the dam: Rouzbeh Cheshmi gave the Asians the lead with a long-range shot (90+8), it was the latest winning goal in World Cup history in regular time. Ramin Rezaeian put the lid on in the eleventh minute of added time.