Two late goals by Iran in stoppage time have left Wales’ World Cup hopes hanging by a thread following a 2-0 defeat.
Goals by Rouzbeh Cheshmi and Ramin Rezaeian gave Iran only their third ever World Cup victory – and Wales their first loss of this campaign.
It came after Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey was shown a red card late in the match.
He came steaming out of his penalty area and missed an attempted clearance, clattering Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi in the process.
Initially given a yellow card, following a VAR check after protests from the Iranian team, Guatemalan referee Mario Escobar changed his mind and sent the Welsh goalie off the pitch, reducing the Welsh side down to 10 men.
The defeat leaves Wales at the bottom of Group B. Their next match is against table leaders England on Tuesday, who face third-placed USA later tonight.
Wales will now have to beat England in the final group game to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup – something they have not achieved since 1958.
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Iran’s hopes of qualification remain alive after today’s win.
Rob Page’s team were rattled at times during the match, with Iran continuously issuing reminders of the danger they posed.
Iran hit the post twice and then goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey – within seconds – during one explosive counter attack in the second half.
Wales rarely tested the Iranian defence, and appeared to be relying on another moment of magic from captain Gareth Bale.
A shot from Ben Davies in the 83rd minute was tipped over by Iran’s goalkeeper Hossein Hosseini.
The introduction of Daniel James and Brennan Johnson gave Wales more attacking potency, but Iran still looked a threat at the other end and after Hennessey’s sending off, capitalised on their one-man advantage.
Much of the focus was on off-field matters ahead of kick-off, with fans encountering more ticketing problems as they attempted to enter the stadium, and confrontations between Iranian regime supporters and protesters.
Iran’s national anthem met with loud jeers inside the ground – but the Iranian team this time did sing it, having refused to during their World Cup opener against England earlier this week.
Their silence was viewed as a show of unity for mass anti-government protests in their country.
Today, though lacking in gusto, they decided not to remain in silence.
Despite their heartbreak at the result, pre-kick off, Wales fans celebrated being allowed to wear rainbow bucket hats and take rainbow flags to today’s game.
The agreement, specifically between FIFA and the Football Association of Wales only – comes after the first week of the tournament has been marred by the governing body’s handling of LGBTQ+ symbols.
Fans could be seen cheering and chanting inside and outside the stadium – in their rainbow hats and waving their rainbow flags.
