World Cup: Late Iranian double strike harpoons Wales
The better team won on the day and Iran will fancy their chances against the USA on Tuesday
IRAN scored two goals in their opening 6-2 Group B loss to England; but this time it was a brace that in all probability put paid to the World Cup progression expectations of Wales.
The Dragons are not quite out of it, but they will have to play out of their skins when they come up against England in their final game on Tuesday.
The Welsh side, quite frankly, were once again below their best, especially in the latter stages of the game when they faced massive pressure.
Playmakers Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsay did not influence proceedings as much as would have been expected and appeared lethargic in comparison with the opposition.
Wales appeared to have dodged the bullet as full time loomed, but then the inevitable happened – not once but twice.
The sending-off of goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey for a reckless challenge on Mehdi Taremi on 86 minutes – the high boot nearly decapitating the unfortunate attacker – might have contributed to Wales’ downfall as first substitute Roozbeh Cheshmi netted from distance before Ramin Rezaeian applied the second coat deep into stoppage time.
Iran players had chosen to sing along with the national anthem before the game commenced, dividing their supporters who booed, applauded or wept.
It was a ‘Cry the beloved country’ moment for the crisis-torn supporters, whose love for the team collided with contempt for their inflexible regime.
But they were all singing from the same hymn sheet at the final whistle as Iran secured three points to leapfrog Wales and the USA and tie with England, albeit momentarily, with the game between the Three Lions and the Eagles waiting in the wings.
In summary, the better team won on the day and Iran will fancy their chances against the USA, also on Tuesday.
