[ad_1]
Wales’ first World Cup for 64 years looks set to end at the first hurdle after a heartbreaking – but deserved – last-ditch defeat by Iran in Qatar.
Substitute Rouzbeh Cheshmi struck from 20 yards nine minutes into stoppage time, before Ramin Rezaeian finished off a counter-attack to seal victory for a revitalised Iran side, who have renewed hope of reaching the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
Wales had been dealt a heavy blow with four minutes of normal time left when goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey was sent off, following a video assistant referee check, for a reckless challenge on Medhi Taremi.
As they did in their opening draw with the United States, Wales started poorly and had the video assistant referee (VAR) to thank for disallowing a goal from Iran’s Ali Gholizadeh for offside.
In one of the most highly charged atmospheres of this World Cup, Iran’s players sang their national anthem this time – having declined to do so before their opening loss to England in an…
[ad_2]
