FIFA World Cup: Iran scores late to beat Wales 2-0 at World Cup

Iran struck two late goals in the dying moments of added time to earn an incredible 2-0 win over 10-man Wales in its Group B clash at the World Cup on Friday.

Roozbeh Cheshmi (L) of IR Iran celebrates with teammates after scoring their team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between Wales and IR Iran at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on November 25, 2022, in Doha, Qatar. | Photo Credit: Matthias Hangst/Getty Images

Rouzbeh Cheshmi scored in the eighth minute of stoppage time to break a scoreless stalemate and Iran went on to defeat Wales 2-0 at the World Cup on Friday.

Cheshmi’s strike from outside the box was just beyond the diving reach of Wales backup goalkeeper Danny Ward, who was pressed into duty when starter Wayne Hennessey was sent off in the 86th minute.

Ramin Rezaeian added a second goal moments later, and Iran wildly celebrated while some of the Welsh players dropped in disbelief to the field.

Hennessy was ejected in the 86th minute for a high challenge on Mehdi Taremi.

Gareth Bale made his 110th appearance for Wales, the most all-time for the national team, but the Welsh appeared sluggish early after a 1-1 draw with the United States in their Group B opener.

The match was played after pro-government fans harassed anti-government fans outside the stadium in Qatar, reflecting the divisions afflicting the country. Iran’s players sang their national anthem this time - having declined to do so before their opening loss to England in a show of support for anti-government protests in their country.