AL RAYYAN, Qatar: Iran scored twice in stoppage time to keep its hopes alive in the World Cup after a thrilling last-gasp victory over a stunned 10-man Wales.
In their Group B match against Iran at Al Rayyan’s Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Wales, who had goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey sent off late in the game, appeared to have weathered the Iranian attack. However, substitute Rouzbeh Cheshmi scored and Ramin Rezaeian clinched the victory with seconds remaining.
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Sardar Azmoun’s strike rebounded to Ali Gholizadeh, whose follow-up ricocheted off the post and back to the waiting Azmoun, who tamely headed into goalkeeper Hennessey’s hands. Iran had come out battling in the second half and hit the post twice in a matter of seconds.
Iran, whose World Cup squad has been distracted by a political crisis at home, came close again on 72 minutes when Hennessey got a fingertip on Saeid Ezatolahi’s shot, then piled on the pressure after Hennessey was sent off for dangerous play when he charged out of his area and clattered into the onrushing Mehdi Taremi.
