A late Gareth Bale penalty ensured that Wales did not lose any significant ground in the battle to achieve the one of the top two spots in Group B of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Rob Page's team recovered from a hugely underwhelming first half and, following a second half revival, the eventual 1-1 draw was a fair reflection of the contest; they will now be looking to go one step further and grab a much-needed win.
On the other hand, there were significantly less positives from the opening fixture, for Iran; they shipped six goals against a rampant England team. At the very least, two goals from Mehdi Taremi, including a dubiously awarded, late penalty, added some gloss to the final 6-2 scoreline.
Monday's thrashing meant that Iran extended their winless streak against European teams in World Cups to nine games - drawing two and losing seven of such encounters.
With England meeting U.S.A. in the other group fixture, later on in the day, a win for either Wales or Iran would, likely, leave them in second place, going into the final round of Group B - symbolising the importance of this upcoming clash.
Team News
Wales
All of the Wales squad were present in training, on the eve of the fixture and should be available for selection.
Bournemouth forward, Kiefer Moore, was introduced during half-time of the U.S.A. game. He made a strong impact and it would be a huge surprise to not see him be deployed from the start, tomorrow.
Moore may take Daniel James' place in the 11, just as he did, on Monday evening.
Harry Wilson played fairly deep, throughout the opening game and it may be likely that Wales' team will retain the same structure - with Bale and Moore being the main attacking threats.
Iran
Alireza Beiranvand's head injury caused a lengthy delay, early in Iran's fixture against England. The goalkeeper attempted to carry on after the heavy knock, but had to be taken off briefly after, bringing on further scrutiny to football's current management of head injuries during matches.
Beiravand was replaced by Hossein Hosseini. The Esteghlal goalkeeper should retain his place in the team, even after conceding six, on Monday.
It was surprising to not see Sardar Azmoun start Iran's opening fixture. The forward, who has been openly supportive of the protesting civilian population against the government of his home country, may line up alongside Taremi, in the forward line.
It is difficult to predict how Carlos Queiroz will opt to set his 11, with three half-time adjustments made during the England game and the disappointing nature of their opening performance.
Predicted Lineups
Wales
(3-5-2) Hennessey; Mepham, Rodon, Davies; Roberts, Ramsey, Ampadu, Wilson, Williams; Bale, Moore.
Iran
(3-5-2) H.Hosseini; Pouraliganji, Chesmi, M.Hosseini; Moharrami, Nourollahi, Karimi, Gholizadeh, Mohammadi; Taremi, Azmoun.
Key Players
Wales - Gareth Bale
Where would Wales be without Bale? The likely answer to that question is not even at this World Cup.
He scored both of his team's goals in the World Cup qualification play-off semi-final against Austria and the winner in the resulting final against Ukraine - two games where Wales were on the back foot for the majority of.
Bale brings an individual, star quality to what is, being blunt, a fairly average team around him. Page, the Wales squad and supporters will, again, be looking towards their star man to make an impact for them.
Iran - Mehdi Taremi
Taremi’s two goals were the sole positive for Iran, during their defeat to England.
It made the Porto forward the first Iranian to score multiple goals at a World Cup, as well as the first player from an Asian country to score twice in a single game, in the competition.
If Taremi is to be joined by Azmoun in the starting line-up, it may provide him with the support to form a promising partnership and trouble the Welsh defence.
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
Ahmed bin Ali Stadium - home of Al-Rayyan SC, will host the fixture.
What time is kick-off?
It will have to be an early start for the Welsh supporters following their team from home. The game is set to kick-off at 10:00 BST, on Friday morning.
How can I watch?
BBC One and S4C will broadcast the fixture, within the U.K.
Also You can follow the commentary of Iran vs Wales live in VAVEL
