Iran scored two goals in stoppage time to beat Wales 2-0 at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium. It was an impressive performance from the Asian side, who looked to be reborn after their humbling 6-2 defeat to England on Monday.

After a lacklustre first half, Iran dominated the second half, and were somehow still drawing going into the final minutes. However, after Wayne Hennessey's reckless red card, Iran took their chances to seal a crucial win in Group B.

It leaves Iran second in the group, whilst Wales sit rock bottom. Robert Page's side are competing at their first World Cup in 64 years, but it looks like their journey may be ending very quickly. 

So, what did we learn from Iran's vital win against Wales?

  • Iran's unlikely hero

Iran were the dominant side across the park in Qatar, but lacked a clinical edge in the final third. In a must-win game, it was vital that they found a way to open the scoring. 

It seemed that luck was not going their way, however they finally opened the scoring through one of their must unlikely players. When Roozbeh Cheshmi was subbed on in the 78th minute, it was seen as a defensive sub, with the Iranian's primary position being centre-back. 

Despite his position, the defender found his shooting boots to score a sensational goal in the closing minutes. From outside of the box, he fired it into the bottom right corner to send the Iranian fans into delight. 

It gave Danny Ward no chance in goal, as Cheshmi's powerful strike thundered past him. It was a once in a blue moon strike from the defender, but he will be delighted to earn the victory for his country.

  • Bouncing back from defeat

On Monday, Iran were humiliated in a 6-2 defeat to England. It was a sensational performance from Gareth Southgate's team, but Iran made it too easy for the European country.

However, against Wales, the Asian country seemed to be reborn. Despite having just 38% possession, they created one more big chance than Wales, and were easily the more likely team to score. 

Defensively, they were compact and well-structured. This was a stark difference from Monday's defeat against England, where they were consistently split apart by the likes of Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling.

Iran now have the opportunity to qualify for the knockout stages against USA on Tuesday. If they perform like they did against Wales, then they have every chance of securing victory. 

  • Hennessey's reckless moment

Before the World Cup, Page's decision to start Hennessey in goal was a major talking point. The goalkeeper has not played a Premier League all season, and featured in just two Carabao Cup ties. 

The 35-year-old was chosen ahead of Leicester City goalkeeper Danny Ward, however that decision has now proven to be a costly mistake by the manager.

In the final minutes, Hennessey rushed out of goal to clear the oncoming ball. However, the Iranian striker reached the ball before him, leaving the goalkeeper's foot to go flying into the striker. At first, he received a yellow card, but it was later upgraded to a red card via VAR.

With Wales reduced to ten men for stoppage time, it placed them under heavy pressure, which eventually led to Iran's last-gasp winner. It was a reckless moment from Hennessey, and it might have cost his country a point.

  • Bale fails to impress

Gareth Bale has been the face of Welsh football for over a decade now. The winger has had an illustrious career, which has seen him win every major honour with Real Madrid.

However, age is starting to catch up on the Welsh captain, and this has been highlighted in both of Wales' matches. Despite scoring against USA on Monday, he failed to possess a threat to the American backline throughout. 

Against Iran, he was easily man-marked by the Iranian defence, which left him incapable of causing damage to their backline. The World Cup provided the perfect opportunity for Bale to have a fond farewell to Wales' fans, however he has failed to deliver on the biggest stage in Qatar.

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