Friday, November 25, 2022 at 1:07 PM• Tom Rofekamp • Last update: 13:10

Iran took three points against Wales at the last minute on Friday. Carlos Queiroz’s team was the better against Wales throughout the game, but seemed to be heading for a 0-0 draw up to and including injury time. In the absolute final phase, however, Iran still got what it deserved: 0-2. Wayne Hennessey, who had to leave the field with a stupid red card a little before, can count that on himself. Iran’s victory could offer some distraction from the political tension in the country, which also clearly had an influence in the Ahmad bin Ali stadium in Qatar.

Although the 6-2 wash was of course also extensively discussed, after the game between England and Iran it was just as much about the protest action of the Persian Lions. The Iranian internationals refused to sing the national anthem because of their criticism of the domestic regime. However, the selection received disturbing news less than twenty-four hours before the game against Wales. Voria Ghafouri, one of Iran’s most famous footballers, was arrested for his protests.

That was probably a warning from the Iranian rulers, in response to the ‘disobedience’ of the national team. That is why a large part of the players decided to sing along with the national anthem prior to the second group match with Wales. Alireza Jahanbahksh was not part of the first eleven in that game: he was sacrificed for his disappointing performance against England. His replacement, Ali Gholizadeh, thrilled the audience in the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium after just fifteen minutes.

Iran had the better of the game, and that was reflected in the apparent 0-1. However, the goal had to be ruled out: Gholizadeh was offside at Sardar Azmoun’s pass. Not much later, the latter was able to score the opening goal himself, but saw his header miss Wayne Hennessey’s goal. That carelessness played tricks on Iran throughout the first half, and the leather just didn’t want to go in in the second act either.

After a triptych of Iranian opportunities, it was a miracle that it was still 0-1. First Azmoun hit the post, then Gholizadeh did the same, and Hennessey made a great save on the rebound of the latter effort. Wales was no longer involved at that time. However, it survived, thanks in part to an outstanding Hennessey. He canceled his heroic role with an oil-stupid action in the final phase.

The Welsh goalie flew in like a madman on the broken Taremi, and had to leave the field with a direct red. That seemed to remain without consequences for Wales for a long time, until the eighth (!) minute of injury time. Rouzbeh Cheshmi secured the redemption with a hard shot into the far corner, before Ramin Rezaeian even doubled the margin. Iran thus establishes itself in second place in Group B, while reaching the knockout phase for Wales becomes a very difficult story. Rob Page’s team has one point and will only play against England.