Iran rebound at World Cup as late blows sink 10-man Wales

DOHA: Iran stunned Gareth Bale’s Wales, downed to 10 players, with back-to-back strikes in the stoppage time to propel a comeback at the FIFA World Cup after a 6-2 defeat against England. 

Rouzbeh Cheshmi hit a brilliant strike from outside the box eight minutes into the stoppage time before Ramin Razaeian struck another one three minutes later to complete a sensational 2-0 victory, here at Al-Rayyan Stadium.

With the famous win, Iran kept their hopes to qualify for the knockout stage alive as they secured their first three points in Group B.

Iran nearly scored a breakthrough in the first half but Gholizadeh’s goal in the 16th minute was disallowed for the offside after a VAR review.

Iran crashed the woodwork twice in the 52nd minute when Azmoun kicked the ball on the right side of the post before Gholizadeh hit at the other side.

Wales’ defence, however, turned fragile after their goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey received a red card in the 86th minute for crashing into Mehdi Taremi outside the box.

Hennessey became the first player to be sent off in this tournament, however, overall he is the third goalkeeper to get a red card at the World Cups.