Iran stuns Wales with two stoppage-time goals, throwing Group B into chaos

Down to 10 men, Wales couldn’t hold on for a point

Iran looked down and out after being hammered 6-2 by England in its World Cup opener. Wales, meanwhile, escaped its first game with a credible 1-1 draw against the U.S.

But those opening results counted for little on Friday, as a resurgent Iran stunned Wales with goals in the 98th and 101th minutes to win 2-0 and throw Group B into chaos in the process.

Iran was on the front foot for most of the game, looking nothing like the side that capitulated against the Three Lions a few days earlier.

Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey was shown a red card in the 86th minute after coming far off his line and clattering into Mehdi Taremi, setting the stage for late drama.

After Joe Allen failed to clear, Roozbeh Cheshmi slammed home a sensational winner from the top of the box, which was followed minutes later by Ramin Rezaeian adding an insurance goal on the break.

The results mean England can effectively qualify for the knockout round with a draw against the U.S. later on Friday, while they can essentially win the group with a victory.

For the U.S., a draw or loss against England is now essentially the same result. Absent a win against the Three Lions, Gregg Berhalter’s men will likely have the ability to qualify from Group B with a win over Iran on Tuesday.

And Iran is in great shape, looking likely to qualify with just a draw against the U.S.

As Iran coach Carlos Quieroz said after the game: “This is just the beginning, but we need to finish the job.”

Watch Iran stun Wales at the World Cup

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