Iran just too hot for low key Welsh in midday heat

Wales were reduced to 10 man against Iran in this World Cup clash when Wayne Hennessey saw red. The Welsh never really got to grips with the game throughout and lost 2-0

In the blazing heat of Persia, we also enjoyed a white hot atmosphere, with a noisy Iranian contingent in the crowd of 40,785 probably outnumbering the Men of Harlech.

The largest area of shade was in Iran’s half with Wayne Hennessey’s goal in bright Persian sunshine as the game began.

Neco Williams shot over in the early stages for Wales but Iran looked threatening, perhaps less worried by the 80 degrees heat.

Kieffer Moore stabbed a shot at Hossein Hosseini which the Iranian keeper did well to parry away at close range.

The vast Iranian support were on their feet after quarter of an hour when Ali Gholizadeh finished a neat passing move to fire past Hennessy. After some delay though the goal was chalked off for offside

Following an unproductive free kick for Wales, Iran counter attacked with speed, their fast footwork causing the Welsh problems.

Iran were finding space in midfield and Ethan Ampadu may have been lucky to escape a caution for tangling with Rezaeian Ramin. The Iranians were asking all the questions.

Nico Williams went tumbling after a very stiff looking challenge from Ramin on 23 minutes. The former Liverpool man looked unsteady as he hobbled to his feet.

Wales began to settle as the first half developed but still needed the composed defence of Joe Rodon on more than one occasion. Harry Wilson tried to make thigs happen but there was a Joe Allen shaped hole in midfield for sure.

The second half saw more of the stadium in shade than the first.

An astonishing passage of play saw Iran hit the post twice through Sardar Azmoun who was so unlucky, striking both posts with the first and third shots in a matter of seconds.

Hennessey also pulled off a wonderful safe as the ball bounced around the Welsh goal like a pinball. At the other end, a Welsh free kick came to nothing.

Dan James and Brennan Johnson joined the fray around the hour mark as Wales Boss Robert Page probably sensed the need for fresh legs.

Wales were struggling to exert any real control over this game, relying on Hennessey in goal, long balls and some desperate defending. Aaron Ramsey tried to orchestrate ingenuity but couldn’t really get a tune going.

The noise levels remained high as the vast Iranian crowd gave Azmoun a rousing reception as he left the field.

Saeid Ezatolahi went agonizingly close on 72 minutes with Hennessey beaten for once.

Page brought Joe Allen on with quarter of an hour to go. The Swansea man had not played for months but his guile and experience could prove crucial.

Ben Davies fired over on 83 minutes as Wales began to look more settled

We witnessed real drama then though as  Hennessey was sent off for an ugly looking high challenge on  Mehdi Taremi. Referee Mario Escobar waved yellow first but VAR said red. Hennessey was off. Danny Ward on. Ramsey made way. Hennessey would miss the England game. We may have even seen the end of a wonderful career for the Welsh keeper now.

The Red Wall tried to lift Welsh hearts but this would be tough ask now for the 10 men.

Sure enough, three-quarters of the stadium erupted in the eighth minute of added time as Rouzbeh Chesmi fired a dagger through Welsh hearts to put Iran ahead. Moments later Ramin Rezaeian added a second.

Welsh players sank to their knees. Iranians celebrated with glee.

A dramatic game had brought another victory for Asia over the West in Qatar 2022. This tournament just keeps on giving.

Unless you are Welsh.

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