FIFA World Cup : Wales vs Iran

 Round 2 of the Group stages starts with Wales taking on Iran, both looking for their first win of the tournament. 

The first half was quite tense & both sides looked to gain advantage. Wales were quite wasteful in their efforts, with Moore setting up with great passes only to be squandered by Bale, Wilson & others. On the other hand Azmoun for Iran was a handful for the Wales defense, creating a a few opportunities. Around the 16th minute, Gholizadeh had played one two one with Azmoun & flicked the ball into the Wles net, but a VAR check ruled offside. Finally the half however had no goals, as the players went into the dugout for the lemon break. 

2nd half was no different as both the teams struggled to establish momentum in the game, & the spectacle was quite boring for the onlookers. Towards the end, as the game looked headed for a tame draw, Wales keeper Hennessey in an effort to control, crashed into Taremi, just outside the box, leading to the referee first flasing a yellow card & then on VAR review, changed his decision to a Red Card. This was only the 3rd time ever that a goal keeper received a Red Card in a World Cup. Reduced to 10 men & shell shocked with the impact, Wales cowered down & Iran took the opportunity with both hands. In the stoppage time, they scored twice to keep their hopes alive for the knock out stages. This performance after the mauling they received against England, will motivate them well for the last match against USA. On the other hand, Wales with a game left against England, are now staring into an early exit, unless some dramatic unexpected results turn in their favour.