Rouzbeh Cheshmi and Ramin Rezaeian both scored in stoppage time to give Iran a 2-0 World Cup victory over Wales and keep their hopes of reaching the last 16 alive.
Wales, who had Wayne Hennessey sent off late on, appeared to be on track to avoid defeat, but two fine goals right at the end sparked riots among Iran’s team and fans.
Iran’s decision to sing their national anthem after sitting out against England contributed to a charged atmosphere that resulted in an early flurry, including a goal disallowed to Ali Gholizadeh.
That let-off, combined with Gholizadeh and Sardar Azmoun hitting the post shortly after the break, suggested that fortune was on Wales’ side.
However, Hennessey’s red card for a reckless challenge turned the tide, and Iran dispatched the Dragons in ruthless and remarkable fashion.
With a brilliant cross, Connor Roberts almost set up an early Wales goal for Kieffer Moore, but his poor pass allowed Gholizadeh to finish off an intricate move.
Fortunately for Roberts, the goal was disallowed due to offside, and the game quickly became tense.
Iran finished the first half strongly and kept the momentum going in the second, with Azmoun smashing against one post on the break and Gholizadeh curling against the other nine seconds later.
Wales’ threat was reduced even further when Hennessey was sent off in the 86th minute after racing out of his goal and kneeing Mehdi Taremi in the face.
Cheshmi’s emphatic 20-yard strike into the bottom-right corner finally gave Iran the deserved breakthrough, and Wales were finished off on the break.
Taremi charged forward and calmly picked out Rezaeian’s run, whose delicate finish over Danny Ward ended Wales’ hopes of a comeback.
What does it imply? Wales has a lot to do as Iran takes a big step.
Many had written Iran off after they were thrashed 6-2 by England. Even before Hennessey was sent off, this was a truly accomplished performance.
It means they have a real chance of reaching the knockout stages if they draw against the US next time out – Wales’ task is much more difficult.
In their final group game, they will face England. While the Three Lions may have already confirmed qualification by then, Gareth Southgate’s men will not want to do their neighbors any favors.
The old guard is uninspired.
Gareth Bale broke Wales’ appearance record here, but it was a game he’d rather forget. The forward was completely ineffective, and Aaron Ramsey was similarly so in midfield.
Taremi and Azmoun are at the front.
Iran’s stars did not score, but they were both brilliant. Azmoun was unlucky not to score, while Taremi was instrumental in both Hennessey’s dismissal and the second goal.
What comes next?
Wales faces a huge challenge in needing a result against England on Tuesday, when Iran plays the US in a rematch of the “most politically charged game in World Cup history” at France 98.