Wales were condemned to a loss in their second group match against Iran during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar on Friday, November 25. Rouzbeh Cheshmi scored in the eighth minute of stoppage time to break a scoreless stalemate and Iran went on to defeat Wales 2-0 at the World Cup.
Cheshmi's strike from outside the box was just beyond the reach of Wales' backup goalkeeper Danny Ward, who was pressed into duty when starter Wayne Hennessey was sent off in the 86th minute of the match. The Nottingham Forest goalkeeper was given an early shower after he charged into Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi which was deemed as a high challenge.
Iran finished the first half well and maintained that greater purpose at the start of the second, with Azmoun smashing against one post on the break and Gholizadeh curling against the other nine seconds later.
Wales became even less of a threat as Hennessey was given his marching orders in the 86th minute after racing out of his goal and catching Mehdi Taremi in the face with his knee.
Iran took full advantage when Cheshmi's emphatic 20-yard strike into the bottom-right corner finally gave them the deserved breakthrough and Wales were finished off on the break.
Taremi charged forward and coolly picked out the run of Rezaeian, whose delicate finish over Danny Ward ended Wales' hopes of a turnaround.
(With Opta inputs)
