CNN
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Two late goals secured Iran a sensational 2-0 victory over Wales to keep their hopes of qualifying for the world Cup knockout stages.
Rouzbeh Cheshmi struck from long range to put Iran ahead in the 98th minute, while Ramin Rezaeian sealed the victory in the 101st minute to secure Iran their first points of the tournament.
Both goals came after Welsh goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey was sent off in the second half for a reckless challenge outside his area, becoming the first player in this tournament to receive a red card.
Iran created the best chances and were a deserved winner in a tense match as both teams needed wins to boost their chances of getting out of Group B.
Iranian players joined in the singing of the national anthem ahead of Friday’s game, while at the same time boos could be heard inside the Ahmed bin Ali stadium in Qatar.
During the broadcast of national anthems before Iran opening match against England On Monday, Iranian players remained silent in what was widely interpreted as a show of solidarity with those protesting at home.
Iran appears at this World Cup under the shadow of domestic turmoil, with the match taking place a day after the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, said the country was going through a ” human rights crisis in its own right”. as authorities crack down on anti-regime dissidents.
Demonstrations, described by experts as the largest since the establishment of clerical rule after the 1979 Iranian revolution, and violence have rocked Iran in recent months and threatened the very nature of the country’s regime, which has been in power for more than 40 years. .
It was sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died after being detained by Iran’s morality police, allegedly for failing to adhere to the country’s conservative dress code. Iranian security forces unleashed a violent response.
After the heavy 6-2 loss to England, Iran played much better in their second game.
The score was goalless at the break after a nervy 45-minute opener on a sweltering day at Al Rayyan. Wales striker Kieffer Moore had the best chance of the half, somehow heading away when free on goal.
Although Ali Gholizadeh thought he had put Iran ahead, the video assistant referee (VAR) ruled out the goal for offside.
Iran star Sardar Azmoun hit the post twice early in the second half as Iran set the tempo and Wales tried their luck, and it looked like the two teams would share a point each before Cheshmi n open the scoring – sending Iranian fans into celebrations and muting the sound. Welsh contingent.
Elsewhere, World Cup hosts Qatar are set to exit the tournament after a second straight loss, losing 3-1 to Senegal.
Qatar have improved a lot since losing to Ecuador on Matchday 1, but they were overpowered by a Senegal side that eventually made it to the World Cup. Senegal’s victory was the first time an African team has won at Qatar 2022.
Senegal took the lead in the first half after Boulaye Dia took advantage of a defensive error. The Teranga Lions doubled their lead just after the break on a powerful Famara Diedhiou header.
Qatar finally woke up and took the game against their opponent, pulling off some spectacular saves from Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy before catching a deserved goal, Mohammed Muntari heading home after a fine move down the wing.
Just when the return seemed to take place, the winds were cut off from the Qatari sails by Bamba Dieng. The substitute hit a simple finish after a brilliant dribble from Iliman Ndiaye.
The game ended in somber fashion for the host team as thousands of Qataris headed for the exits after Senegal’s third goal, their hopes of a fairy tale World Cup all but dashed.