Brutal kung fu foul heralds the wildest final phase of the World Cup - Iran coach has "no words"

Created: 11/25/2022, 3:52 p.m

By: Patrick Freiwah

Wales is defeated by Iran: Keeper Hennessey receives a red card at the World Cup after a wild kung fu kick.

© IMAGO/Heuler Andrey

Rude attacks and brilliant goals: The game between Wales and Iran was probably the wildest final phase of the World Cup in Qatar so far.

Coach Queiroz talks about love and the fans.

Doha - Anyone who thought that, apart from the political controversy, the Iranian national team in Group B of the World Cup was only equipped with outsider chances, sees better: The selection of the Asian superpower celebrated a late but deserved 2-0 against Wales ( 0:0) victory and can have justified hopes for the round of 16.

Wales keeper Wayne Hennessey became a tragic figure in the second group game, after he received a red card shortly before the end of regular time for a kung fu kick against Porto striker Mehdi Taremi.

Even before that, Iran were the better team in the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, even without a man, and missed a few chances or had bad luck with aluminum.

Iran beats Wales - wild final phase with numerous highlights

In the minutes after the dismissal, the Islamic Republic team rushed towards the Welsh goal, and in the eighth minute of injury time it was finally time: Roozbeh Cheshmi gave a deserved lead with a remarkable long-range shot before Ramin Rezaeian scored everything just before the final whistle made clear.

It was probably the wildest stoppage time of the previous World Cup games, which meanwhile contain hardly less than 100 minutes of playing time.

The national anthem before kick-off this time Iran's footballers sang along, albeit hesitantly - when they celebrated the sporting redemption and the third World Cup victory ever, there was ecstatic cheering.

Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz said: "I have no words for my players, they are amazing (...) These guys love to play football and they played for the fans."

World Cup in Qatar: Iran ready for politically charged duel against USA

In the last group game, there is a politically explosive clash with the USA.

Iran's national team has been wanting more.

"We need our fans here and in Iran for this positive energy," said goalscorer Taremi and also calls for a triumph in the duel against the United States.

And Gareth Bale?

The former Champions League winner and now a pro in the North American MLS dived against Iran for long stretches.

In order to have any chance of reaching the round of 16, Wales must win against rivals England (to the schedule) in the last group game.

Not exactly an easy task.