For 98 minutes, it was 0-0 between Iran and Wales and we were prepared for the fifth scoreless draw at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. But in the final minutes, Iran stepped up and took the lead thanks to a late goal by Roozbeh Cheshmi.
Cheshmi only entered the match in the 78th minute but his impact was immediate. After Welsh goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey was sent off for a reckless challenge in the 86th minute, Cheshmi and Iran charged toward goal and 12 minutes later, they were rewarded with a pin-perfect shot from outside the box.
IRAN SCORES IN THE 98th MINUTE 😱🇮🇷 pic.twitter.com/5yPWevQ4YS
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 25, 2022
While up 1-0, Iran got some late-match insurance by doubling their lead in the 111th minute with a Ramin Rezaeian chip as the result of a breakaway.
ANOTHER ONE FOR IRAN 🇮🇷
IRAN SEALS THE WIN pic.twitter.com/vpIR0QLbAS
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 25, 2022
This makes things very interesting. With Iran at three points, they’re suddenly on the cusp of advancing to the knockout stage, something most people thought wouldn’t happen. Most assumed, especially after the 6-2 loss to England that Iran would be the the one losing all their games to their western counterparts but that clearly didn’t happen and now on Tuesday, the USMNT faces a much tougher opponent than many fans realize.
Many people took notice to what Iran did, along with how this win furthers Asia’s great run at the World Cup as well as how it affects Group B.
Fully deserved win for Iran, who get their first victory over a European nation at a World Cup.
A superb opener from Rouzbeh Cheshmi, who was capped again by Carlos Queiroz after three years without a call up.
Ramin Rezaeian, who was excellent all game, then added a second. pic.twitter.com/lKlytoCmuB
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) November 25, 2022
Iran vs USA to decide who makes it out the group….? Qatar 2022 pic.twitter.com/t6JkMtNaVF
— Tribal Chief🇨🇩 (@osowxvyy) November 25, 2022
Iran smashing Wales, Saudi’s Arabia shocking Argentina, Japan shocking Germany and South Korea drawing with Uruguay. Asia fully cooking this World Cup
— Trey (@UTDTrey) November 25, 2022
Iran v USA for a place in the knockout rounds. pic.twitter.com/dS27ftt5wJ
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) November 25, 2022
Iran are ranked 20th in the world, they are the top ranked Asian country. There is so much happening back home, they were tears, emotions and what not! They needed this win so much ♥️ #FIFAWorldCup #Qatar2022
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) November 25, 2022
This comes at a pivotal time in Iran’s history. Many are protesting in the country for women’s rights after Mahsa Amini died while in custody of Iran’s morality police. Many have been arrested and killed but they do it because they feel that is how things will eventually change for the better in Iran.
The Iranian national team have been careful with displays of protest at the World Cup but they have done things like not sing the national anthem, while Iranian fans in the stands boo along with a few players taking a knee with England in their opening game. If Iran advances to the knockout stage, which would be the first time ever, it would be a massive achievement in a time where many in Iran are in opposition with their nation’s leadership but still love their country.
About Phillip Bupp
Producer/editor of the Awful Announcing Podcast and Short and to the Point. News editor for The Comeback and Awful Announcing. Highlight consultant for Major League Soccer as well as a freelance writer for hire. Opinions are my own but feel free to agree with them.
Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @phillipbupp