World Cup 2022: Wales 0-2 Iran – late Iranian double leaves 10-man Wales in danger of exit

Despite the clear issues his side faced in the first half, Page made no changes at half-time.

Just as his inability to heed the lessons from the USA game invited Iranian pressure in the first half, Page’s inaction on this occasion forced Wales on to the back foot during the second half.

They were extremely fortunate not to fall behind five minutes after the restart when Iran hit the post twice in the space of a few seconds.

First, Azmoun struck a right-footed effort which cannoned off the woodwork and fell to Gholizadeh, whose curling left-footed shot hit the other post. Azmoun was the first to react, but his rebound was smothered by Hennessey.

Wales were a mess at this point, their defence harassed and given next to no protection from the players in front of them.

Those struggles made it impossible to attack with any cohesion, rendering Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey almost obsolete.

It was a dispiriting sight for Wales fans to watch these two greats – heroes of the past two European Championships – reduced to peripheral figures on this occasion.

Wales still threw themselves forward in the vague hope of forcing a late winner, but that desperation was their undoing when Hennessey caught Taremi with a high boot.

The day belonged to Iran, who left it late to secure the victory they richly deserved.

Given too much time by Wales’ tiring bodies, Cheshmi unleasehd a superb strike from 20 yards which whistled into the bottom corner to prompt wild celebrations. It was the World Cup’s 42nd goal, but the first from outside the box.

Then with Wales even more exposed, it was left to Rezaeian to apply a delicate finishing touch as Iran surged to victory, knowing another against the USA will secure their passage to the second round for the first time.