Match Day Thread Wales v Iran

Wales v Iran

Competition - FIFA World Cup Finals
Tournament Stage - Group B
Date - Friday, 25 November 2022
Kick off - 10:00
Venue - Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar

Following their hard fought 1-1 draw against the USA, next up for Robert Page’s Wales squad is a must win match against Iran.

On Monday evening, Gareth Bale’s late penalty salvaged a draw against the United States in Wales’ first World Cup game for 64 years.

Wales appeared nervous, listless and overrun in a first half dominated by a vibrant USA team, who led as Tim Weah finished smartly after a surging run and pass by Christian Pulisic.

The half-time introduction of Kieffer Moore revitalised Wales, whose newfound energy and purpose turned a one-sided affair into a genuine contest as Ben Davies and Moore both came close to equalising.

Then, with nine minutes left, Bale was clattered in the box by Walker Zimmerman before confidently whipping his penalty into the net to send the travelling Welsh supporters behind that goal into raptures.

Wales finished the game strongly, buoyed to have secured a point on their long-awaited World Cup return when they had appeared to be heading for a defeat which would have left them staring at an early exit from the competition.

Instead, Robert Page's men return to the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Friday to face Iran - who were thrashed 6-2 by England earlier on Monday - knowing that victory would give them a chance of progressing to the second round.

Wales and Iran have only met in a clash once before, back in 1978, at the Aryamehr Stadium in Tehran during which Wales prevailed to win 1-0, courtesy of a goal by the late Phil Dwyer:

Turning to Friday, defeat would probably signal Wales’ departure at the Group Stage, whilst victory would allow for the possibility of further progression.

I’m hopeful that Wales will repeat the result of 44 years ago, and win 1-0

 

I was fuming at the first half against the USA - exactly the same tactics that we used in the first half against Switzerland in the Euros and we couldn't get a kick then either ! Don't know why we defended so deep.

Anyway - we have to go for it and try to get a few goals as it could come down to goal difference for who qualifies in (probably) second place unless we can beat the English.

I just want us to play attacking, pressing football from the beginning and go all out for a win by a few goals. We look so much better when we play that way.
Iran need a win as well so it could make for an open game.

Hoping for a 3 goal victory.

C'MON CYMRU

 

This is a must win. I expect the starting line up will include Kieffer Moore. With Dan James and possibly Joe (if fit) coming on in the 2nd half if we have a lead and there are gaps to exploit. It's a 2-0 win for me.

 

As Taff states a "must" win game.Iran were awful v England,but,so were we first half against USA.
For me we must win by at least 3 clear goals.

 

I'd love them to score more than englund against them,but a 1-0 + will do

 

Must win - obviously. But, as has been stated above, we must absolutely go for it. I'm still totally baffled by the first half against the US. Bizarre.

Iran are there for the taking - if we are positive and motivated and energised. I would start Moore instead of Bale and start Dan. Bring Bale on second half.

 

Attacking formation ?

Keeper

BEN DAVIES

everyone else forward !

 

Loved Roy Keane reaction to hands on mouths......Do something positive.Wear the armband see what happens.

My opinion on this issue is.....
Each and "Every" country that feels or felt so strongly against the ban on the armband should have the b@lls to stand up and say we are boycotting the tournament.We are not playing.
Then see what the corrupt and wealthy FIFA faceless wonders do.
I am with Roy Keane,fingers on lips is childish and will achieve fuk all.

 

Protest and take the consequences - don’t threaten that you will do something, and then sh*t out

 

Even " Brinkmanship"

 

Take FIFA to the Court of Sporting Arbitration ….

 

But how long will that take Taff?
Time it goes through numerous courts the next WC is upon us.
Oh bring back my childhood and the happy footballing days.

 

They can react quickly when the need arises

 

Iran would have watched the Saudi game with great envy, and will see that as the template to take Wales apart, so unless Bale & co get their act together from the get go, then Iran will without doubt kick us out of the World cup, Bale needs to grow a pair and step up and put a proper shift in and show the world he still has some magic.

 

He can shut it, what a useless coach he was! Is he still managing the mighty Philippines?..............

 

If the moron did say that it would be lovely to rub it in his face if Wales are lucky enough to win it !

 

Joey Allen fit for tomorrow