Iran boss clashes with journalist after World Cup press conference
The second round of group games began at the World Cup in Qatar today, with Wales and England both in action. Wales started their tournament by snatching a 1-1 draw with USA courtesy of a Gareth Bale penalty on Monday, with England thumping Iran 6-2 hours earlier.
However, Wales are now on the brink of elimination following a heartbreaking 2-0 defeat to Iran on Friday. The host nation were largely dominated by their opposition, but held firm until the 86th minute, when goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey was sent off for a reckless karate kick challenge.
Deep into injury time Iran struck through a long-range Rouzbeh Chesmi effort, with Ramin Rezaeian adding a second just three minutes later. Wales now need to beat England next week to stand any chance of qualifying for the next round, and Rob Page's side look almost certain to be going home early.
The Three Lions, meanwhile, faced USA at 7pm, but were disappointing in an uninspiring 0-0 draw. Neither side were able to carve out many clear-cut chances, but the Three Lions are still in a strong position to qualify, only needing to avoid a heavy defeat to Wales next Tuesday to claim a place in the last-16.
It was truly a turgid encounter, in which we saw the very worst of England under Southgate.
On a positive note, progression to the knockout stages is now all but guaranteed, with only a heavy loss to Wales able to prevent the Three Lions from going through.
Nevertheless, fans will struggle to see the positive side right now after a dreadful match.
England carve out their first clear chance just before the 10 minute mark.
A lovely one-two with Jude Bellingham sets Bukayo Saka clear in the box. He cuts it back to Harry Kane, but the Three Lions captain's shot is well-blocked out for a corner.
The big team news breaking from the England camp is that Gareth Southgate has chosen an unchanged starting XI from the one which thrashed Iran 6-2 in their first game on Monday.
For a look at the Three Lions and USA sides in full, jump over to our dedicated blog for the match by clicking HERE
England fans are certainly getting in the mood (Image: PA)
The full-time whistle blows, and in the end both teams will be pretty content with a point.
Netherlands started well but faded, and Ecuador thoroughly deserved their equaliser.
The South Americans will feel confident knowing they just need to avoid defeat to Senegal to progress. Whether Valencia will be involved in that match remains to be seen.
All eyes now turn to England vs USA, and you can follow our special live blog dedicated to that match HERE
Netherlands goalkeeper Andries Noppert is unable to deal with a stinging effort from outside the area, and that man Enner Valencia beats the offside trap to tap home.
Netherlands' clash with Ecuador will kick-off in 15 minutes, but that's simply the warm-up for today's main event.
England and USA will do battle at the Al Bayt Stadium at 7pm, with Gareth Southgate's side needing a win for progression into the knockouts.
The Three Lions are hoping to build on their 6-2 thrashing of Iran in MD1, a result made all the more impressive by the nation's win against Wales this morning.
The match has come to an end at the Al Thumama Stadium and Senegal run out 3-1 winners over Qatar. It was a straight-forward victory for the African team in the end and they will be hoping to secure their place in the World Cup knockout stages when they go head-to-head with Ecuador on Tuesday.
Senegal must have put this game to bed now. They have their third goal and they restore their two-goal lead. A great finish from close range by Bamba Dieng and there will be no way back for the hosts.
Bamba Dieng scored Senegal's third goal against Qatar at the World Cup (Image: GETTY)
Qatar have finally got their World Cup campaign up and running as they score their first goal of the tournament courtesy of a thumping header from Mohammed Muntari. Could we be in for a late comeback?
Mohammed Muntari scored for Qatar against Senegal at the World Cup (Image: GETTY)
Qatar should have had their first goal of the tournament midway through the second half as Ismail Mohamad got his thigh on the end of a cross from the left. But Edouard Mendy turns the ball around the post.
The Senegal fans are starting to enjoy themselves at the Al Thumama Stadium, with their country leading Qatar 2-0. But the host nation have looked a bit sharper in the last 10 minutes and have had a few sights of goal.
Senegal are hoping to qualify for the World Cup knockout stages (Image: GETTY)
Senegal have doubled their advantage as ex-Bristol City striker Famara Diedhiou heads home from a corner in the early stages of the second half. It's a great header and Qatar look to be heading out. The hosts have offered nothing.
Famara Diedhiou scored Senegal's second goal against Qatar (Image: GETTY)
Qatar haven’t even had a shot on target at the World Cup and they could exit the tournament with a whimper unless they improve. The second half has just got underway and Qatar have 45 minutes to turn things around.
It’s half time at the Al Thumama Stadium and hosts Qatar are 1-0 down against Senegal. The African team have been the better side, with Qatar barely threatening throughout the half. Qatar will need to do a lot better after the interval if they want to avoid an early World Cup exit.
Senegal have taken the lead four minutes before the break as Boulaye Dia lashes the ball into the back of the net after a mistake from Qatar defender Boualem Khoukhi. They've finally got their goal.
Boulaye Dia gave Senegal the lead against Qatar (Image: GETTY)
Qatar are denied a penalty as Ismaila Sarr is guilty of a clumsy challenge on Akram Afif. The referee didn't even go and check it. It's a scrappy affair and it remains goalless.
Qatar ace Akram Afif thought he should have had a penalty against Senegal (Image: GETTY)
FIFA are reportedly arousing suspicion that they may be taking ‘revenge’ on countries that planned to wear the OneLove armband in Qatar by snubbing their referees for officiating duties.
FIFA now stand accused of overlooking referees from 'OneLove nations' as the highly-rated Premier League duo of Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor, as well as Germany's Daniel Siebert and Dutchman Danny Makkelie, are yet to take charge of a 2022 World Cup match.
According to the Daily Mail, that has 'raised eyebrows' in refereeing circles as none of the quartet have even fulfilled fourth official duties in Qatar.
Senegal have been pinning Qatar back during the early stages of this match. The African team were heavy favourites to win before the clash got underway so will want to break the deadlock as early as possible to avoid a slogfest.
We’re underway at the Al Thumama Stadium in Qatar and the home crowd will surely be vociferous in their support this afternoon. Qatar are the current Asian Cup champions and Senegal are the current Africa Cup of Nations champions. Will we see goals in this one?
Qatar will be looking to get the better of Senegal at the World Cup (Image: GETTY)
Gareth Bale says Wales are “gutted” in the aftermath of their 2-0 defeat to Iran. “We are gutted, there is no other way to say it,” the forward said. “We fought until the last second and we need to go again.
“We are all gutted but we have to pick ourselves up straight away. It is going to be difficult for us for sure. We will have to see. What can I say? We recover and we have to go again.”
The referee brings the match to an end and Iran have snatched a 2-0 win at the death. The Middle East team thoroughly deserved their victory as they battered Wales for large spells of the second half. And they’ll now fancy themselves to reach the World Cup knockout stages.
Iran defeated Wales 2-0 at the World Cup (Image: GETTY)
Iran have wrapped-up the victory in the 101st minute. They break away to win the match 2-0 as Ramin Rezaeian chips the ball over Danny Ward. That’s the late drama we were talking about. A great performance by Iran today.
Ramin Rezaeian scored Iran's second goal against Wales (Image: GETTY)
Iran have scored a winner in the 98th minute. Wales' hearts have been broken. Rouzbeh Cheshmi makes the most of a dismal clearance by Joe Allen and curls a sumptuous effort into the bottom right corner. What a strike that was.
Rouzbeh Cheshmi scored Iran's first goal against Wales (Image: GETTY)
There are a staggering nine minutes of stoppage time at the end of this match. Four of those remain. Iran are pushing for a winner but so are Wales. Are we going to get more late drama?
Hennessey has now been sent off for Wales. He came rushing out of his penalty box to deal with a ball over the top but ended up performing a karate kick on Teremi.
Remarkably, the referee only brandished a yellow card at first. But following intervention by VAR, the shot-stopper was given his marching orders.
Wales keeper Wayne Hennessey was sent off against Iran (Image: GETTY)
Wayne Hennessey is keeping Wales in this contest at the moment. The goalkeeper has just diverted Saeed Ezatolahi’s effort past his right post to keep the scores level. Wales need to produce something special in the last 15 minutes if they are to win this match.
Iran ace Saeed Ezatolahi was denied by Wayne Hennessey in the second half against Wales (Image: GETTY)
Iran's chaotic political situation has spilled over at this game as fans have been fighting amongst themselves outside the stadium. Pro-government fans are said to have been harassing anti-government supporters outside the stadium as their country take on Wales inside the stadium.
Iran have completely dominated over the last 15 minutes but have somehow failed to find the back of the net. Could that be a good omen for Wales? Maybe’s it’s their day. They will need to show more at the other end of the pitch if they want the points though.
Iran have just hit the post twice in the space of a few seconds. First Sardar Azmoun struck the right post, then Ali Gholizadeh hit the left post. And Wayne Hennessey made a fine save during the same passage of play. How has the ball stayed out the back of the net?
Iran hit the post twice in the space of a few seconds against Wales at the World Cup (Image: GETTY)
We're back underway at the World Cup. A draw won't suit either Wales or Iran ahead of the final matches of the group stage next week so maybe we'll see a more open game as the clash progresses.
Just the four minutes of added time at the end of the first half but we’re goalless at the break. Neither team have managed to get the upper hand in a tight encounter. Joe Rodon was booked for wiping out Mehdi Taremi at the end of the half, but Wales eventually dealt with the free kick and survived.
Wales are looking to their talisman Gareth Bale to produce the goods once again in this encounter. But he has been quiet in the first half. Maybe it’ll take another penalty to spark the ex-Real Madrid ace into life. Bale had scored 40 goals in 109 Wales appearances ahead of today’s game.
Gareth Bale had a quiet first half during Wales' clash with Iran (Image: GETTY)
Emotions are running high at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Raymanat amid the unrest in Iran. And several fans were crying during the national anthem ahead of the clash
Iran fans were seen crying ahead of their country's World Cup clash with Wales (Image: PHIL HARRIS/THE MIRROR)
Iran have the ball in the back of the net after 15 minutes but it's been ruled out for offside following a VAR check. Wales have survived a huge scare. Kieffer Moore went close just before Iran’s goal was chalked off as he got a boot on Connor Roberts' cross. But Hosseini kept his effort out.
Iran had a goal ruled out in the first half against Wales (Image: GETTY)
Our first game of the day is underway and it’s a big one as Wales take on Iran. Wales will be desperate to pick up the three points and take one step closer to reaching the World Cup knockout stages.
The Iran players have sang the national anthem this time after snubbing it ahead of their clash with England. But there was a chorus of boos in the stands, with some people crying while the anthem was being played.
Iran players sang their national anthem ahead of their World Cup game with Wales (Image: GETTY)
There have been anti-regime protests in Iran ever since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in September. Amini died in custody after being arrested by the morality police. And hundreds of people in the Middle East country have since been killed, according to The Guardian, in a bloody crackdown on the revolt.
Iranian players protested with silence during their national anthem when they played England on Monday. Meanwhile, some fans jeered during the anthem, with others holding up signs which read: “Woman, Life, Freedom.”
But Iran manager Carlos Queiroz confronted a journalist in Qatar yesterday and said his players should not be expected to answer questions on the issues.
Iran are going head-to-head with Wales at the World Cup (Image: GETTY)
I was just talking to Iranians on the metro on their way to the match who want Wales to win. “This is not our team, this is the government’s team,” said one woman. “They have been killing our people for the past two months,” added a man. The fans don’t want to be identified for fear of reprisals.
Iran have been forced to replace goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand with Hossein Hosseini. Beiranvand broke his nose and suffered concussion during Monday’s clash with England. Meanwhile, Sadegh Moharrami and Sardar Azmoun have been recalled to a more attacking line-up.
Wales have announced their team for this morning’s clash. Blockbuster star Gareth Bale is set to captain the side, while Kieffer Moore is promoted to the starting line-up in place of Dan James.
\ud83c\udff4\udb40\udc67\udb40\udc62\udb40\udc77\udb40\udc6c\udb40\udc73\udb40\udc7f\ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf7 CYMRU XI
England have reserved the right to make an anti-discrimination protest gesture later on at the World Cup but are adopting a tunnel vision approach to tonight’s tie against USA.
The FA backed down in the OneLove armband spat with FIFA ahead of the opening game against Iran when they were threatened with sporting sanctions including a yellow card before kick-off for captain Harry Kane.
“We have spoken about it as a group and we will act when we think it is appropriate to act,” said defender Harry Maguire. “We are fully focused on the football but I am sure we will have conversations throughout the tournament.”
Harry Maguire says England have reserved the right to make an anti-discrimination protest gesture (Image: GETTY)
FIFA have been accused of a "sinister abuse of power" by the chair of anti-racism organisation Kick It Out.
Sanjay Bhandari was replying to a story on Twitter about countries fearing their captains would be banned if they wore the OneLove armband and wrote: “What FIFA did is beyond failing to live their values and is a sinister abuse of power designed to silence - hence @DFB_Team_EN gag protest. I guess if you hang around with autocratic dictators long enough, you start picking up some of their habits.”
Wales fans have been partying in the blistering Qatar heat ahead of their country’s second World Cup showdown. We're under two hours away from kick-off this morning as Wales take on Iran at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Raymanat at 10am. Rob Page's team are searching for their first win of the tournament after snatching a 1-1 draw against USA on Monday.
FIFA will now allow fans to wear rainbow bucket hats and take rainbow flags into stadiums during the World Cup. FIFA’s U-turn comes after Wales fans had the items confiscated ahead of their country’s 1-1 draw with USA on Monday.
The Football Association of Wales had earlier implored football’s governing body to address the issue. “The FAW urges FIFA to adhere to their message that everybody will be welcome in Qatar during the World Cup and continue to highlight any further human rights issues,” they wrote in a statement. "We remain with the belief that football is for everyone.”
FIFA will now allow fans to wear rainbow bucket hats at stadiums (Image: GETTY)
Good morning and welcome to Express Sport’s live coverage of day six of the World Cup in Qatar. We’ve got another scintillating day of action in store for you as Wales play their second group game at 10am when they take on Iran. And England could secure their safe passage into the knockout stages of the tournament when they take on USA at 7pm. So stick around and follow all the live action throughout the day.
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy