Iran strike late to beat Wales 2-0 at World Cup

Iran struck twice in the dying moments of added time to earn a stunning 2-0 win over 10-man Wales in their Group B clash at the World Cup on Friday.

Rouzbeh Cheshmi and Ramin Rezaeian scored to give Iran a famous win, which moved them into second place in the group behind England, who face the USA later in the day.

Wales striker Kieffer Moore has been named in the starting line-up for Friday's match against Iran after his impressive performance off the bench in the opening 1-1 draw against the USA.

Midfielder Joe Allen, who has not played since September, has been named on the bench for the Group B clash.

Wales captain Gareth Bale will make his 110th appearance for the Dragons, breaking the team's all-time appearance record.

Iran's Roozbeh Cheshmi (R) celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates. Reuters 

Iran coach Carlos Queiroz has made five changes to the side that lost 6-2 against England, bringing Bayer Leverkusen striker Sardar Azmoun back into the starting line-up.

Azmoun will partner Porto striker Mehdi Taremi, who scored two goals against England.

The Persian Eagles named Hossein Hosseini between the sticks, with goalkeeper Alireza BeIranvand missing after suffering concussion against England.

An Iranian soccer fan is pictured inside the stadium before the match. Reuters

Both Bale and Chris Mepham enter the match on yellow cards and will be suspended for the final group stage match against England if they pick up another booking.

Iran's Morteza Pouraligangi and Alireza Jahanbakhsh also picked up bookings against England.

Starting line-ups in the World Cup Group B match between Wales and Iran at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium (kick off 1000 GMT):

Wales (3-5-2)
Wayne Hennessey; Chris Mepham, Joe Rodon, Ben Davies; Connor Roberts, Ethan Ampadu, Aaron Ramsey, Harry Wilson, Neco Williams; Gareth Bale, Kieffer Moore
Coach: Rob Page (WAL)

Iran (4-4-2)
Hossein Hosseini; Morteza Pouraliganji, Milad Mohammadi, Majid Hosseini, Ramin Rezaeian; Saeid Ezatolahi, Ahmad Noorollahi, Ehsan Hajsafi (capt), Milad Mohammadi; Mehdi Taremi, Sardar Azmoun
Coach: Carlos Queiroz (POR)

Agence France-Presse