In the Group B match of the FIFA World Cup 2022, Iran earned a hard-earned victory against Wales.

Iran’s victory late into extra time makes the match anticipated match against USA more exciting.

Bitter geopolitical rivals, Iran’s match against USA will decide whether they go through to the knock-out round.

Iran, playing its sixth world cup, has never progressed beyond the group stages.

In the 17th minute, Iran found the net through a Gholizadeh close tap in but the VAR ruled it offside.

Except for a close range by Moore which went straight to the keeper Hosseini, Wales did not have any meaningful chance as the half ended goalless.

In the second half, Iran started strongly and Azmoun made a brilliant run into the penalty box only for his powerful shot to hit the post.

In the follow up, Gholizadeh’s curling and dipping shot from outside the penalty box hit the right post yet again.

Wales keeper Hennessey made a brilliant save by pushing Ezatolahi’s shot out to keep Wales in the game.

The complexion of the game changed when Hennessey received a red card for a very dangerous clash with Taremi outside the box, which his legs very high in the air.

Iran’s Cheshmi scored from a long range shot in the 8th minute of extra time with a blistering shot to the left of the goal.

Asia has shock the world.#Iran #FIFAWorldCupQatar2022 pic.twitter.com/dZooubYqUY

— Zakaria Zadjali (@7izach) November 25, 2022

This was the first goal from outside the penalty in World Cup 2022.

As Wales tried to push for an equaliser, they were caught in a break and found themselves outnumbered by the Iranian forwards and Razaeian scored with a beautiful lofted shot over the outstretched leg of the defender and the incoming Keeper to earn a huge victory for the Iranians.

The other match of the group was played between England and USA.

In a match which England was widely expected to win in ease, USA had the better chances of the match.

McKennie had the best chance of the first half but he could not control a half volley from close range to send the ball high above the cross bar.

US captain Pulisic had a very good attempt which beat the keeper but hit the post.

The first half ended without any score.

England midfielders did not have any meaningful possession and England struggled to pass the ball around.

England tried to change its play bringing in Marcus Rashford, Jordan Henderson and Jack Grealish.

Back for the second half of #ENG v #USA!#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 25, 2022

Harry Kane had a great chance to score the winner in extra time, but he could not direct his header off a Luke Shaw free-kick.

The match ended in a goal-less draw.

USA deserved to win, but getting a point was also a good result as they remain unbeaten and a win against Iran in their final match will take them to the next round.

Wales have to win against England by a big margin and hope that the USA-Iran match ends in a draw to be in contention to proceed to the next round.

England’s big win and a clean sheet against USA means that they are almost assured of going to the next round.

For Iran, a draw against USA may be enough to take them through.