Wales vs Iran – Group Stage – Preview & Prediction | 2022 FIFA World Cup
THE FACTS
When is Wales vs Iran on and what time does it start? Wales vs Iran will take place on Friday 25th November, 2022 – 10:00 (UK)
Where is Wales vs Iran taking place? Wales vs Iran will take place at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar
Where can I get tickets for Wales vs Iran? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Wales vs Iran
What channel is Wales vs Iran on in the UK? Wales vs Iran will be televised live on BBC
Where can I stream Wales vs Iran in the UK? Wales vs Iran can be streamed live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website & app
THE LOWDOWN
WALES
- A late Gareth Bale penalty inside the final ten minutes of their opening group game against United States, rescued a precious point for Wales and keeps them well in the race for knockout qualification.
- After coming off the bench at half-time and making a major impact against United States, big stiker Kieffer Moore may well be thrown in from the start this time round, with either Daniel James or Harry Wilson being named on the bench.
IRAN
- Iran were comprehensively thrashed 6-2 by England last time out, failing to recover from losing their starting goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand to a head injury sustained early on in the game, which triggered their downfall.
- Despite the beating, forward Mehdi Taremi still managed to find the net twice and Iran will know that if they can supply the Porto star with more opportunities in front of goal, then the chances are that he will take them.
THE TEAM NEWS
WALES
PREDICTED XI (3-5-2): Hennessey; Mepham, Rodon, Davies; Roberts, Allen, Ampadu, Ramsey; Bale, Moore
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE: Allen (Fitness)
IRAN
PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): H. Hosseini; Moharrami, Pouraliganji, M. Hosseini, Mohammadi; Jahanbakhsh, Nourollahi, Karimi, Hajsafi; Azmoun, Taremi
UNAVAILABLE: Beiranvand (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE KEY STATS
- Wales won the only previous meeting between these two nations: 18/04/1978, IR Iran 0-1 Wales, Friendly, Azadi Stadium, Tehran (IR Iran)
- Wales have drawn four of their previous six World Cup matches (W1 L1)
- In their opening match, Gareth Bale joined Chris Gunter as Wales' all-time record appearance maker on 109 international caps
- Wales are unbeaten in their last ten World Cup qualifying and final competition matches (W6 D4)
- Wales have not conceded more than one goal in any of their previous six World Cup matches
- Wales are without a win in their last six international matches. This is their longest sequence without a victory since 2011 (D2 L4)
- IR Iran have lost their first two matches in only one of their previous five FIFA World Cup appearances, the sole occasion was 2006
- IR Iran have won only two of their previous 16 FIFA World Cup matches (D4 L10)
- IR Iran’s record against European opposition at the FIFA World Cup is D2 L7
- IR Iran have only failed to score in one of their last five World Cup matches
- IR Iran have only kept two clean sheets in their previous 16 FIFA World Cup matches
- Against England, Mehdi Taremi became the first player to score more than one goal for IR Iran in a FIFA World Cup match and in the competition overall
- Ehsan Hajisafi and Alireza Jahanbakhsh have made the most World Cup appearances for IR Iran, with both having made their seventh appearance against England
THE PREDICTION
It was clear once England got their opening goal that there was no way back for Iran in that game, but they should put up a much better fist of things against Wales, who know that realistically, this is a must-win match for them as much as it is for their opponents with England next up for them. However, it cannot be understated how big of a loss goalkeeper Beiranvand will be to Iran, not only in terms of his goalkeeping ability, but also his general play and long throws, which so often orchestrate successful Iranian counter-attacks. Against Gareth Bale and co, it’s hard to see Carlos Queiroz’s men being able to keep Wales out when taking into account their defensive performance against the Three Lions. Wales on the other hand, defended well against United States and finished the game much the stronger side. Assuming they can convert their second half showing on Monday into a full 90-minute performance here, then Wales should come out on top.
TIP: WALES TO WIN
