Doha: Iran scored twice deep into stoppage time to stun Wales 2-0 on Friday and breathe new life into a World Cup campaign overshadowed by mass anti-government protests at home.
The Iranian players sang the national anthem before the Group B clash, having opted to stay silent in their opener in Qatar, and were worthy winners against a Welsh side reduced to 10 men late in the match.
Iran, who would have been eliminated with if they had lost, punished Gareth Bale's Wales in the eighth minute of injury time when substitute Rouzbeh Cheshmi smashed home.
The Iranians sent their thousands of fans at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Doha wild when Ramin Rezaeian clipped in a second goal on the counter-attack.
There were emotional scenes as Iran's players and staff, including their Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, embraced on the pitch and took in the acclaim of their supporters.
Mehdi Taremi, the team's star striker, paid tribute to Iran's fans.
"Thank you to our supporters, they helped us all the time," said Taremi, who was cut down by Wayne Hennessey when the goalkeeper came haring out of his goal.
Hennessey was sent off in the 86th minute, earning the first red card of the World Cup following a VAR review.
"We need those supporters to support us like always," added Taremi, whose side will reach the last 16 if they win a politically charged clash with the United States on Tuesday. "Even those who are in Iran behind their TV, we need their positive energy. We have a dream and we want to give that dream a chance."
Iran were thumped 6-2 by England in their opening match.
Source: AFP
