Wales made a brilliant comeback against the United States on the opening day of the World Cup to draw 1-1. Manager Rob Page got things wrong at the start, allowing the United States to dominate the first half.
The Dragons were fortunate not to be down more than a goal at halftime. Kieffer Moore’s introduction for the second half changed the game, allowing Wales to come more into it. Gareth Bale’s late penalty came from Wales’ continued pressure.
🏴🇮🇷 Gêm Nesaf #ArBenYByd | #FIFAWorldCup | #TogetherStronger pic.twitter.com/wme21hG068— Wales 🏴 (@Cymru) November 23, 2022
🏴🇮🇷 Gêm Nesaf #ArBenYByd | #FIFAWorldCup | #TogetherStronger pic.twitter.com/wme21hG068
Now, Wales play Iran in Group B with their World Cup destiny in their own hands. A win for Wales would put them on the edge of going through to the knockout rounds.
Iran will look to rebound following a disastrous opening tournament game versus England. The Three Lions took Iran apart from the start, winning 6-2. Iran’s only high point was the two-goal performance of Medhi Taremi.
Although Iran were overrun and outplayed by England, they showed some promise from certain players, especially Taremi. Iran can get a draw off Wales, but they will need to show more going forward than they did versus England.
Neither side had much possession in its World Cup opener. Wales had 41% of the ball versus the United States and didn’t come into the game until the second half. Moore enabled the Welsh to hold onto the ball and Bale to play off him.
Iran had just 21% of the ball versus England. They were constantly under pressure. The Iranians will need a better defensive performance versus Wales.
If Wales can get a win, they would put an incredible amount of pressure on the States, who play England later in the day.
Forty-two per cent of the games at the World Cup ended with both teams scoring. In addition, 42% of matches finished with over 2.5 goals.
Four of the opening 12 games in the 2022 FIFA World Cup were draws. Wales could find it difficult to break down Iran in the second game. Iran will offer up different challenges than the States did.
Wales will need to create far more than they did in the first game. Therefore, Moore could start instead of Daniel James. Page used a 3-5-2 formation in the opening match. He could go 4-4-2 versus Iran.
Iran manager Carlos Queiroz will likely stick with his 5-4-1 formation. He needs the team to get Taremi the ball more. Everyone saw what Taremi can do with the ball at his feet in the opening game.
Wales could slip up in this game, with the match ending in a score draw. It could be an open game with over 2.5 goals scored.