“There’s no other way to say it” – Gareth Bale responds after Wales’ ‘gutting’ late defeat to Iran in FIFA World Cup clash
Wales captain Gareth Bale has expressed his dismay after the Dragons suffered a 2-0 loss at the hands of Iran at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
After drawing 1-1 with the USA in their first group match, Wales took to the field for the second time at the 2022 FIFA World Cup today (November 25). They faced Iran, who had lost 6-2 to England in their opener, with the hope of earning their first victory in Qatar.
However, things did not go according to plan for Bale and Co. as they succumbed to Iran. Rouzbeh Cheshmi and Ramin Rezaeian scored two late goals after Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey was sent off to earn the Persians the win.
FT | 🏴 0-2 🇮🇷
It's all over at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium as Iran score two without reply.
#ArBenYByd | #FIFAWorldCup | #TogetherStronger https://t.co/PQGhkRtK4U
The defeat has come as a huge blow to Wales' hopes of progressing into the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup. They now find themselves sitting at the bottom of the Group B table with one point from two matches.
Speaking after the game, Bale admitted that the loss against Iran today was hard to swallow. The Wales skipper, though, stressed the need for his team to take it on the chin and prepare for their final group match against England on November 29.
He told BBC [via The Independent]:
“It’s gutting. There’s no other way to say it. We fought until the last second but it’s one of those things; it’s difficult to take but we have to recover and go again.
“We have to pick ourselves up straight away. It’s going to be difficult but we’ve got one game left. And we want to enjoy it as well. It’s going to be difficult and it depends on the other game, we’ll see.”
IRAN SCORE IN THE 99TH AND 101ST MINUTES TO BEAT WALES https://t.co/NGt2pXBxRW
Bale's Wales can still qualify for the FIFA World Cup Round of 16
England are set to lock horns with the USA in their second match of the FIFA World Cup on the night of November 25. A win against the Yanks will see the Three Lions book their place in the Round of 16 of the competition.
That would leave Iran, the USA and Wales to fight for second place in Group B. However, a shock win for Gregg Berhalter's side today would see things go down to the wire.
Wales, who will play their final group match against England, thus still have a chance of qualifying for the next round. However, it will also largely depend on the results of the other three teams in their group.