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Recommended bets
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Match preview
After claiming their first World Cup point in 64 years, can Wales now claim their first World Cup victory since 17 June 1958?
On Monday night, the Dragons’ long awaited World Cup return came against the United States in Al Rayyan.
In truth, the U.S. completely dominated the first half, and deservedly led 1-0 at the interval.
But then Kieffer Moore entered the fray, and this absolutely changed the complexion of the game.
It looked as though an equaliser wouldn’t come until, with nine minutes to go, Gareth Bale was scythed down in the area, before picking himself up and smashing home the subsequent penalty.
1-1 it finished, leaving Rob Page’s team in a decent position to reach the round of 16.
Mehdi Taremi did score a brace in that one, but this was scant consolation, with Team Melli conceding 6+ for the first time since 1950.
Iran are now winless in 11 World Cup matches, dating back to 1998 when they famously defeated USA in Lyon.
Nevertheless, despite Monday’s hammering, Carlos Queiroz’s will believe they can spring a surprise in this one.
Will it be a famous afternoon for Wales at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium?
Wales team news
Given the impact he had off the bench on Monday, most would expect Kieffer Moore to come into the XI here.
This would see Harry Wilson make-way, given that Dan James has started all 34 of Wales’ competitive internationals since his debut in March 2019.
In midfield, Joe Allen remains a doubt, meaning Ethan Ampadu could continue as Aaron Ramsey’s partner.
Wayne Hennessey only made one save against USA, but will continue to don the gloves, chosen over Danny Ward.
Predicted XI (5-2-3): Hennessey; Roberts, Mepham, Rodon, Davies, Williams; Ramsey, Ampadu; James, Bale, Moore.
IR Iran team news
Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand was forced off early against England due to concussion so, presumably, isn’t available here; Hossein Hosseini will deputise.
Star striker Sardar Azmoun was only fit enough for a brief cameo against England, but could start this one, alongside Alireza Jahanbakhsh and leading scorer Mehdi Taremi.
Captain Ehsan Hajsafi will win his 123rd cap, needing 28 more to match Javad Nekounam’s national record.
Predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Hosseini; Moharrami, Cheshmi, Hosseini, Mohammadi; Hajsafi, Nourollahi, Karimi, Jahanbakhsh, Azmoun; Taremi.
Wales vs IR Iran: Head to head statistics
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