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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
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Standard Sport

Wales player ratings vs Iran: Wayne Hennessey blunder so costly as Gareth Bale anonymous in World Cup loss

Quiet day: Gareth Bale was very ineffective for Wales against Iran

(Picture: PA)

Wales suffered a devastating late defeat at the hands of Iran to leave their World Cup dreams in major peril.

Rob Page’s side produced a mostly dismal display at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan on Friday, with dominant Iran twice hitting the woodwork and forcing Wayne Hennessey into a couple of huge saves.

However, Hennessey’s late red card - awarded after a VAR review - for inexplicably racing out of his box and clattering Mehdi Taremi proved a crucial turning point, with 10-man Wales unable to hold on courtesy of last-gasp efforts from Roozbeh Cheshmi and Ramin Rezaeian.

The result boosts Iran’s hopes of reaching the last-16 for the first time, while Wales now need to beat old rivals England on Tuesday night.

Here is how the Wales players rated on Friday...

Wayne Hennessey - 4

Made one good save to keep out Saeid Ezatolahi but was sent off after totally misjudging a through-ball and clattering into Mehdi Taremi.

Moment of madness: Wayne Hennessey saw red for clattering into Iran’s Mehdi Taremi (PA)

Chris Mepham - 6

Like Rodon too often having to put in last-ditch challenges and headers.

Joe Rodon - 6

Another player guilty of poor distribution, in his case Hennessey saved his skin by saving low from Saeid Ezatolahi.

Ben Davies - 7

Some important blocks, and almost scored with a rocket of a shot in the second half which was brilliantly kept out by Iran goalkeeper Hossein Hosseini.

Connor Roberts - 5

Almost gifted Iran the lead in the first half with a dreadful pass inside, with only VAR saving him. Distribution and decision-making questionable.

Neco Williams - 6

Failed to take advantage of a decent first-half opening which could have changed the shape of the game.

Ethan Ampadu - 5

A bad afternoon for the Spezia player, with his passing letting him down in central midfield.

Aaron Ramsey - 5

Never got a grip on midfield and poor with his distribution and set-piece play.

Harry Wilson - 7

One of the more impressive figures in midfield, had one good effort deflected over.

Kieffer Moore - 6

Worked hard up front with little reward.

Gareth Bale - 5

Extremely quiet by his high standards, and was hardly in the game at all.

SUBSTITUTES

Dan James (for Wilson, ‘58) - 6

Sparkled initially when he came on but by the end was also misplacing passes.

Brennan Johnson (for Roberts, ‘58) - 6

Provided more attacking threat than Roberts, but ultimately failed to make a telling impact.

Joe Allen (for Ampadu, ‘77) - 5

His poor clearance led to Iran's first goal in the 98th minute.

Danny Ward (for Ramsey ‘87) - 6

Could do nothing about the two goals he conceded.

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