Iran scored two last gasp goals to beat Wales 2-0 in a dramatic World Cup Group B fixture at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
Ali Gholizadeh had a goal disallowed for offside in a cagey first half as saves from Wayne Hennessey in the second-half maintained a deadlock between the two sides.
But the Welshman was sent off in the 86th minute and two late goals from Rouzbeh Cheshmi and Ramin Rezaeian broke Welsh hearts in the dying moments.
Iran had a goal disallowed goal in the 15th minute after a wayward pass from Connor Roberts found Sazar Azmoun who played in an offside Gholizadeh.
And Wales held their breaths once again in the 50th minute when Azmoun and Gholizadeh were denied by the post and a close range rebound save from Hennessy.
But the Welsh keeper was sent off through VAR in the 86th minute after he recklessly collided with Taremi outside the area who was through on goal.
In a dramatic end to Wales’ efforts, Cheshmi struck late past substitute keeper Danny Ward in the 98th minute to secure Iran a crucial three points in Group B.
Rezaeian doubled their lead in the 11th minute of added time as Wales’ defence capitulated in defeat.
The loss leaves Wales in grave danger of bowing out at the group stage as they must now win their final fixture against England to have any chance of qualification.
