Social media reacts to a dramatic 2-0 win for Iran at the Al-Rayyan Stadium.
Prior to kick-off, Welsh fans were confident of getting a big result against Carlos Queiroz’ side.
Schoolchildren across Wales got to miss lessons to support their team in what is just their second appearance in a World Cup.
The Iranian national team all sung the national anthem – albeit reluctantly – in contrast to their silence before the game against England.
They were met by boos and banners protesting against the Iranian government.
It comes as former national team player Voria Ghafouri, 35, was arrested by Iranian security forces today after a training session with his club Foolad Khuzestan.
In contrast, Wales fans at the stadium and at home recited ‘Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’ in typically dramatic fashion.
After a tense first half that remained goalless, Welsh supporters voiced their frustration at both their star man Gareth Bale and the Guatemalan referee Mario Escobar.
In a mostly passive first-half performance, Bale went into the break with only 16 touches of the ball.
The second half started at a frantic pace with Iran hitting the woodwork twice in quick succession as they gained the ascendancy.
Wales struggled to get the ball off Iran for long periods of the second half and when goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey was sent off for a heavy collision with Mehdi Taremi, the odds seemed stacked against Rob Page’s side.
And in the depths of extra time, two goals for Iran through substitute Rouzbeh Cheshmi and Ramin Rezaeian gave Queiroz’s men their first win over European opposition at a World Cup.
Viewers were critical of the seemingly one-sided analysis after the game.
They head into their final group stage game against USA with qualification for the round of 16 – which would be another first in their history – a very real prospect.
Wales were devastated by this loss, but must now pick themselves up and win against England to have any chance of proceeding to the knockouts.
Fans shared their team’s pain – but have kept the faith in their side’s prospects against the Three Lions.
