Wales poor and Gareth Bale finished as Iran win deserved World Cup

Wales were beaten by Iran in their World Cup clash on Friday, with Rouzbeh Cheshmi and Ramin Rezaeian both on target. The Dragons had entered the match hoping for victory after a 1-1 stalemate with the United States in their tournament opener. However, that didn't happen - and now Express Sport will look at four things we learned from the showdown.

Wales

Wales have been good at major tournaments in the past. The memory of their formidable journey to the quarter-finals of the European Championships in 2016, in particular, stands out.

But Rob Page's men have looked toothless and unimaginative during the competition so far and, after that loss, are now on the verge of collapse.

Wales managed just 10 shots against Iran, three of them on target, despite dominating the ball before Wayne Hennessey's red card. They also managed to chain almost double the number of passes.

Iran have always been the side that looked most likely to score a winner, with the Middle Eastern side hitting the woodwork twice and seeing another goal scored for offside before their quick double.

Wales will need to be at their best to beat England next time around, but the fact is, of their two games in the tournament, they haven't deserved to win either.

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Gareth Bale has been a superstar for Wales over the years but, as the veteran enters the final years of his career, it is clear he is a player on the wane.

The 33-year-old, who plays for Los Angeles FC in the cozy MLS these days, made a static figure in the lead as his team failed to create any openings.

In the past, Bale was able to beat defenders with mind-blowing trickery or pace. Sadly, those days are now behind him.

It wouldn't be a complete surprise to see the former Real Madrid, Tottenham and Southampton star hang up his boots once the tournament is over.

Bale has already done so much for his country that no one would blame him.

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Iran were well beaten by England in their opening game of the World Cup and were in fact lucky enough to score two consolation goals in this confrontation.

But they put in a brilliant performance against the Dragons on Friday and deserved to leave the stadium with all three points to their name.

Ali Gholizadeh had a goal ruled out for offside in the first half, leaving Wales out of trouble...