Camera IconGareth Bale (11) scored but Kieffer Moore was the focal point for Wales when he came on at halftime. (AP PHOTO) Credit: AP

Wales aim to emulate England against Iran

Staff WritersPress Association

Wales striker Kieffer Moore plans to torment Iran in the air when the two sides meet up in the second round of Group B games - just like England did.

Gareth Southgate's side smashed six past Iran in their World Cup opener, with the Iranians having no answer to the English aerial power.

The 196cm (6ft 5in) Moore watched the first half of that game before Wales set off for their tournament opener - a 1-1 draw against the United States.

He is confident of wreaking more havoc on the Iran defence when the teams meet on Friday (9pm AEDT).

"They did struggle in the air," Moore said. "You could see England's dominance in the box. They took a lead straight away and that set the tone for the game.

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"If we can replicate that then hopefully we'll get the same outcome."

Wales are looking to qualify for the knockout stages for the first time since 1958 - their last appearance at the World Cup - while Iran have never gone past the group stage.

The Asian side have won only one of their last 11 matches at the tournament, a 1-0 victory over Morocco four years ago.

Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand suffered a head injury in the early stages of England's 6-2 victory after colliding with teammate Majid Hosseini.

Manager Carlos Queiroz had his head in his hands when Beiranvand came off, and it is unlikely the first-choice goalkeeper will play against Wales.

"If they are losing their No.1 goalkeeper, it's going to be tough for another person to come in," Moore said.

"It means a rejig for them and it plays into our hands."

Bournemouth striker Moore changed the course of Wales' opening game against the USA after being introduced at halftime.

Wales were 1-0 down after an awful 45 minutes, failing to create a single chance, with forwards Gareth Bale and Daniel James completely isolated.

But Moore's presence gave them a focal point to build attacks and pressure, which ended with Bale winning a penalty and equalising from the spot eight minutes from time, his fourth goal at major championships for Wales.

"I wanted to impose myself on the game and do what I could, so hopefully I am in a position to start on Friday," Moore said.

If he does line-up against Iran, he will face opponents who have been busy learning the lessons of that heavy opening-game defeat.

"We win or learn," Queiroz said.

"We had the privilege to learn a lot of things today with the English team and we are much better prepared now to play against Wales.

"Being 3-0 down, the only goal for our team was to enjoy the game and be part of one moment that we should keep brave, united, fighting and try to play our football."