Gareth Bale admitted he was "gutted" by Wales' last-gasp 2-0 defeat by Iran which left their World Cup hopes in tatters.

Gareth Bale admitted he was "gutted" by Wales' last-gasp 2-0 defeat by Iran which left their World Cup hopes in tatters.
The Welsh were battling to hold out for a point after an 86th-minute red card for goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey left them with 10 men.
But deep into stoppage time Iran struck twice through Roozbeh Cheshmi and Ramin Rezaeian.
Wales will now have to beat England on Tuesday to stand even the slightest chance of getting out of the group.
"It's gutting, we're gutted, there's no other way to say it," Bale told the BBC.
"We fought to the last seconds but it's difficult to take. But we have to pick ourselves up straight away, it's going to be difficult but we have one game left.
"We will have to see. What can I say? We'll recover and we have to go again."
Hennessey's rush of blood, when he raced out of his goal and wiped out Iran striker Mehdi Taremi, left Wales with an uphill struggle.
Bale added: "I haven't seen so I don't know &ndash; but obviously the red card changed the game completely."
Former Wales striker Ian Rush admitted Iran deserved their victory.
"Second half was like a cup game, both teams needed to win it," Rush told the BBC.
"Wales gave it 100 per cent but it was a lack of finishing and second half Iran were the better team."
Ex-Wales defender Ashley Williams added: "Wales gave it everything like they always do.
"We probably didn't create enough and didn't have enough chances on the Iranian goal. I'm gutted for the boys."

Gareth Bale 'gutted' by Wales' World Cup defeat to Iran

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Newcastle beat Manchester United 1-0 at St James' Park thanks to Anthony Gordon's sixth goal of the season.

Newcastle beat Manchester United 1-0 at St James' Park thanks to Anthony Gordon's sixth goal of the season.
The Magpies, who returned from Paris St Germain in midweek bitterly disappointed with a 1-1 Champions League draw, dominated for all but the final few minutes and perhaps should have secured the points in more emphatic fashion with Kieran Trippier seeing a first-half free-kick come back off the crossbar.
However, Gordon's 55th-minute finish - the fourth-successive home league game in which he has scored - proved sufficient to clinch a 1-0 win and send Eddie Howe's side above the Red Devils in the table, although his joy was tempered by a potentially-serious injury to goalkeeper Nick Pope.
Manchester United, who had thrown away a 3-1 lead at Galatasaray to draw 3-3 on Wednesday evening, created little of note - they saw a late goal ruled out after Antony's shot had clipped Harry Maguire in an offside position - as their run of five wins in six league games came to an end in front of a crowd of 52,214.
Under-fire goalkeeper Andre Onana and Diogo Dalot got themselves in a tangle as they attempted to deal with a Gordon cross, although opposite number Pope had to repel Alejandro Garnacho's 11th-minute attempt with a well-placed foot after Bruno Fernandes' superb pass had played him in behind Trippier.
Garnacho became an increasing threat down the Magpies' right as Manchester United started to impose themselves, but Luke Shaw had to block Alexander Isak's 15th-minute effort after Trippier had fizzed the ball into his feet inside the penalty area.
Onana saved from Miguel Almiron following a neat one-two between Joelinton and Trippier, while Guimaraes smashed an 18th-minute shot over from distance after Tino Livramento had surged forward down the left and cut the ball back.
The visitors were creaking and Maguire had to be in the right place at the right time to deflect Isak's goal-bound effort wide before Jamaal Lascelles headed over from the resulting corner.
Playmaker Fernandes did his best to drag Erik ten Hag's men into the game, but too often the men ahead of him were not equal to the task and they continued to look less than certain at the back with Isak firing wide 12 minutes before the break after Aaron Wan-Bissaka had headed Fabian Schar's long ball straight to him.
Almiron curled an attempt over the angle of post and crossbar after cutting inside Dalot from Trippier's through-ball, but Onana enjoyed the kind of fortune which has eluded him in recent weeks when Trippier rattled the crossbar with a 39th-minute free-kick after Maguire had felled Schar 25 yards out.
Livramento, whose scything run led to Isak's goal at Paris St Germain, almost repeated the dose two minutes after the restart when he set up Almiron, but saw the Paraguay international's shot half-blocked to allow Onana to save comfortably.
The keeper was finally beaten seconds later when Guimaraes rolled the ball into Trippier's path and he crossed low to the far post for Gordon to score.
Schar whistled a shot from distance a foot over Onana's crossbar as the home side looked to kill the game off, and Ten Hag responded by replacing Marcus Rashford and Martial with Antony and Rasmus Hojlund.
Antony added vigour to a side in desperate need of inspiration, but to little real effect and Wan-Bissaka survived penalty appeals for handball after blocking Lewis Miley's shot with 12 minutes remaining.
Schar had to throw his body into the path of Sergio Reguilon's well-struck 82nd-minute volley, although Pope's evening ended in agony as he was led from the pitch having suffered an injury as he dived in anticipation behind the defender.
Replacement Martin Dubravka was beaten with two minutes of normal time left on the clock, but an offside flag came to the tiring Magpies' rescue and they safely negotiated nine minutes of stoppage-time to claim victory.

Anthony Gordon nets winner as Newcastle edge out Man Utd in Premier League clash

Arsenal opened up a four-point lead at the top of the Premier League as two early goals proved just enough to see off Wolves 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal opened up a four-point lead at the top of the Premier League as two early goals proved just enough to see off Wolves 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium.
With closest challengers and reigning champions Manchester City not in action until Sunday, Mikel Arteta's side took full advantage as Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard struck in the opening 16 minutes before a nervy ending brought about by Matheus Cunha's strike.
The Gunners ultimately ran out winners on an afternoon where their early goals were the peak of a performance that promised more than it provided.
Having thrashed Lens here 6-0 on Wednesday to ensure safe passage into the last 16 of the Champions League, Wolves proved they were made of sterner stuff and stayed in the contest until the last.
Saka needed less than six minutes to put the home side ahead as Arsenal scored their earliest Premier League goal of the campaign so far.
It is something manager Mikel Arteta has been keen to improve on, stopping sides being able to sit deep and defend in numbers.
Gabriel Jesus fed Takehiro Tomiyasu, who slipped in for Saka to coolly convert and continue what is fast becoming a fine season for the England forward.
Saka's speedy opener gave Arsenal a platform to build on and they doubled their lead just seven minutes later.
Jesus was again involved, this time playing in Oleksandr Zinchenko down the left with the full-back then squaring for Odegaard to sweep home and finish off another eye-catching move.
Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa appeared to pick up an injury attempting to keep out Odegaard's effort but was on had to bravely block a Leandro Trossard shot as Arsenal continued to turn the screw.
That turned out to be Sa's final contribution, however, as he limped off to be replaced by Dan Bentley.
The visitors enjoyed more of the ball but created very little before being caught on a counter-attack that ended with Gabriel Martinelli hitting the base of Bentley’s post with a curling strike.
Jesus then failed to finish a difficult chance at the back post as Saka's ball in was deflected into the Brazilian's path.
Wolves finally had a telling chance in the dying embers of first-half stoppage time but Hwang Hee-chan could not take full advantage of Zinchenko's weak backpass as David Raya rushed off his line to block.
Cunha stung the palms of the Arsenal goalkeeper early in the second half just after Jesus had a penalty claim turned down at the other end.
Declan Rice drilled wide and Saka bent a long-range strike inches over the crossbar as the game seemed to be petering out to a conclusion.
Tomiyasu was forced off with what appeared to be a calf injury as Ben White replaced the Japan international for the final 12 minutes.
Trossard should have added a third moments later but could not finish when played in on goal as Bentley made a smart stop to deny both the Belgian and Saka, who followed up the initial effort.
Instead though, it was Wolves who would reduced the arrears and set up a nervy ending for the hosts as Nelson Semedo nipped the ball off the toes of Zinchenko and Cunha slammed home.
Arsenal should have immediately re-established their two-goal cushion but substitute Eddie Nketiah hit a post when presented with a fine opportunity.
The Gunners, though, hung on to seal the win and put a gap between themselves and the chasing pack ahead of Tuesday's trip to Luton.

Arsenal open up four-point lead at the top of the table after seeing off Wolves

Pep Guardiola expects Tottenham to come at his Manchester City side at full-throttle this weekend.

Pep Guardiola expects Tottenham to come at his Manchester City side at full-throttle this weekend.
Spurs caught the eye playing dynamic and attacking football in a strong start to the Premier League season under new manager Ange Postecoglou.
The Londoners have come unstuck in recent weeks, losing their last three games and suffering injuries to key players, but their Australian manager has determinedly stuck to his principles.
"He's been there from day one, from the first game of the Premier League," said City boss Guardiola, whose treble winners host Spurs at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
"I have the feeling it doesn't matter the result, it doesn't matter the opponent, home or away – they do what they have to do.
"I like that. I think that is so incredible an advert for our game, for our sport. When two teams (decide it) doesn't matter what happens, I do my game, I go forward, there are always nice things to watch, all the time.
"It's impossible you don't see an interesting game where both teams want to try to do it."
City midfielder Mateo Kovacic is back in contention after injury and John Stones, and unused substitute for the last games, is also close to returning to action.
Kyle Walker, who has taken over the City captaincy so far this season with Kevin De Bruyne out injured, will face his old club.
"I'm really, really pleased about what he's doing," said Guardiola of the 33-year-old right-back.
"He's the same guy who was involved before, when he wasn't captain, but now the players decided to pick him, so he now has a little more responsibility.
"When there's some problems in the locker room or whatever, captains tend to solve it."

Man City's Pep Guardiola expects full-throttle clash against Tottenham

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski believes it's vital for the Catalans to beat Atletico Madrid when they clash in La Liga on Sunday.

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski believes it's vital for the Catalans to beat Atletico Madrid when they clash in La Liga on Sunday.
Barcelona find themselves in a challenging position in the league, trailing leaders Real Madrid and Girona by four points.
With each match growing in significance, the upcoming weekend fixture becomes crucial for the Catalans, who cannot afford to drop any more points in their pursuit of the league title.
This weekend's encounter poses an added challenge as Barcelona faces a formidable opponent flying high in the league standings. The adversary, sharing the same points tally of 31 with Barcelona but having played one fewer game, intensifies the pressure on Xavi's squad.
While the entire team's collective effort is imperative, all eyes will be on the Polish striker, Robert Lewandowski. The prolific goal-scorer has not replicated the goal tally from the previous season, making his resurgence to top form a priority for Barcelona's title defence.
"Barcelona must take a step forward. It is essential to win, especially mentally," said Lewandowski, as quoted by SPORT.
"Now two very important games are coming and we have to be able to win the six points.
"We are Barca, playing at home. We can win, and we have to go for it from the first minute.
"The fans can help us to be fired up; they are very important to us."

Robert Lewandowski: 'Essential' for Barcelona to beat Atletico Madrid

In the intricate dance of football transfers, Real Madrid are preparing for a last, strategic move to sign the prodigious Kylian Mbappe.

In the intricate dance of football transfers, Real Madrid are preparing for a last, strategic move to sign the prodigious Kylian Mbappe.
Renowned Spanish journalist Jorge C Picon has revealed that the club are set to unveil their ultimate offer at the turn of the year, marking the culmination of a prolonged pursuit.
Mbappe, now 24, has ascended to the zenith of world football over the past six years. Bursting onto the scene during the 2016/17 season with AS Monaco, he played a pivotal role in securing the Ligue 1 title for his team. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) swiftly recognized his potential, securing him on loan in the 2017 summer transfer window before finalizing a permanent deal a year later.
Despite being the linchpin for PSG, Mbappe's future has perennially been shrouded in speculation. The recent limelight has been focused on Real Madrid, with persistent rumours linking the French sensation to the iconic white jersey. This intrigue reached its peak in the last two summer transfer windows.
Mbappe's journey has been marked by steadfast loyalty to PSG, evident even during the tumultuous period when he declared his intention to run down his contract this past summer. Banished briefly from the squad, he swiftly reclaimed his pivotal role, amassing an impressive 17 goals and two assists in just 17 appearances.
Yet, as Mbappe enters the final year of his contract, the football world eagerly awaits his decision. Premier League giants have been lurking in the shadows, but it is Real Madrid that have consistently courted him. Recent reports suggested that the club had abandoned hopes of a Bosman move, having chased the Frenchman in the past three summer windows.
Real Madrid, a club with a storied history, remain cautiously optimistic. Their final offer, poised to be unveiled at the turn of the year, carries the weight of their aspirations to secure Mbappe's services. The catch, however, lies in Mbappe's desire to don the iconic white jersey. The Merengues are not willing to go all out unless the World Cup winner unequivocally expresses his wish to join their ranks.
As Real Madrid unveil their final gamble, the ball is firmly in the court of the 24-year-old prodigy. Will Mbappe choose the allure of the Merengues and embark on a new chapter in his illustrious career? The answer lies in the impending turn of the year, promising a thrilling denouement to this captivating transfer saga.

Real Madrid's gamble for Kylian Mbappe: Will the PSG star join the Merengues?

Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel has revealed that the Bundesliga giants don't have as many challenges in the dressing room as Paris Saint-Germain.

Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel has revealed that the Bundesliga giants don't have as many challenges in the dressing room as Paris Saint-Germain.
The German tactician spent two and a half seasons at PSG, where he was in charge for 127 games, and signed for Die Roten after a short spell at Chelsea.
Some of the Bayern players have recently been criticised for their off-field behaviour, but Tuchel insists his man-management was pushed much harder during his time at Parc des Princes.
"Here at Bayern, when I hear that a certain player’s behavior is unacceptable, I laugh because I think: ‘You have no idea what we had to deal with in Paris!’ and I calm down," Tuchel said.
"In Paris, the group is always willing to play for a superstar to score goals, no problem. The problem is when that superstar doesn’t give anything back to the rest of the group or doesn’t show any respect!"
Bayern are currently at the top of the Bundesliga standings, level on points with second-placed Borussia Dortmund.
Their next fixture is at home against relegation-threatened Union Berlin on Saturday afternoon.

Thomas Tuchel: Bayern Munich dressing room easier to manage than PSG's

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes Anfield is a "nightmare" for opposition teams as the ground has once again become a fortress for his side.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes Anfield is a "nightmare" for opposition teams as the ground has once again become a fortress for his side.
The 4-0 Europa League victory over LASK extended their 100 per cent home record to 10 matches this season, in which they have scored 31 goals and conceded just four.
Liverpool have not lost at home in any competition since their Champions League defeat to Real Madrid in February, and domestically it stretches back to October last year.
They have dropped just six points in the Premier League in that time in a run of 18 wins and three draws.
"It is our home, it must, must, must be a difficult place to come," said Klopp on their Anfield record.
"I said to the boys (before the LASK game), I think for every player, if they are not playing at Liverpool and play in a different country, playing at Anfield is a dream.
"But actually it must be a nightmare and that is what we try to do. It didn't work out all the time but when our people are at it, it makes a massive difference.
"So it is cool, but I think my best skill is not feeling at all winning streaks. I just don't feel it because the next game is so important, so different, so difficult.
"That's why I don't think they help really, maybe for the other team to think it's a difficult place to go, but for us each game stays difficult because of the quality of the opponent."
Fulham, who have scored just 13 times in as many Premier League matches, are the next side to try to break Liverpool's streak on Sunday.
They may have been given hope by the hamstring injury to goalkeeper Alisson Becker, which has put back-up Caoimhin Kelleher in line for his longest run in the side, having never played more than three consecutive games for the club.
The Republic of Ireland international, whose appearances this season have so far been limited to the Europa League and Carabao Cup, warmed up with some good saves in the final 20 minutes of the LASK win having not been tested before that.
Klopp has previously described Kelleher as the world's best number two and he has no doubts about the 25-year-old's potential to elevate himself further.
"We see him every day in training, he is an exceptional talent," said the manager.
"Maybe we don't mention the name often enough but (goalkeeping coach) John Achterberg said to me from day one when I was in that this will be our homegrown boy who will make it.
"We had discussions in the summer obviously about (moving on), but as long as we don't have a solution we cannot loan players.
"He is homegrown and the first responsibility is to do the best for Liverpool, then we have to see how we can sort it.
"Now obviously for him it is a situation he did not want to have, but obviously because you want opportunities, you want to play, now he will get a few games, definitely. I trust him."
Kelleher insists he is ready for an extended run in the side and that LASK proved a useful warm-up.
"I know it's obviously been a long time (since being in the first-choice team) but I'm always training for that, to try and be ready and if something does happen to Ali – unfortunately something has – then I'm ready to go in and try to help the team get some more wins," he told LFCTV.
"It was a good performance and that gives me confidence to build on and hopefully I can back that up with another good performance on Sunday."