Welshpool, Powys pupils see Wales World Cup tie at fan zone

Pupils from Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng visited the fanzone set up in Welshpool Town Hall to watch Wales’ latest game in the group stage at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar on November 24 at 10am.

Unfortunately, the morning ended in disappointment for both young and old fans as Wales ultimately lost 2-0 to the Iranian team.

Prior to the match, the school was energised with excitement for the match.

Town Mayor Alison Davies greeted the pupils by saying: “Welcome everybody/Croeso i bawb. We need you all to shout and cheer as loud as you can so the Welsh team can hear you all the way in Qatar.”

Teacher Llian Evans

Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng headteacher Angharad Davies said: “It’s brilliant to be down here, it’s so full of atmosphere. Being here in a crowd to watch this ignites so much passion in the children for Welsh culture and Welsh history.

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“We saw the advertisement for the fanzone and thought it would be such a good thing to do as it was in school hours. It’s a great way for us to support the town and adds to the excitement of the event.”

Fellow teacher Llian Evans said: “It’s fantastic for the town to have a space like this, and it’s fantastic for Welsh football to encourage this kind of support.

Pupils prepare for the match to get under way

“By being here it adds to the pupils seeing history in the making, something that hasn’t happened for 64 years. There’s been lots of excitement and lots of singing this morning.”

Despite the high hopes and excitement before the match, the game ended with disappointment for the Welsh fans when Roozbeh Cheshmi scored nine minutes into stoppage time, before Ramin Rezaeian scored another goal to seal an Iran victory.

Speaking on the loss, Town Councillor Geoffrey Lanagan said: “You could sense Wales slipping as the match went on. They were level pegging for a while but once Wales were a man down they seemed a step behind.

“It’s sad for Wales but on the flipside it’s nice to see the Iran team do well after showing such bravery with their protest earlier.”

Prior to their loss against England earlier this week, the Iran team declined to sing their national anthem in a show of support for anti-government protests in their country.

Operations manager Paul McGrath said: “I have to admit, Iran were the better team today, so as disappointing as it is you have to hand it to them. Wales put in an excellent effort and obviously it’s not over yet, but to play 100 minutes and lose it at the last minute is rough.”