Kieffer Moore targets aerial dominance when Wales face Iran
The 6ft 5in Bournemouth forward helped the Dragons fight back for a 1-1 draw in their World Cup opener with the United States.
Wales striker Kieffer Moore plans to torment Iran in the air just like England did.
England smashed six past Iran in their World Cup opener, with the Iranians having no answer to the Three Lions’ aerial power.
The 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 – and is confident of wreaking more havoc on the Iran defence.
“You could see England’s dominance in the box. They took a lead straight away and that set the tone for the game.
“It was 3-0 at half-time and England played really well to utilise those positions to get the ball into the box.
“If we can replicate that then hopefully we’ll get the same outcome.”
Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand suffered a head injury in the early stages of England’s 6-2 victory after colliding with team-mate Majid Hosseini.
Iran manager Carlos Queiroz had his head in his hands when Beiranvand came off, and it is unlikely that the first-choice goalkeeper will play against Wales.
Moore said: “If they are losing their number-one goalkeeper, it’s going to be tough for another person to come in.
“It means a rejig for them and it plays into our hands.”
Bournemouth striker Moore changed the course of Wales’ game against the USA after being introduced at half-time.
But Moore’s presence gave them a focal point to build attacks and pressure, which eventually ended with Bale winning a penalty and equalising from the spot eight minutes from time.
“I wanted to impose myself on the game and do what I could, so hopefully I am in a position to start on Friday,” said Moore.
“Over the past four or five years, I feel like I’ve really grown as a player and I really enjoy these big moments.
“When I’m called upon for these moments, I’ve always put up performances and I can’t wait for Friday.”
Moore, who started out at Truro and Dorchester, trawled the lower leagues at Yeovil, Forest Green and Torquay and even had a spell in Norwegian football before hitting the big time, has been pigeon-holed as an old-fashioned targetman.
But the 30-year-old believes he has more to his game than that, saying: “I’m deceptively quick and I like to play on that because people think with my size I can’t move. But I am quicker than people think.
“I have that physical and height advantage, so I like to play to my strengths.
“But I also have a willingness to run and work for the team.”
