Iran advance to Asian Cup semi final after beating Japan

TEHRAN, Feb. 03 (MNA) – Iran defeated Japan 2-1 to qualify for round of 4 in Asian Cup quarter final on Saturday.

Iran faced Japan in the third quarterfinal of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 in Qatar on Saturday. The match was held at at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan.

The match ended in a 2-1 victory for Iran to qualify for the final four.

With the match tied at 1-1 and headed to extra time, Iran won a penalty in the fourth minute of added time and Jahanbakhsh stepped up to blast the ball into the top corner, drawing a loud roar from the Iranian fans in the arena.

Mohammad Mohebbi equalized the match in the in the 55th minute after receiving a superb pass from Sardar Azmoun.

Alireza Jahanbakhsh scored the winning penalty for Iran in the extra time. Mohebi had equalized against Japan.

Japan had dominated possession in the first half but it was Iran who controlled proceedings after the equaliser as it initiated wave after wave of attacks and the pressure finally paid off in second-half added time.

The Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun scored a goal in the second half but it was announced offside by the referee.

Iran had numerous chances to widen the lead but luck was not on their side.