Alireza Jahanbakhsh’s last-minute penalty gave Iran a 2-1 victory over Japan on Saturday, clinching a spot within the Asian Cup semi-finals for the second time since 2004.
Iran will subsequent face match host Qatar, who defeated Uzbekistan 3-2 on penalties within the quarterfinals after a 1-1 stalemate after additional time.
Jahanbakhsh remained calm through the six minutes of stoppage time within the second half, placing Iran on monitor to win their fourth title since 1976. Ko Itakura was whistled for a foul, and Jahanbakhsh was denied an opportunity by goaltender Zion Suzuki.
“Iran must be proud,” Iran coach Amir Galenoei mentioned. “The gamers gave their all. I feel this outcome may very well be a turning level for Iranian soccer.”
In an entertaining first half of the quarterfinal match held at Education City Stadium, Hidemasa Morita gave Japan, the pre-tournament favorites, the lead, and Iran got here from behind to win.
Mohammad Mohebi scored the equalizer within the fifty fifth minute.
Iran acquired off to an lively begin, with Jahan Bakhsh taking a shot from the left facet within the thirteenth minute. Moments later, Saeed Ezatolahi fired a straight shot in direction of goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
However, Japan, aiming for his or her fifth Asian Cup win, probably the most in historical past, took the lead within the twenty eighth minute with out incident. Morita collected the move and darted previous Hossein Kanani into the realm. His shot, though mushy, appeared to confuse Alireza Beiranvand, and the ball bounced off the goalkeeper’s foot and into the online. Ta.
Iran, with out star striker Mehdi Taremi attributable to suspension, got here near leveling the rating six minutes earlier than half-time when Brentford midfielder Saman Ghods’ shot narrowly missed the goal.
Ten minutes after the break, Sardar Azmun handed the ball to Mohebi, who fired his first shot from close to the penalty spot into the objective, sparking a comeback.
Japan nationwide workforce coach Hajime Moriyasu mentioned, “We have to enhance in lots of areas.”
“We conceded targets in all 5 video games on this match. We cannot win except we preserve a clear sheet…We could not stand up to the strain on our opponent’s protection.”
Hassan Al Haydos scored within the first half to provide defending champions Qatar the lead within the twenty seventh minute. A cross from the precise facet deceived goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov, who was standing on the close to submit, and resulted in an personal objective for the keeper.
Uzbekistan, aiming to advance to the semi-finals for the second time, seized the chance and equalized within the 59th minute. Odilyon Hamrobekov picked up the free ball outdoors the realm and the midfielder’s shot discovered the underside nook of the objective.
Uzbekistan continued to create extra probabilities, however was unable to stop the penalty shootout.
Both goalkeepers made saves, however Pedro Miguel made the decisive kick and Qatar superior to the final 4.
The winner of Wednesday’s matchup will face South Korea or Jordan within the ultimate on February tenth.