In a nail-biting quarter-final showdown at the Education City Stadium in al-Rayyan, west of Doha, Iran emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over Japan. The thrilling match, held on February 3, 2024, showcased a stunning comeback from Iran, securing their spot in the semi-finals of the Qatar 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
Japan, eyeing a record-extending fifth Asian Cup title, took the lead in the first half through Hidemasa Morita’s goal. However, Iran, a three-time Asian Cup champion, staged a remarkable turnaround in the second half.
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Mohammad Mohebi equalized for Iran ten minutes into the second half, setting the stage for an intense battle. The Iranian team dominated the remainder of the game, putting Japan under relentless pressure. As the match headed towards extra time, a crucial moment unfolded.
Kou Itakura’s foul on Hossein Kanaanizadegan in the box resulted in a 96th-minute penalty for Iran. Alireza Jahanbakhsh stepped up and calmly converted the penalty, sealing a dramatic 2-1 victory for Iran and earning them a place in the Asian Cup Semi-Finals.
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Coach Amir Ghalenoei commended his players for their outstanding second-half performance, describing them as “fantastic” and highlighting the potential turning point for Iranian football. Ghalenoei also addressed critics, emphasizing that constructive criticism is valuable, but some individuals had sought to undermine the national team over the past 11 months.
Despite missing the suspended Porto forward Mehdi Taremi, Iran showcased resilience and determination throughout the match. The article acknowledged Japan’s early lead and the balanced nature of the first half, emphasizing Iran’s dominance in the second half, culminating in the late penalty drama.
This victory marks a significant achievement for Iran as they pursue their first Asian title since 1976. With a spot in the Asian Cup Semi-Finals secured, Iranian football enthusiasts are optimistic about their team’s chances in the remainder of the tournament.
Source: Vanguard
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