Iran get rid of Japan from Asian Cup after a late penalty by Jahanbakhsh

Iran knocked four-times champions Japan out of the Asian Cup with a 2-1 victory of their quarter-final conflict after skipper Alireza Jahanbakhsh scored a penalty in time at Education City Stadium on Saturday.

With the match tied at 1-1 and headed to further time, Iran gained a penalty within the fourth minute of added time, and Jahanbakhsh stepped as much as blast the ball into the highest nook, drawing a loud roar from the Iranian followers within the area.

When the ultimate whistle blew, the Iran bench emptied onto the pitch and an emotional Jahanbakhsh dropped to the turf in aid whereas many gamers wept tears of pleasure.

Iran, who’re searching for a record-tying fourth Asian Cup title, had not overwhelmed Japan in 19 years, whereas their victory additionally prolonged Amir Ghalenoei’s unbeaten streak to 16 matches since he took cost in March.

Iran will discover out their semi-final opponents in a while Saturday when defending champion Qatar takes on Uzbekistan. Jordan performs South Korea within the different semi-final.

After a cagey begin to a bodily contest, Japan had taken the lead via Hidemasa Morita, who made a run previous 4 defenders earlier than beating Alireza Beiranvand in aim to silence the Iran followers within the stadium.

But the amount went up when Iran equalised 10 minutes into the second half with a chic transfer the place Sardar Azmoun performed the ball via to Mohammad Mohebi, who ran round his marker earlier than slipping his shot previous Suzuki into the underside nook.

Japan had dominated possession within the first half, nevertheless it was Iran who managed proceedings after the equaliser as they initiated wave after wave of assaults, and the stress lastly paid off in second-half added time.

Japan’s Ko Itakura made a large number of a clearance within the 94th minute, and as he tried to get better, he tripped Hossein Kanani within the field, and the referee instantly pointed to the spot, with Jahanbakhsh changing to whip their followers right into a frenzy.