Asian Cup 2015: Iran strike late in Brisbane to beat UAE 1-0 and grab top spot in Group C
A LATE header from Reza Ghoochannejhad has secured Iran a 1-0 Asian Cup win over United Arab Emirates in Brisbane and top spot in Group C.
A LATE header from substitute Reza Ghoochannejhad has secured Iran a 1-0 Asian Cup win over United Arab Emirates and top spot in Group C.
Just when it seemed the UAE had done enough at Suncorp Stadium last night to secure the necessary draw to top their group and condemn Iran to a likely quarter-final meeting with tournament favourites Japan, Ghoochannejhad bobbed up in stoppage time to send the pro-Iran crowd of 11,394 into raptures.
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UAE have also qualified for the quarter-finals, but are now likely to face tournament favourites Japan, who are expected seal first place in Group D on Tuesday.
Iran’s quarter-finals opponents are expected to be Iraq, who should have no trouble beating Group D minnows Palestine.
Despite Iran having the better chances during Monday night’s contest, UAE can consider themselves unlucky not to have secured the point they needed.
UAE playmaker Omar Abdulrahman was sheer class and clearly the best player on the park despite Ghoochannejhad being named the official man-of-the-match.
Abdulrahman was superb in the middle of the park and deserved a better outcome for his performance.
But Iran also had their moments, with midfielder Vahid Amiry heavily involved in the first-half.
Amiry’s delightful through ball caught the UAE defence napping in the 14th minute and it was only smart work from goalkeeper Majed Naser that prevented Sardar Azmoun from taking the lead.
Iran continued to attack, with Amiry and Azmoun again combining in the 20th minute.
Roaming down the left flank, Amiry delivered a dangerous that found Azmoun unmarked in the penalty area.
But the Rubin Kazan marksman directed his header straight at Naser.
Iran had claims for a penalty late in the first half when UAE defender Mohanad Salem seemed to use his hand to prevent a dangerous Azmoun header from finding its intended target.
But Japanese referee Ryuji Sato waved away the spot kick appeals.
Iran again came close in the 52nd minute, but Alireza Jahanbakhsh failed to hit the target with his volley.
However, the goal finally came, much to the delight of the Iran coaching staff and bench, who ran on to the field to celebrate Ghoochannejhad’s late winner.
Originally published as Asian Cup 2015: Iran strike late in Brisbane to beat UAE 1-0 and grab top spot in Group C