Up for the Cup: Iran wins but Omar Abdulrahman dazzles, Luongo targets next level

AN INJURY time goal from Reza Ghoochannejhad in Brisbane put Iran on top of Group C and into a likely quarter-final with Iraq. Get Up for the Cup.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 11: Reza Ghoochannejhad of Iran gestures after having a goal ruled offside during the 2015 Asian Cup match between IR Iran and Bahrain at AAMI Park on January 11, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

IRAN booked an intriguing quarter-final date against Iraq, while Bahrain sent Qatar home from the Asian Cup without a single point.

We’re Up for the Cup!

The Iran fans made some great noise at Suncorp Stadium.

IRAN V UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

A LATE goal from Reza Ghoochannejhad was enough to give Iran victory over UAE, sealing top spot in Group C and booking a likely quarter-final spot against Iraq in Canberra.

In front of a vocal crowd of more than 11,000 in Brisbane, it was a hard-fought affair with UAE dominating possession and passing but Iran the bigger goal threat as the game wore on.

The breakthrough came form a corner as normal time ticked over, the ball went deep before being played in where “Gucci” was waiting to head home in the six yard box.

WATCH ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS IN MATCH CENTRE

ABDULRAHMAN’S SILKY SKILLS

It was again the Omar Abdulrahman show for much of the clash, as the silky left-footer stole the show in Brisbane with his pinpoint passing and fast feet for UAE.

The highlight for the playmaker coming in the first half when he left four Iran defenders for dead. He’s all class is the big-haired No.10.

IRAN FANS CONTINUE VOCAL SUPPORT

Fans show their colours in Brisbane.

Iran fans show their support as more than 11,000 flocked to Brisbane.

BAHRAIN v QATAR

QATAR arrived with high hopes, but a 2-1 loss to Bahrain saw them tumble out of the Asian Cup without a point to their name, after a quiet affair in Sydney.

There was a fair amount of expectation on Qatar, who are the Gulf Cup champions and have the richest club competition in the East. But they will return home with three defeats, having scored just two goals in the tournament.

Bahrain were always the bigger goal threat, with Sayed Ahmed a thorn in Qatar’s side. Mohammed Muntari hit the woodwork on a couple of occasions but his lack of precision in front of goal was the difference.

WATCH ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS IN THE MATCH CENTRE

Massimo Luongo says he wants to have an even greater impact for the Socceroos.

SOCCEROOS WATCH

LUONGO SAYS HIS BEST IS YET TO COME

Good news, Socceroos fans. Massimo Luongo — Australia’s emerging star — is confident he can get even better as the Roos advance deep into the Asian Cup. Not satisfied with a goal and two assists in three games, the young midfielder is hoping to step it up a notch against China on Thursday.

“I need to take more responsibility and maybe do a bigger and better job than I have been,’’ he said.

TIME TO UNLEASH BRESCIANO

Mark Bresciano is fit as a fiddle, having played just 45 minutes of this Asian Cup, and it’s time to unleash him from the start against China.

That’s what Herald Sun writer David Davutovic says, claiming his composure and delivery could be crucial to Ange Postecoglou’s side’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals.

SOCCEROOS PLAY DOWN PITCH COMPLAINTS

Socceroos midfielders Massimo Luongo and Matt McKay have no serious concerns over the Suncorp Stadium pitch. Swindon Town star Luongo says he plays on far worse in League One while McKay — whose club home ground is Suncorp Stadium — says it’s far from unplayable.

“I’ve played on Suncorp for 15 years now, I’ve seen it good, I’ve seen it bad … it was fine the other night (against South Korea),” McKay said.

“For me it’s all about the stadium and the atmosphere.

GOAL CENTRE: Watch every Asian Cup goal & vote for your favourite.

BEST OF SOCIAL

#IRNvUAE Stop it, Omar Abdulrahman | https://t.co/5aJg3wS1wp

— FOX SPORTS Football (@FOXFootballLive) January 19, 2015

22 games without a draw. Amazing. #AC2015 #MakeHistory

— AFC Asian Cup (@afcasiancup) January 19, 2015

Japan is definitely in town - there is at least 150 foreign journos/cameramen at AAMI Park for pre-match press conferences

— Matt Windley (@MattyHeraldSun) January 19, 2015

Mile Jedinak moving freely, training away from the main group. pic.twitter.com/5Qi6gheXIk

— Chris Ford (@ChrisFordFOX) January 18, 2015

We’re a day late, but happy birthday to Japan captain Makoto Hasebe.

18日、日本代表はヨルダン戦が行われるメルボルンで練習を行いました。練習後には誕生日を迎えた長谷部選手に取材陣からケーキが送られるシーンも。 #AC2015 で優勝して最高の年にして欲しいですね。 決戦の時まで後『2日』！！ pic.twitter.com/gcM0icY5fB

— AFCアジアカップ (@afcasiancup_jp) January 18, 2015

TUESDAY PREVIEWS

GROUP D

JAPAN v JORDAN

8pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne

TV: Live on Fox Sports 4

TAB odds: Japan $1.35, Draw $4.50, Jordan $8.50

THE PLOT

A curious match considering the potential permutations. A Japan win would see it top the group and Jordan bow out barring a shock loss by Iraq to Palestine. But a Jordan win would mean that Japan could actually miss out on the knockout stages depending on the scoreline in the other game. A Japan win would seem a formality, but here’s a little food for thought. Jordan drew 1-1 with Japan in the 2011 Asian Cup group stages and defeated Japan 2-1 in Amman in a 2013 World Cup qualifier.

KEY PLAYERS

JAPAN

Shinji Kagawa is one of Japan’s most recognisable names, particularly given the attacking midfielder’s time at Manchester United. The now Borussia Dortmund is one of the Samurai Blue’s most important players.

JORDAN

Hamza Al-Dardour was paying $101 with the TAB to win the Golden Boot before the tournament, but after his stunning four-goal effort against Palestine he is now the $3 favourite. Would like another goal here to solidify his chances, particularly if Jordan is to bow out tonight.

Iraq supporters cheer their team on against Japan.

IRAQ v PALESTINE

8pm, GIO Stadium, Canberra

TV: Live on Fox Sports 5

TAB odds: Iraq $1.22, Draw $6, Palestine $11

THE PLOT

Like the other match in the group, there is still a little bit of a “what if?” factor. In all likelihood Iraq just has to rock up and do what it needs to do against Palestine in order to advance to the knockout stages. But things will become interesting throughout the night if it appears Jordan is on track to snare a shock result against Japan in Melbourne.

KEY PLAYERS

IRAQ

Massimo Luongo’s Swindon Town teammate, Yaser Kasim, has been hugely impressive in midfield throughout the first two games, even scoring the winner against Jordan.

PALESTINE

Regardless of what happens tonight, Jaka Hbaisha’s name will live long in Palestinian football history after he scored its first Asian Cup goal in Friday’s loss to Jordan.

Analysis by Matt Windley

Originally published as Up for the Cup: Iran wins but Omar Abdulrahman dazzles, Luongo targets next level