Group leaders Iran and fellow Middle Eastern nation Qatar meet in the 2015 Asian Cup group stages tonight. Join The Roar from 8.00pm (AEDT) for live scores and a call of all the action from Sydney.
Iran kicked off the tournament with a good 2-0 win over Bahrain in Melbourne on Saturday, while Qatar disappointingly went down 4-1 to the UAE.
Tonight’s encounter is potentially a must-win game for Qatar if they want to progress any further in the Asian Cup. They shipped four goals against the UAE and were horrendous at the back.
They’ll need to improve their defensive shape greatly to have any chance against a lively and speedy Iranian team. Qatar also needs to lift its attacking output.
Qatar and Iran met in qualifying for last year’s World Cup and played out two draws. The two teams have been pretty even in the past and this will give the Qataris some hope.
But they desperately need a striker to step up and produce some goals.
For Iran, a win will confirm their place in the next round and they could go top of their group.
It wasn’t all plain sailing against Bahrain, who enjoyed good spells in Melbourne, but Iran showed enough to suggest they can go deep in this tournament.
In Dejagah and Reza they have some brilliant attacking talent, which will be a handful for Qatar to contain.
Qatar are likely to make some changes to shore up their side. Coach Djamel Belmadi will be under pressure, as many had tipped Qatar to be one of the two teams from this group to reach the quarter-finals.
They have the money, but I just can’t see the Qataris upsetting a talented Team Melli, especially with the phenomenal crowd support they receive.
Prediction: Iran 3-1
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mina Tehrani
Guest
Thanks Guys, you were perfect, thanks Sardar, I'm very proud of you all... that was a real fight I Love you Iran
Shawn Hashemi
Guest
What a match!! And what amazing score by Sardar Asmoun !!
John Davidson
Roar Guru
They are jamesb. And they have been ordinary.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
MATCH RESULT Iran and UAE will now battle it out for top of the group. Bahrain and Qatar are knocked out with a game to go. Qatar was in this match for most of the game but Iran's class was just too much. for their Middle Eastern rivals. Iran was happy to play on the counter and once they had the goal from Sardar they looked comfortable. They should have added a second, with some poor finishing up front, but they have the win regardless. Taking their chances better is their only blemish. They and their many fans will look forward to the next stage. Qatar has scored just one goal and conceded 5 in two games. Disappointing for the 2022 World Cup hosts, with back-to-back losses. They created some chances but nothing particularly innovative or effective. On this form I think Bahrain might beat them in their final game, they just haven't been good enough. Iran 1 Qatar 0
jamesb
Guest
Qatar are goneski.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
FULL-TIME Iran win and they are through to the quarter-finals. One goal was enough. Iran 1 Qatar 0
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'94 A bit of controversy as Hahjighi and a Qatar forward clash on a high ball. Then the keeper rolls around like he's been shot. And Qatar's Muntari also feigns injury. Terrible. Iran 1 Qatar 0
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'93 Qatar lumping it forward long now. Graham Taylor would be proud. Iran 1 Qatar 0
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'92 Qatar saved by the post, and an offside call! So close! Meshaal's header grazes the post. Iran 1 Qatar 0
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'90 Five minutes of injury time. There has been a bit of time-wasting. Iran 1 Qatar 0
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'89 So Iran vs UAE should be interesting, but teams with two wins. Iran 1 Qatar 0
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'88 Another chance for Iran, but they butcher it. They've missed quite a few. Iran 1 Qatar 0
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'87 Iran sub - Andranik off, and Heydari on. Iran 1 Qatar 0
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'85 Haghighi and Muntari get tangled up in the box. The Iranian keeper wins the free kick and is down hurt. Well supposedly hurt. Iran 1 Qatar 0
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'85 Party time for the Iran fans. Tehran must go off. Iran 1 Qatar 0
jamesb
Guest
That is an excellant crowd.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'84 Iran are just too structured and disciplined. Can't see Qatar breaking them down. Iran 1 Qatar 0
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'82 Iran content to protect this lead. Qatar getting increasingly frustrated. Time is running out for them. Iran 1 Qatar 0
AZ_RBB
Guest
Unbelievable. I'm generally pretty optimistic about Australian football but this tournament has exceeded all my expectations.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'80 A shot from Reza but Qasem has it covered. Iran 1 Qatar 0