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The group stage is done and we’re down to the final eight. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5.30pm (AEDT) as Iran take on Iraq for a place in the final four.
Iran came into the tournament as the number one ranked team in Asia and their performances in the group stage have confirmed their status as one of the favourites to lift the trophy in Sydney on January 31.
Led by captain Javad Nekounam, they’re playing disciplined football and have continued to build on the form that saw them as Asia’s best performers at the 2014 World Cup.
After securing top spot in Group C courtesy of a 91st minute match winner against the UAE on Tuesday night in Brisbane, Iran head into the game as strong favourites to continue their winning streak against the 2007 Asian Cup Champions.
The last time these two sides met, a pre-tournament friendly at WIN Stadium in Wollongong, a Sardar Azmoun strike was the difference. The stakes are higher this time around but the young striker who applies his trade in the Russian Premier League will be hoping to be the difference again come Friday in Canberra.
Azmoun, compared to Ruud van Nistelrooy by his coach Carloz Queiroz, has only found the back of the net once this tournament, with suggestions that he isn’t 100% fit after suffering a calf complaint in their second game against Qatar. Nonetheless Queiroz is adamant he has a full squad from which to choose from and every player will be ready to play against their neighbours from the Middle East.
Queiroz’s confidence is backed by history. His side has never been beaten by Iraq and with one less day to prepare, the Lions of Mesopotamia will have to pull out all stops if they are to beat Team Melli.
Regardless, coach Radhi Shenaishil, who only took the helm as the national coach in November has suggested his team can replicate their run of the 2007 Asian Cup and win the tournament.
“I wish that the 2007 scenario occurs for the Iraq national team again and if we get a positive result against Iran and make it to the semi-final, I’m sure you will find Iraq in the final,” the Iraqi coach told reporters after their last group game against Palestine.
If they are to beat Team Melli, the Lions of Mesopotamia will need to be more clinical in front of goal and Shenaishil concedes he has been left disappointed by the form of his captain Younus Mahmood.
Mahmood, the hero of 2007 has scored one of Iraq’s three goals so far in this tournament but after missing a penalty against Qatar and coming in to the tournament without a club, he will be looking to redeem himself against Team Melli and lead his side into the final four.
Can Iraq repeat the heroics of 2007? Will Iran continue their winning ways as they look to secure their first Asian Cup since 1976? Is the Asian Cup heading back to the Middle East?
Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5.30pm (AEDT) to find out who will be heading to the semi-finals of the 2015 Asian Cup.
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