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.
Baz Nigjeh
Guest
Ben Williams is a disgrace! Ban him for life from being a referee again, FIFA! Iran lost to referee! Loathe you Ben Williams
Jim
Guest
It's the Aussie ref who won it for Iraq!
Jim
Guest
Lost the game by themselves? Really? The Aussie ref made sure of that with the unbelievable red card. Otherwise Iran would have steam rolled Iraq and everyone else.
Nick
Guest
(Aussie Ref) 7 - 6 (Iran) - Who assigned an Australian referee to this game? Asian cup is contaminated because of this ref changing outcome of this game with his calls. If it was not because of the bogus red card, Iran would have won this game 3-0 or 4-0. Iran scored 2 goals in extra time playing with 10 men, 75% of the game. Iraq has no business going to the semi. Iraq had 23 fouls to Iran 9 fouls and Iraq did not get a red card?? No card for Iraq goalie hitting the Iranian? Worst ref in the world and this should be investigated.
Jim
Guest
Iraq is a good team but do not deserve to win this game. Iran was clearly the better team and even with 10 men they played so great and should have won the game. The Australian referee's red card decision was flat out wrong as the goalie was the one who pushed the Iranian player. You can't put your hand on another player/push a player like the goalie did and not get a card. The red card was absolutely mind bugling and he should not be allowed to ref again. Aussie referee made sure Iran does not make it to the semi so Australia has a better chance to win. FIFA and the Asian federation should be ashamed of themselves assigning a hostile ref to this game. Best team in Asia is out. Everyone else is playing for second place as long as I am concerned.
Kamal pasha
Guest
dear Did you see Australian referee decision ! If don't want to see so please don't watch football game please ! He change result of game , his decision direct effected to winner team , it is not fair play , who push Iranian Defender who must got yellow card , yes he not Iranian Defender anyway game is over but how he can explain for others his wrong decision !
Paym
Guest
What a game. I really enjoyed watching the game in stadium. Congratulation to Iraqis and shame to Australian referee. He was one of the worst referee I have ever seen. With the way Iraq goal keeper pushed Pouladi I was expecting a yellow card for him. Wishing good luck for Iraq in next round.
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
Incredible game of football to experience live. The crowd was insane. Ben William's decision was a bit funny, and highly in consistent- but hey, it happens. Also, we all knew he isn't anyone's first choice ref for a big game, a controversial call was expected. Iran fought valiantly, but man what a terrible way to lose, especially after coming back from the death- twice.
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
The decision(s) made by the ref may have seemed harsh and whether or not the ref would have booked the player had he known he had already booked him, I don't know. However, why did the Iran player feel that he had to fall over and milk it the way he did? Knowing very well that diving is a bookable offence and that he was already on a yellow. As football fans aren't we fed up with players unnecessarily milking like that?
Mooshe
Guest
The Australian Referee caused Iran lost in this game. Everybody saw the match and could not undderstand why a key player like Pouladi got two yellow cards in less than 20 minutes in this game and a yellow card in the match with UAE. It is very nasty to make the national games political! I really lost my hope from Australian referees fare judgment! It was DISGUSTING!
Marc
Guest
Iran lost that game all by themselves. They were in complete control until Pouladi went and got himself sent off.
pete4
Guest
Says it all: (@sebth) tweeted: Probably the greatest match in #AsianCup history. Simply to be known as the "Canberra game" forever more. It's beyond words now. #IRNvIRQ
Marc
Guest
Just back from Canberra Stadium. Well done to both sets of fans for creating a fantastic atmosphere. As has been said before, there could only be one winner and it was Iraq. Iran will be kicking themselves for playing with 10 for the best part of a half plus extra time. Like billy, I am not convinced that Iraq will get over South Korea. So it will be a South Korea against who knows in the final. :)
The Auteur
Guest
But they didn't.
mina Tehrani
Guest
I hate referee, that was not fair, Iran could win
Nasim
Guest
Thats shameful to Compare iraq vs iran !
Nasim
Guest
well done iraq, thumbs up for iraq.
AZ_RBB
Guest
This is up there with some of the best games of football I've watched over the last 15yrs.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Shame we did not get to see the game won by one of the goalkeepers from the spot, but that was an awesome quarter final. It is going to hurt to be Iran, but the Iraqi national team sure knows how to give their nation something to cheer about.
billyelliott
Roar Guru
Well that's it from Canberra. What a game between these two Middle Eastern neighbours. I remain unconvinced of Iraq's ability to win the tournament but they've disposed of the best team in Asia so you have to hand it to them. Hats off to Iran, coming from behind twice with 10 men. They showed their class and were arguably the better of the two sides but as they say, that's football. We head to Japan v the UAE. Thanks for staying with me. Til next time I'm @billyelliott