Schooling Metropolis Stadium, Qatar – Iran, backed by their hundreds of vociferous supporters, have knocked out favourites Japan and earned a spot within the semifinals of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 with a well-known 2-1 win.
In a match billed as an early closing of the match – given each groups’ historical past within the competitors, their FIFA rankings and powerful squads – Iran turned the tables on the four-time champions on a cool Saturday afternoon at Schooling Metropolis Stadium in Qatar.
In a match that’s now well-known for its late drama, Iran’s captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh delivered one of the crucial well-known targets in his nation’s Asian Cup historical past with a heart-in-mouths stoppage-time penalty that booked Staff Melli a spot within the second semifinal on Wednesday.
The opening minutes of the sport noticed Japan make a number of bursts in the direction of Iran’s aim however did not convert their probabilities, a lot to the delight of the massive Iranian contingent positioned behind it.
Hidemasa Morita modified that together with his aim within the twenty eighth minute and the small teams of Japanese followers scattered across the stadium lastly made their presence felt. Nevertheless, it did little to discourage Staff Melli’s supporters, who took up their synchronised clapping and chanting by a number of extra notches.
The staff, one of many oldest squads on the match, pulled up their socks after half-time and started a back-and-forth contest with the Samurai Blue as they sought an equaliser.
Maybe they have been out to impress their coach, Amir Ghalenoei, who had slammed the staff for lacking a number of probabilities to attain in opposition to Syria of their round-of-16 match on Thursday.
“I’m probably not pleased with the efficiency of some gamers however I’m very pleased with the self-discipline we confirmed,” Ghalenoei had stated.
Iran’s first aim lastly got here 10 minutes into the second half as Mohammed Mohebi slotted Sardar Azmoun’s by means of move into the Japanese aim and despatched their followers right into a frenzy. Their unwavering help had lastly paid off.
Greater than two-thirds of the spectators have been both wearing Iran’s colors or carrying Iranian flags. Some, like Wafai Salar, had travelled from throughout the Arabian Gulf to again their staff.
He got here to Doha 10 days in the past from the western Lorestan province to again his staff within the latter levels of the match.
“We should not doubt our staff,” Salar instructed Al Jazeera earlier than the match.
The assumption was reiterated by 72-year-old tremendous fan Mohamed Mirza, who stated the staff didn’t really feel the absence of their star striker Mehdi Taremi, who missed out on account of his two yellow playing cards within the recreation in opposition to Syria.
“We now have 24 Taremis within the squad,” he shouted after the match.
“I’ve been residing in Qatar for many years and have seen three Asian Cups right here, so now the staff owe me a trophy,” Mirza stated earlier than resuming his chants for Iran.
Certainly, Ghalenoei’s staff confirmed they have been up for the problem in opposition to heavy favourites Japan by defending their aim and following it up with runs into the Japanese half. Considered one of these, late into stoppage time, resulted in Iran successful a penalty.
The late drama was an excessive amount of for some followers, who turned their backs to the pitch earlier than the penalty was taken by Jahanbakhsh. As soon as the ball was deposited within the prime left nook, pandemonium broke out within the stands and on the pitch. Iran’s substitutes ran onto the pitch to have a good time and their followers jumped out of their seats.
Three minutes later, the referee’s full-time whistle confirmed Japan’s dismissal. The Japanese followers seated behind their aim held their heads of their arms and shed tears of agony and disbelief.
Throughout the aisle, nine-year-old Iran fan Ario was crying, as nicely. The dramatic last-minute penalty was an excessive amount of to take for the younger supporter.
“I used to be so nervous earlier than the penalty was taken, I peeled the pores and skin off my fingers,” he instructed Al Jazeera as tears fell down his cheek.
Ario, a Canadian Iranian citizen, has by no means been to the nation of his dad and mom’ beginning however would someday prefer to play for Staff Melli.
“I get so excited each time I see them play, so I need to be like them someday,” he stated.
![Iran football team fan Ario at Education City Stadium [Hafsa Adil/Al Jazeera]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240203_163244-1706981525.jpg?w=770&resize=770%2C578)
Ghalenoei’s males will give Ario and the thousands and thousands of Iran followers the world over one other likelihood to journey the wave of feelings after they tackle the winner of the Qatar vs Uzbekistan quarterfinal in 4 days’ time.
For old-timers like Mirza, it could even be a case of third-time fortunate if the three-time champions stroll away with the trophy on February 10.
