TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Iraq claimed the Asian Cup semifinal ticket to meet South Korea after winning over Iran 7-6 in penalties at Canberra Stadium on Friday, January 23. The penalty drama begun after both teams tied at 3-3 after an extra time.
The battle between two Middle Eastern rivals went on under escalated tension as one red card and eight yellow cards were issued by the referee. Iran took a lead in the 24 minute after Sardar Azmoun headed in the feed from Vouria Ghafouri.
However, the Iranian had to continue with only ten men as Iran Pooladi was sent out of the pitch at the 43.
With the advantage of having extra men, Iraq levelled their position through Ahmed Yasin at 56 minute and overturned the score at the 93 minute through Younis Mahmoud’s head-shot.
Iran fought back and sunk the equalizer at the 103 through Morteza Puoraliganji.
Iraq was awarded a penalty at the 114 and Dhurgham Ismail executed it well, bringing the lead back to his country. Iran, however, able to catch up with Ghoochannejhad head-shot in just two minutes from the end of a classic, heart-stopping match.
REUTERS | ANT
