After an incredible win over Iran, Qatar advanced to the Asian Cup final in 2023
With pressure to rise to the occasion, host Qatar faces Iran in the 2023 Asian Cup semifinal. They have suffered losses in six straight games versus this opponent. However, in a thrilling match that ended in an impressive 3-2 victory over Iran, Qatar displayed the bravery of the reigning champion.
Iran enjoyed an early advantage from the start of play. Sardar Azmoun scored with a hook shot into Qatar’s net in the third minute.
An early goal was supposed to make Iran’s defensive counterattack easier, but instead it “awakened” Qatar’s bravery. Jassem Gaber tied the score for Qatar in the seventeenth minute following a fortunate incident. The Iranian defender’s leg was struck by a shot from this player, forcing goalie Alireza Beiranvand to concede.
Conductor Akram Afif gave Qatar the lead in the 43rd minute with a very elegant finale.
Iran equalized early in the second half through a penalty kick from Alireza Jahanbakhsh.
The two teams played an incredibly appealing tit-for-tat in the minutes that followed. Iran started to pick up speed and make many waves in the direction of Qatar’s goal at the end of the game. But just when Iran was becoming the most thrilled, Qatar scored a third goal out of nowhere.
Almoez Ali was in an open position when a player from Qatar took a weak shot. The ball was kicked into Iran’s net by this striker.
Iran was reduced to a one-man team in the ninetieth minute following the dismissal of Shojae Khalilzadeh. But in the extra period, Iran persisted in applying pressure to Qatar, even with just 10 players remaining. Alireza Jahanbakhsh had a bad chance to tie the game in minute 90+12, but this player’s shot struck the post.
The final score of the game was 3-2 in Qatar’s advantage. For the second consecutive year, they have advanced to the Asian Cup final. Jordan was Qatar’s opponent in the championship game. The climax is scheduled for February 10.
