Education City Stadium, Qatar – Supported by thousands of vocal supporters, Iran defeated favorites Japan and booked their place in the semi-finals of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 with a famous 2-1 victory.
The match, billed as the early final of the tournament, took place on a cool Saturday afternoon at Qatar's Education City Stadium, with Iran emerging as four-time champions, given both teams' tournament history, FIFA rankings and strong teams. On the other hand, the situation was reversed.
In a tournament now well-known for its late-game drama, Iranian captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh scored one of the most famous goals in his country's Asian Cup history, scoring a heart-wrenching penalty in stoppage time to lead Team Melli to victory. obtained the right to participate. Second semi-final match on Wednesday.
Immediately after the start of the match, Japan made several attacks towards the Iranian goal, but were unable to convert any chances, much to the delight of the large Iranian force behind them.
Hidemasa Morita changed things with his 28th-minute goal, and the small groups of Japanese fans that had been scattered around the stadium finally made their presence felt. But that did little to deter Team Melli supporters, who upped their synchronized clapping and chanting a few more notches.
This team, one of the oldest in the tournament, took off their socks after halftime and began a back-and-forth battle with Samurai Blue, who were aiming for an even goal.
Perhaps they were trying to impress coach Amir Galenoei, who criticized his team for missing several scoring chances in Thursday's Round of 16 match against Syria.
“I'm not very happy with the performance of some players, but I'm very happy with the discipline we showed,” said Galenoi.
Ten minutes into the second half, Iran finally got the lead, with Mohamed Mohebi converting Sardar Azmoun's through ball into Japan's goal, sending the fans into a frenzy. Their unwavering support has finally paid off.
More than two-thirds of the audience were wearing Iranian colors or holding Iranian flags. Some, like Wafai Salar, traveled across the Arabian Gulf to support the team.
He came to Doha from the western province of Lorestan 10 days ago to cheer on the team in the final stages of the tournament.
“We must not doubt our team,” Salar told Al Jazeera before the match.
This belief was reiterated by 72-year-old superfan Mohamed Mirza, who said the team did not feel the absence of star striker Mehdi Taremi, who was absent due to receiving two yellow cards against Syria.
“There are 24 Taremis on the team,” he exclaimed after the game.
“I have lived in Qatar for decades and watched the Asia Cup here three times, so now the team is obliged to give me the trophy,” Mirza said before resuming chants against Iran. told.
In fact, Galenoei's team showed they were up to the challenge against champions Japan by defending their goal and chasing runs into Japan's territory. One of them came late in stoppage time and resulted in Iran winning a penalty.
The late drama was too much for some fans, with Jahan Bakhsh turning his back to the pitch before taking the penalty. When the ball landed in the top left corner, chaos erupted in the stands and on the pitch. Iranian substitutes ran onto the pitch in celebration, causing fans to jump from their seats.
Three minutes later, the referee's full-time whistle sounded, confirming Japan's sending off. Japanese fans sitting behind the goal put their heads in their hands and cried in pain and disbelief.
Across the aisle, 9-year-old Ario, an Iranian fan, was also crying. A dramatic last-minute penalty was too much for young supporters to bear.
“I was so nervous before the penalty was given that the skin on my fingers peeled off,” he told Al Jazeera as tears rolled down his cheeks.
Ario, an Iranian-Canadian, has never been to the country where his parents were born, but hopes to play for Team Melli one day.
“I want to be like them someday because I get so excited every time I watch them play,” he said.
![Juan Ario of Iran soccer team 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)
Galenoei's team will give Ario and millions of Iranian fans around the world another chance to ride the wave of emotion when they face the winners of the quarter-final match between Qatar and Uzbekistan four days later.
For a veteran like Mirza, it could be third time lucky if the three-time champion leaves with the trophy on February 10.
