The Asian Cup will have an all-Arab final as 2019 winners Qatar came from behind to defeat Iran 3-2 on Wednesday to book a huge — if somewhat unexpected — clash with Jordan on Saturday.
The hosts were under the cosh at Al-Thumama Stadium for much of the second half but with eight minutes remaining, Almoez Ali, one of the heroes of the triumph five years ago, popped up with the deciding goal. It followed a beauty from his partner-in-crime from five years ago in Akram Afif.
And it settled into an entertaining, dramatic and open game. If Jordan had dominated in beating South Korea 2-0 just 24 hours earlier, this second semi was one that went this way and that. Both teams had their times in the ascendancy and both teams had their touches of fortune.
Iran, going for a first title since 1976, took an early lead, silencing the home crowd after just four minutes. It was a real striker’s goal from Sardar Azmoun. A throw-in from the right was headed on and caused chaos with the Roma forward waiting for the ball to drop on the left side of the area and then twisting in the area to send a bicycle kick into the opposite corner.
Qatar came roaring back but there didn’t seem to be much danger in the 17th minute when Jassem Gaber picked up possession outside the area but his speculative shot took a major deflection and then looped over goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham and into the net.
The hosts were full of confidence and there was nothing fortunate about the goal that gave them the lead just before the break. Afif, one of the standouts of the tournament, cut in from the left and was given far too much space from the white-shirted defenders. He then curled a delightful shot into the opposite top corner. It was a goal worthy of winning any game.
Not this one though, as Iran were back on level terms early in the second half in controversial circumstances. A shot from close range hit the hands of Ahmed Fathy, raised to seemingly protect his face from a close-range effort. Few expected a penalty to be given but after going to the pitchside monitor, the Kuwaiti official — Iran had questioned the appointment of an Arab referee before the game — pointed to the spot and Alireza Jahanbakhsh made no mistake.
Qatar almost hit back twice within the next minute or two but as the half progressed, Iran started to dominate and put the defending champions under serious pressure.
It only seemed a matter of time before Team Melli got ahead and, with their fans in fine voice, they continued to knock on the Maroon door. And then, eight minutes from time, Ali received the ball on the penalty spot, had enough time to turn and fire into the bottom corner. There was an offside review, as it was tight, but the goal was given.
If Iran were given hope as 13 minutes of added time was signalled, it was soon dented as Shoja Khalilzadeh had a yellow upgraded to red for a foul on Afif when he looked to be through on goal.
And then, in the 104th minute, Jahanbakhsh hit the inside of the post from the right side of the area. It was agonizingly close.
The three-time champions, roared on by their fans, had given everything in a frantic last period. In the end, the whistle was blown after 17 minutes of added time and it was Qatar’s supporters who made the noise. Jordan are waiting and the Arab world, and Asia, will be watching.