Hosts and defending champions Qatar advanced to an Asian Cup semi-final clash against Iran after overcoming Uzbekistan 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw on Saturday.
Goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham emerged as the hero for Qatar by saving three penalties during the shootout. Pedro Miguel confidently converted their decisive penalty in front of a crowd of nearly 60,000 at the tent-like Al-Bayt Stadium, situated north of Doha.
Qatar missed twice in the shootout, with Almahdi Ali sending his shot well over the bar. Despite winning their previous four games in the tournament, Qatar faced a tougher challenge from Uzbekistan, considered by some as dark horses for the trophy.
Qatar took the lead midway through the first half when captain Hassan Al-Haydos forced an own goal from goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov. However, Uzbekistan equalized just before the hour mark when Odiljon Hamrobekov broke free from the Qatar defense and rifled a shot into the corner of the net.
Earlier, Iran knocked out four-time champion Japan with a 2-1 victory in its Asian Cup quarterfinal clash after skipper Alireza Jahanbakhsh converted a penalty in stoppage time at Education City Stadium.
With the match tied at 1-1 and headed to extra time, Iran won a penalty in the fourth minute of added time and Jahanbakhsh stepped up to blast the ball into the top corner, drawing a loud roar from the Iranian fans in the arena.
The victory also saw Iran avenge its 2019 semifinal loss to Japan and when the final whistle blew, the Iranian bench emptied onto the pitch and an emotional Jahanbakhsh dropped to the turf in relief while many players wept tears of joy.
Iran, seeking a record-equalling fourth Asian Cup title, had not beaten Japan in 19 years while its victory also extended Amir Ghalenoei’s unbeaten streak to 16 matches since he took charge in March.
Asian Cup Semi-finals Schedule
1st semi-final: Tuesday, February 6
Jordan vs South Korea
2nd semi-final: Wednesday, February 7
Iran vs Qatar
The winners of these two knockout games will lock horns in the final on February 10.
