3-2! Qatar entered the Asian Cup final, Iran continued its 48-year curse, and wasted the opportunity to be eliminated

On February 7, 2024, Beijing time, the Qatar Asian Cup ushered in the semifinals between Qatar and Iran In the history of the Asian Cup, a total of 9 host teams reached the final, that is, half of the Asian Cup hosts can win in the semifinals. It can be said that home advantage has played a relatively large role in the semi-finals of the previous Asian Cup.

Qatar's opponent, Iran, has been caught in a 48-year semi-final curse. The Persian Iron Rider has not won the semi-finals of the Asian Cup since the 1976 Asian Cup on his home soil. However, the return of striker Taremi has greatly increased the Iranian team's attacking ability. Although, the team still eliminated Japan in the absence of Taremi. But with Taremi and Iran without Taremi, it's two teams entirely. And Taremi's containment in the front court can also allow his partner Azmoun to get more chances to score.

Sure enough, just three minutes into the game, Taremi created a chance for Azmoun and set up a lightning goal. Jahanbakhsh threw a long-range ball into the box, Taremi's header caused chaos in the Qatar box, and Azmoun saw the opportunity to finish home with a beautiful volley to give Iran a 1-0 lead.

But it wasn't long before Qatar converted their hosts' fortunes into goals to level the score at 1-1. In the 17th minute of the game, Qatar's Jaber shot from the edge of the penalty area, and the ball hit the Iranian player and changed the line, and then fell into the gate guarded by Iranian goalkeeper Beiranvand.

Before the attack that led to the goal was launched, the referee let go of a defensive move that appeared to be a red card from Qatar. In addition to luck, Qatar also needs to thank referee Alari and video referee Fu Ming. And the goal after this controversial penalty decision also became a turning point in the first half of the game.

In the 31st minute of the game, Akram Afif had a great chance to open the scoring. However, the Qatari striker's solo shot was blocked by Iranian goalkeeper Beiranvand and Afif's subsequent follow-up shot went over the crossbar. But before half-time, Afif won the duel with Beiranvand and scored the game-winning goal.

In the 43rd minute of the game, Afif cut inside the goal under the siege of four defenders and broke through the Iranian team's city, helping Qatar to take a 2-1 lead. For Afif, the Iranian team has always been his demon. In the last 10 matches against Iran, the normally prolific Afif has failed to win. The goalkeeper of the Iranian team, Beiranvand, has always been a big sufferer for him. And this time, Afif finally broke the demons in his heart and completed his own breakthrough.

Shortly after the start of the second half, Alfag's shot from inside the box hit Mahathir's hand. The referee changed the decision after listening to VAR referee Fu Ming and awarded a penalty to Iran. Jahanbakhsh stepped forward and hit the ball firmly to help Iran level the score at 2-2.

For the remainder of the second half, Iran dominated and created a number of dangerous shots. However, neither Taremi nor Azmoun could finish the final goal. Just when fans thought the game would be dragged into extra time, Qatar once again hit the big luck and scored the winner with a chance that was not a chance.

In the 82nd minute of the game, the Qatar team launched an attack, Hatem took a long shot from the edge of the penalty area, the ball was blocked by the defender and fell directly to the feet of Ali, who calmly scored with a low shot to help Qatar take a 3-2 lead.

After the referee sent off centre-back Karizah, the situation for Iran became even more critical. And with Jahanbakhsh's center post, the opportunity to continue his life in stoppage time was completely lost. With a whistle from referee Arari, the game ended. With goals from Jaber, Afif and Ali, Qatar defeated Iran 3-2 and successfully reached the final of this Asian Cup.

Since Jordan had already beaten South Korea in their first semi-final, Qatar will also face Jordan for the title. Compared with Japan, the final opponent five years ago, Qatar has a better chance of winning the championship this time. Qatar is also likely to become the first defending Asian Cup champion in nearly 20 years. On the other hand, the Iranian team, which was eliminated by the host, fully explained a truth, that is, those who waste opportunities will pay a price.