Iran dominate the match against Syria, but fail to score a decisive goal. After Taremi is shown the red card, the Iranians have to go into extra time, but ultimately prevail in the penalty shoot-out
Iran, who finished the group stage with three wins from three games, started Sardar Azmoun, who had been loaned to Roma by Leverkusen, at striker. Opponents Syria finished third in their group and only qualified for the round of 16 after beating India 1-0 in their final preliminary round match.
Favorites Iran got off to a dominant start and had the advantage on the pitch. Iran also had the better chances in the first half. Amir Ghalenoei’s team had a dangerous chance with Azmoun’s double (8′) and Ghayesh’s shot from the second row (26′). In the 34th minute, Syria’s Ousou fouled Iran’s Taremi in the penalty area. The fouled player stepped up himself and converted for a deserved lead, which Iran took into the break
Syria equalize – Iran outnumbered
In the second half, Iran started under pressure and failed several times against Syria’s goalkeeper Madania. Azmoun (53′), who had a double chance as in the first half, and Taremi (57′) missed the 2:0. At the other end, Syria became dangerous once – and won a penalty. Sabbag rounded Iran keeper Beiranvand, who hit the substitute striker on the ankle. Kharbin took the resulting penalty to equalize (64′).
The Iranians continued to play forward after Syria’s goal and were keen to regain the lead quickly. Ezatolahi’s shot went just over (67′), but the eye-catching Azmoun (80′ and 84′), like Gholizadeh (81′), found his master in Madania. In stoppage time, the omens then changed: goalscorer Taremi was shown a yellow card for a foul on Al-Dali (90′ + 1), his second of the match after a swallow a few minutes earlier. Iran were outnumbered from then on – and had to go into extra time
No chances in extra time – Iran win penalty shoot-out
The 30 extra minutes were uneventful, with neither team able to create any dangerous chances to regain the lead. So the decision on who would reach the last eight had to be made in a penalty shoot-out
All Iranian shooters then scored, while Youssef became the tragic figure for Syria. His penalty was saved by Beiranvand. Iran therefore advance to the quarter-finals
On Saturday (12.30 p.m.) they will face Japan, another tournament favorite. The Samurai Blue defeated Bahrain 3:1 in the round of 16.
