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(Sports) Qatar keeps hopes alive in first half against Iran

Xinhua, January 15, 2015 Adjust font size:

Qatar defied expectations and kept a probing Iran on their toes in an evenly poised first half in their Group C AFC Asian Cup match on Thursday night.

It was 0-0 at half time with both teams performing equally.

The Iranians tried several raids, but each time the Qatar defense was up to their measure, so much so that four of Iran's shots for goal ballooned and sailed meters above Qatar's goal.

The Qatar fullbacks harassed Iranian raiders with solid defense, and made their goalkeeper Qasem Burhan's job easier than it could have been.

At one stage Iran had a good chance for goal when Qasem was out of a saving position, but his teammate Ahmed Mohamed Elsayed headed the ball away right on the goal line.

Iran's star winger Ashkan Dejagah looked dangerous and sharp every time the ball went his way, but his best chance at setting a goal with a deft cross failed when the ball bounced awkwardly when he tried to get it to a teammate.

If Iran wins, they're through to the quarter finals. If the game goes Qatar's way, they survive to fight another day. Endi