Iran makes Asian Cup quarters with 1-0 win over Qatar

Iran reached the knockout stage of the Asian Cup after a 1-0 win over Qatar here on Thursday.

Both from the Gulf region, the two teams are familiar with each other and all tried all out to score first from the beginning.

The 40th minute corner kick for Iran created a threatening attack, but Morteza Pouraliganji's powerful header was denied by Qatari defender Ahmed Elsayed standing just beside the post.

Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun finished off the match with a superb footheel tap and swift turn around to tiptoe the ball into the right corner after receiving a pass from Ashkan Dejagah.

Then the 20-year-old promising star was replaced soon due to leg cramp, which made him frustrated sitting on the bench.

Qatar fought hard hoping to rally back with one goal down but their forwards just couldn't save them from being eliminated with still one group match left.

Iran and the United Arab Emirates advanced into the quarterfinals and will face each other for the group top position in the last group match-up days later. Endi