Japan and Iran reach Asian Cup quarters

Iran's goalkeeper Ebrahim Mirzapour clears the ball away from Japan's Keiji Tamada during their Asian Cup Group D match. - AFP

China - Holders Japan and Iran fought to a goalless draw in a tense finale to Asian Cup Group D here Wednesday in a result that sees both sides go safely through to the quarterfinals.

Japan now plays Jordan in Chongqing on Saturday, while Iran goes against Group D winner South Korea in Jinan on the same night, the third straight Asian Cup in which the two will meet in the quarterfinals.

The goalless match was not bereft of action as both sides attacked throughout creating a handful of chances.

A header by Iranian midfielder Javad Nekounam in the 25th minute was called back for offside, while Japan keeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi made two one-handed saves on howitzer-strikes by Yahya Golmohammadi and Mehdi Mahdavikia.

Japanese striker Takayuki Suzuki led his side with chances, shooting wide from inside the six-yard box early on, then missing an open

goal badly in the 43rd minute after Iran goalie Ebrahim Mirzapour got caught way out of position.

Iran's side had been decimated due to expulsions with defender Mohammad Nosrati kicked out of the tournament for stamping on an opponent and Rahman Rezaei and Ali Badavi suspended for fighting each other against Oman.

Japan, which was again loudly booed by the Chongqing fans, is the cup defenders and remains a favourite to win the 2004 version.

In the second half, Iraq's attack dominated most of the action with the legendary Ali Daei missing in the 65th minute and two accurately powerful shots by Iman Mobali stopped by Kawaguchi.

Iran keeper Mirzapour too was kept busy with Japan's counter-attack, stopping a shot from inside the penalty box by Endo Yasuhito in the 75th minute.

The physical match resulted in six yellow cards with Australian referee Mark Shield giving four to the Iranian side.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin