Iran’s Win Over Japan among AFC Asian Cup’s Magic Moment
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 will go down as one of the finest editions in the tournament’s history as record crowds took in a continental showpiece that will live long in the memory.
With dramatic late winner, notable upsets, fabulous goals and unique celebrations, the competition delivered the goods in emphatic fashion as host Qatar ultimately defended its title to be crowned champion after a 3-1 win over Jordan in the final.
Looking back at the tournament, the-AFC.com has selected eight of the best Magic Moments and asks the fans to vote for the favorite.
Another quarter-final which had familiar foes squaring off Iran against Japan. The Samurai Blue had beaten the Iranians 3-0 in the 2019 semi-final as Team Melli failed to produce its best form when it mattered most.
This time round, things would be different. A goal down at half-time, Iran delivered an inspired second-half performance, levelling nine minutes after the restart through Mohammad Mohebi.
Team Melli continued to ask questions of the Japanese defense, which caved in stoppage time when Ko Itakura upended Hossein Kanaani in the box, allowing Alireza Jahanbakhsh to smash home a 96th-minute penalty to seal a deserved win.
