Dubai: Islamic Republic of Iran sealed top spot in Group D of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 after playing to a 0-0 draw with Iraq late on Wednesday.
As group winners, Iran will play the third-placed team from either Group B, E or F in Abu Dhabi’s Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium on Sunday, while runners-up Iraq will face the winners of Group E — either Saudi Arabia or Qatar — in Al Nahyan Stadium on Tuesday.
Carlos Queiroz made four changes to Iran’s starting lineup, with Alireza Jahanbakhsh — who had missed the opening two fixtures — being given a chance to play before a packed Maktoum Stadium in Dubai.
Despite having secured qualification to the Round of 16, both sides adopted a high-tempo style of play, with Iran having the first glimpse at goal in the 12th minute when Vahid Amiri sent a cross into the box but Sardar Azmoun’s header was just off the mark.
Iran had the bigger share of the ball but failed to translate their possession into goals, with their attempts hardly troubling Iraqi goalkeeper Jalal Hassan Hachim and his defenders.
Three minutes from the half-time whistle, Jahanbakhsh could have broken the deadlock after latching on to Azmoun’s deflected attempt but couldn’t get his left-footed strike on target.
Iraq started the second half aggressively as they saw more possession and also continued to deny Iran with resilient defending.
Iran, in a bid to break down the Iraq defence, boosted their attacking prowess by bringing on Mehdi Taremi and Mahdi Torabi in the 63rd and 75th minutes respectively.
However, it was Iraq who nearly took the lead in the 77th minute when substitute Mohanad Ali Khadi’s header forced the best out of Iranian custodian Alireza Beiranvand, who tipped the ball over. As the minutes ticked away, neither team was able to make headway as they settled for a share of the spoils.
Islamic Republic of Iran’s AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 challenge, says head coach Carlos Queiroz, is only just starting.
The three-time champions sealed top spot in Group D following a 0-0 draw with Iraq on Wednesday, edging the West Asians on goal difference after both team finished on seven points.
Team Melli now await their Round of 16 opponents, the best third-placed team from either Group B, E or F, and Queiroz said he has to get his players ready for the business end of the competition.
“From now on, it’s a game which is everything for the winner and nothing to the loser. All the profile of the games have changed, so we can say that the Asian Cup starts for us in the next game,” Queiroz.
“Now we need to rest. After these three games, it’s important to have a good rest, and start to be mentally fresh for the (next) games.”
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
