Three-time champions Iran face hosts and defending champions Qatar in the second semifinal of the AFC Asian Cup 2023.Kickoff is at 6pm local time (15:00 GMT) at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar.
The winner will face Jordan in Saturday’s title clash.Iran last won the tournament in 1976, while Qatar are looking for a second, successive title.
According to The Iran Project,A look at the venue
Today’s match will be played at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, which has a capacity of 44,400.
Designed after a gahfiya – a traditional woven cap worn by men and boys in the Middle East – the venue is located along the busy Doha Expressway in the capital’s south.
It is one of the nine venues that have hosted games at this year’s AFC Asian Cup.
Here’s a look at all the venues, most of which also hosted games at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
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A glance at history
Iran are one of the most successful sides in the tournament, having won the title three times, while Qatar are aiming for a second successive title.
Here is a list of all the past winners:
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Iran’s route to semifinals
Iran have kept a 100 percent winning record at this year’s Asian Cup.
They started their tournament with a 4-1 win over Palestine before beating Hong Kong 1-0 and the United Arab Emirates 2-1 to finish on top of Group C.
In the last 16, Iran defeated Syria 5-3 on penalties and then pulled off the biggest result of their campaign, knocking out record four-time winners Japan 2-1 in the quarterfinals.
Qatar’s route to semifinals
Hosts and defending champions Qatar have won all of their matches at the tournament as well.
They started with a 3-0 win over Lebanon before beating Tajikistan 1-0 and China 1-0 to finish as table toppers of Group A.
In the last 16, Qatar beat Palestine 2-1 and then defeated Uzbekistan 3-2 on penalties in the quarterfinals.
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The teams prepare for the anthems
We are nearly ready to go for the second semifinal at the AFC Asian Cup 2023.
Will it be Qatar or Iran to face Jordan in the final?
GOAL!
Iran lead and it’s some goal.
3 minutes: Iran 1-0 Qatar
What a goal!
It started with the first burst forward of the match by Taremi, who did well to keep the pass in play and win a throw on the right.
It came all the way to the back post where Azmoun produced a brilliant overhead kick to leave the keeper and the defence as spectators.
Amazing goal and and amazing start.
4 minutes: Iran 1-0 Qatar
Afif tries to hit back immediately
Qatar’s leading scorer receives the ball in space on the left edge of the box and steps inside to release a fierce effort by straight at the keeper.
6 minutes: Iran 1-0 Qatar
Taremi close to doubling the lead
Iran counter and the forward slides to meet a cross from the right but it’s just out of reach.
So close to doubling the lead. The pace is electric.
13 minutes: Iran 1-0 Qatar
Azmoun silences the critics
Azmoun, the goalscorer, was not among the favourites to get on the scoring sheet ahead of kickoff.
In fact, most Iran fans told Al Jazeera they have been disappointed with the Roma striker’s for in the tournament so far.
But he’s produced a piece of magic to give Iran an early advantage. What a way to silence the critics.
GOAL!
Qatar are level!
17 minutes: Iran 1-1 Qatar
GOAL!
Afif with a wonder goal!
43 minutes: Iran 1-2 Qatar
Four minutes of stoppage time
Will there be another twist in this remarkable half before the whistle blows.
45+1 minutes: Iran 1-1 Qatar
Goal line clearance for Qatar
Iran’s corner makes it’s way to the back post where Kanani was unmarked and he stabbed the ball towards goal.
Mendes was on the line to block – it hit his arm but it was tight to his body.
45+3 minutes: Iran 1-1 Qatar
Another corner
Mendes clears Iran’s latest attack for another corner but Barsham drops down off the ball and needs treatment.
It looks like a hip problem.
45+5 minutes: Iran 1-1 Qatar
Half-time
Afif heads the Iran corner clear and Qatar reach the break int he lead.
Half-time: Iran 1-1 Qatar
Penalty check
The corner was cleared after a scramble but VAR have spotted something.
47 minutes: Iran 1-2 Qatar
PENALTY!
Fathy had his hands in front of his face as Iran swung a shot towards goal in the scramble before the ball was cleared and the ref agrees it’s a penalty.
49 minutes: Iran 1-2 Qatar
GOAL!
Iran are level from the spot as Jahanbakhsh sends his kick down the middle.
51 minutes: Iran 2-2 Qatar
Double change for Qatar
Abdurisag and Pedro Miguel come off for Salman and Alhaydos.
63 minutes: Iran 2-2 Qatar
Qatar change
Aziz comes on for Abdulsallam.
80 minutes: Iran 2-2 Qatar
GOAL!
Almoez Ali restores Qatar’s lead.
82 minutes: Iran 2-3 Qatar
VAR check for offside
Aziz drives towards goal and the ball hits Almoez Ali, who then turns and slots home.
83 minutes: Iran 2-3 Qatar
The goal stands!
Almoez Ali was onside when the ball struck him in the area and Qatar lead again.
84 minutes: Iran 2-3 Qatar
Qatar are into the final!
They have beaten the three-time winners!
Full time: Iran 2-3 Qatar
