Iran strikes late to deny UAE and top group

Substitute Reza Ghoochannejhad scored a controversial injury-time goal to lift Iran to a 1-0 win over UAE and top spot in Group C at the Asian Cup in Canberra yesterday.

In Sydney, Sayed Jafaar produced a stunning long-range strike in the 82nd minute to lift Bahrain to a 2-1 victory over Qatar for its first win of the tournament.

Iran will now face the runner-up of Group D, likely to be Iraq or Jordan, in the quarterfinal at Canberra on Friday, while the UAE now likely faces Japan in Sydney.

Despite a free-flowing game, neither side could find a breakthrough until Ghoochannejhad’s late strike helped Asia’s top-ranked team avoid a likely quarterfinal showdown with Japan.

Ghoochannejhad appeared to be offside when he pounced on a ball that had ricocheted off teammate Andranik Teymourian and directed his header into the top corner from close range. However, replays indicated the striker had just stayed onside.

UAE had already secured its quarterfinal place with wins over Qatar and Bahrain, and was unlucky to not get the draw it needed to top the group on goal difference.

Iran grew increasingly desperate and coach Carlos Quieroz introduced stars Ashkan Dejagah and Ghoochannejhad late in the second half in search of a breakthrough.

It was a disappointing tournament for 2014 Gulf Cup champion Qatar, which lost all three games.

Japan will top Group D if it beats Jordan today, while Iraq also hopes to confirm its quarterfinal spot with its game against Palestine.

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