Late goal sends Iran to top of Group C in Asian Cup

A stoppage-time winner from substitute Reza Ghoochannejhad sent Iran to the top of Group C in the Asian Cup with an entertaining 1-0 victory over the United Arab Emirates in Brisbane on Monday.

Needing nothing but a win to qualify for the quarter finals on top of their group, Iran were made to wait for the moment they soared above their opponents, with Ghoochannejhad coming off the bench to nod home a close-range winner and send the Team Melli fans into ecstasy.

In the coinciding fixture, a late goal from Sayed Ahmed Jaafar ensured Bahrain would end the tournament in a positive fashion, beating a disappointing Qatar side 2-1 in Sydney.

But that was merely a dead rubber, with the night's meaningful action occurring up north in Brisbane.

Even though they only needed a draw to progress on top of Group C, the United Arab Emireates would not rest on their laurels. Khamis Esmaeel lined up a swerving 30-yard effort and had Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Haghighi scrambling, but the shot flew narrowly wide.

In an entertaining contest with a nice flow, Iran would be the next to go forward. Soroush Rafiei's threaded pass sent Sardar Azmoun through on goal, only for the striker to be foiled by the onrushing Majed Naser.

Iran was on top, peppering the United Arab Emirates goal, but finding it difficult to beat Naser. Their next chance occurred soon after, when Alireza Jahanbakhsh met Vahid Ameri's cross, only to head straight at the keeper.

In Sydney, there might have been less riding on the contest, but it was still an intriguing battle, with both sides looking to finish the tournament with a flourish.

Qatar's Mohammed Tresor got on the end of Hasan Al Haydos's cross, only to crash his effort against the upright.

However, it was the less fancied Bahrain doing the majority of the early running, with Sayed Shubbar also striking the post following Abdulwahab Al Malood's inch-perfect cross.

Shubbar wouldn't live to regret the missed chance, giving Bahrain the lead moments later. The winger produced a calm finish on the turn to reward Faouzi Aaish's fine individual run.

There was plenty happening in Brisbane, also, with both Iran and the United Arab Emirates having their moments in the final third.

Iran nearly claimed the lead late in the first half when Azmoun 's far-post header seemed destined for the back of the net, only for Emirati defender Mohanad Al Enezi to make a desperate last- ditch block on the line.

It meant both sides went to the interval scoreless, with the United Arab Emirates still sitting atop of Group C for the time being.

In Sydney, Qatar was slowly working their way back into the match and twice should have had an equalizer early in the second period. Both Ali Asadalla and Mohammed Muntari missed golden chances, as Bahrain's lead began to look all the more insecure.

Eventually, the pressure paid, with Qatar finding a deserved leveler through Al Haydos. The impressive winger curled a 20-yard free kick beyond the lunging Hamad Al Doseri to make it 1-1 with just over 20 minutes remaining.

On another night, Qatar, and in particular Muntari, could have scored a bundle. The striker was sent through on goal again moments later, but spurned the opportunity to the frustration of his manager.

Ultimately, Bahrain would make Qatar lament their profligacy, when Jaafar stole a winner against the run of play.

It was a sensational goal from the midfielder, lobbing Qatati goalkeeper Qasem Burhan with a memorable long-range effort as Bahrain sealed a 2-1 win to end their Asian Cup campaign in third place on the Group C table.

It was more of a grinding affair in Brisbane, with a much- changed Iran side finding it increasingly difficult to break down a stern Emirati defence.

With diminutive playmaker Omar Abdulrahman controlling the match for the United Arab Emirates, the group leaders going into the match even had the better of the chances throughout the second half.

Omar's vision created a great chance for Ali Mabkhout, who powered his effort over the bar from the edge of the area, before the gifted No.10 set up another chance for Ahmed Khalil, who shot straight at Haghighi.

But, deep into stoppage time, Iran would ensure a piece of late drama as Ghoochannejhad shot Team Melli to the top of Group C.

The ball had bobbled around inside the area, with the United Arab Emirates unable to clear before the Iranian striker ghosted in and nodded past a helpless Naser.

It was the final meaningful moment of the match, with Iran now likely to face Iraq in the next phase of the competition, while the United Arab Emirates could be forced to play tournament favorites Japan.

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