Iran tops the group after defeating Malaysia

Persopress- Iran went to their last game in the group stages only needing a draw to book their spot in the quarterfinal, but they wanted to become 1st in their group because they wanted to stay in Malaysia and avoid playing Saudi Arabia and winner of Japan-Australia. They went into the game wanting to score a lot because China's goal difference was better and if Iran and China had tied then, China would have had the advantage. Iran's starting line-up was the same as the line-up we used in the beginning of the 2nd half against China, except Karimi was in instead of Kazemian. It was obvious from the beginning of the game that Iran was going to attack, while Malaysia had all their players packed in their own field, and were defending with all their capabilities. At the Beginning of the game Iran had 3 clear chances, which ended up hitting the post. Hashemian hit the post twice after his shot was saved by the goalie and Enayati also hit the post after he had hit the ball past the goalie. Iran kept attacking and it finally paid off after Karimi was taken down in the box and the referee awarded Iran a penalty. Javad Nekounam picked up the ball and placed on the spot and he drilled the ball in the top right hand corner. The score was 1-0, but Iran was not convinced as they started their attack again. Malaysia's best chance in the game came right before halftime as one of their players chipped the ball and it was going over Roudbarian and into the goal, but Roudbarian made a magnificent save. The score stayed 1-0 going into the half.

Iran made one sub at the beginning of the 2nd half and it was Khatibi replacing Enayati, who didn't get too many goal scoring opportunities. Iran started out the game the same way they had been playing, attacking with full force. Karimi started to pick up his game as he played better than the previous two games. He started creating chances with his dribbling and nice passes, he almost scored after he dribbled a player in the box, but his shot was deflected. Iran made 2 more subs, as they brought in Kazemian for Mobali and Rajabzadeh for Hashemian, who didn't have a good performance at all. These subs made some impact as Kazemian with his speed created some chances. And one of them turned into a goal as he passed the ball to Teymourian, who had three defenders on him, but he faked a shot and dribbled the player and put the ball past the keeper. After this goal, Malaysia became a little hopeless, while Iran gained confidence and continued on attacking. They had another great chance after Karimi shot the ball and the goalie saved it, but the ball bounced up and it hit the post, Karimi couldn't believe it as he fell onto the ground, wondering where his luck has gone. Karimi played much better and it seems like he has gained a little confidence from his performance, but Iran's best player today was Javad Nekounam, who was rewarded the Man of the Match again. The game ended 2-0, but with the amount of chances Iran had it could have easily been 6-0. But the important thing is that Uzbekistan beat China, so Iran topped the group with 7 points in three games. Iran will play Korea in the quarterfinals in Malaysia, meaning they don't have to travel, which is definitely a positive. It seems like every time we go to the 2nd round, we have to play Korea. We have played Korea in the 2nd round in the last four Asian Cups. Hopefully, it will turn out to be the same way as it was last Asian Cup as we defeated Korea 4-3, in one of the best games in the last decade.

Quarter Finals:

1) Japan vs. Australia
2) Iraq vs. Vietnam
3)Iran vs. Korea Republic
4) Saudi Arabia vs. Uzbekistan