Qatar FC is looking to earn their second consecutive ticket in the Asian Cup finals, with a win over Iran FC for their semi-finals meeting. These two teams have a different path coming into the semi-finals, which may affect this match. Qatar are coming into this match from a win on penalties against Uzbekistan during their quarterfinals meeting. Moreover, Qatar‘s win against Uzbekistan brings them to a win closer to defend their title in the Asian Cup. On the other hand, Iran had an easier journey to the semi-finals, as they earned a 2-1 win against Japan. Iran are now aiming to extend their unbeaten run in the contest through this crucial match. The meeting between these two teams is on February 7, 2024, at 11:00 PM (GMT+8).
Qatar FC
Qataris defeated Uzbekistan in the Asian Cup quarter-finals, thanks to outstanding goalkeeping. Utkir Yusupov’s error allowed the hosts to lead, and despite missing two penalties, Uzbekistan were thwarted three times from the spot. The Maroons have only conceded once in six competitive fixtures before the knockout stage, one more than they allowed in the 2019 Asian Cup knockout phase. With a victory, Qatar would become the first host nation to reach the final since Australia in 2015 and the third in the 2000s to advance into that decisive game. They are the first defending champion to make it beyond the quarter-finals since Japan in 2007. The Maroons have not lost a knockout fixture at this competition since the 2011 quarter-finals.
Qatar’s reserve goalkeeper, Salah Zakaria, is a concern due to an unknown injury. Al-Mahdi Ali Mukhtar and Tarek Salman were newcomers in the starting 11 and Meshaal Barsham stopped Uzbekistan’s penalties.
Iran FC
Iran has reached the semi-finals of the Asian Cup for a second consecutive campaign, extending their unbeaten run to 18 matches in all competitions. Amir Ghalenoei’s victory on Saturday was a moment of redemption for Iran, who had lost in the last eight on penalties against South Korea. Iran’s heart has been their strength, overcoming a scare in the last 16 and earning their first come-from-behind triumph at the tournament since 2011. With a victory on Wednesday, Iran would advance to their first Asian Cup final since 1976, having lost their last six semi-final fixtures. Iran has never been in front at an Asian Cup semi-final since 1988, when Saudi Arabia beat them on penalties. They won six consecutive matches against Qatar, failing to concede in six of their previous seven meetings.
Iran faces potential injury absences due to cruciate ligament injury, ankle soreness, and suspension of Mehdi Taremi. Four changes were made to the starting 11 in the last eight, with Mohebi scoring the equalizer against Japan.
Prediction:
Iran FC (1.5)
Odds: -0.91
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