Asian Cup: Iran, Iraq, Saudi soar into last 16

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Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, with seven titles between them, joined already qualified South Korea, China and Jordan as the round of 16 began to take shape.

Iran sank Vietnam and Iraq beat Yemen as the neighbors archrivals powered into the Asian Cup round of 16 on Saturday ahead of their highly anticipated group decider next week.

Sardar Azmoun struck both goals in Iran's 2-0 win in Abu Dhabi, while teenager Mohanad Ali Kadhim Alshammari's early solo strike kick-started Iraq's 3-0 victory in Sharjah.

Iran and Iraq will meet in Dubai on Wednesday to decide who tops Group D in a repeat of their combustible quarterfinal of 2015, which Iraq won on penalties.

Iraq's forward Mohanad Ali Kadhim Alshammari (C) attempts a shot during the AFC Asian Cup Group D match against Yemen, which Iraq won 3-0 in Sharjah, UAE, January 12, 2019. /VCG Photo

Iran, looking to end a 43-year title drought since last winning Asian soccer's most coveted prize, could have scored four or five but for some poor finishing in Abu Dhabi.

"It's a pity our performance didn't produce a couple more goals," Iran coach Carlos Queiroz told reporters.

"But winning is the best medicine in football. To win two games and score seven goals – I have to praise my players because I am very demanding."

Mehdi Khalil (R) of Lebanon dives to block the attempt on goal of Fahad Al-Muwallad (L) of Saudi Arabia during the AFC Asian Cup Group E match which Saudi Arabia had a 2-0 win over Lebanon in Dubai, UAE, January 12, 2019. /VCG Photo

In Dubai, Saudi Arabia in Group E also maintained their perfect record as they beat Lebanon 2-0, winning their opening two games for the first time since 1996 – when they last won the title.

Fahad Al-Muwallad smashed a loose ball into the roof of the net with just 12 minutes gone, and on 67 minutes Hussain Al-Moqahwi finished at the far post from Hatan Bahbri's teasing cross.

(Top image: Iran's Sardar Azmoun (R) celebrates his scoring with a teammate during the AFC Asian Cup Group D match which Iran had a 2-0 win over Vietnam in Abu Dhabi, UAE, January 12, 2019. /VCG Photo)

Source(s): AFP