UAE ousts defending champ Japan, Iraq advances
Print Edition
UNITED Arab Emirates knocked out defending champion Japan and Iraq outlasted a short-handed Iran in penalty shootouts to end thrilling Asian Cup quarterfinals yesterday.
Japan star Shinji Kagawa hit the left upright with his spot kick, allowing UAE defender Ismail Ahmed to blast in the winning penalty and earn UAE its first semifinal appearance since 1996.
After 1-1 in extra time, UAE won 5-4 on penalties in Stadium Australia.
In Canberra, Iraq beat fierce rival Iran 7-6 in a penalty shootout after a remarkable 3-3 draw, when four goals were scored in extra time.
“We worked hard, me and my teammates, to give something to our country,” Iraq defender Dhurgham Ismail said. “Every respect to the Iran team who are not an easy team (to beat).”
Iraq booked a semifinal against South Korea, the only group winner to make the last four, on Monday, and UAE moved on to face Australia on Tuesday.
Iraq and South Korea are the only surviving former champions; Iraq in 2007, and South Korea last in 1960.
Japan didn’t concede a goal in three group matches, then was shockingly behind after only seven minutes yesterday with Ali Mabkhout scoring his fourth goal of the tournament.
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