Qatar wins thrilling match against Iran, enters Asian Cup 2023 final
"I want to apologize to the Iranian people because we have a responsibility to make them happy. But this is football and if you don't take advantage of your chances, you will be punished," coach Amir Ghalenoei said at a press conference after Iran was eliminated by hosts Qatar in the semi-finals of the 2023 Asian Cup.
Iran is rated higher than Qatar after creating an "earthquake" by defeating championship candidate Japan in the quarter-finals. And the West Asian team soon had an advantage with Sardar Azmoun's opening goal in the 3rd minute of the match.
However, the Qatar team, with the support of a large number of home fans, scored two consecutive goals before the end of the first half thanks to Jassem Gaber and star Akram Afif.
Iran (white shirt) unexpectedly lost to host Qatar in the semi-finals of the 2023 Asian Cup (Photo: Getty).
Although the Iranian team equalized 2-2 thanks to a penalty kick by captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Almoez Ali quickly sealed a dramatic 3-2 victory in the 82nd minute despite the match having 16 minutes of extra time.
Even in the final seconds of the match, Alireza Jahanbakhsh missed the chance to send the match into extra time when his shot from inside the penalty area unfortunately hit the post and went wide.
Coach Amir Ghalenoei called Iran's second-half performance "the best since I took charge" but was disappointed that his team could not find a late equaliser.
"We should have made everyone happy today and gone to the final. However, luck was not with us. I think Iran played one of their best matches in the second half. The players showed their full potential," the 60-year-old coach affirmed.
"From a technical point of view, we had a very good game. And if you are looking for someone to take responsibility for the defeat, it is me," added the Iranian tactician.
At the end of his speech, coach Amir Ghalenoei also congratulated the Qatar team and he believed that the host team of the 2023 Asian Cup would be able to win the championship.
Coach Amir Ghalenoei continued: "The Japanese, Korean and Saudi Arabian teams were also eliminated despite attacking a lot. The Iranian team was no exception. I do not blame anyone and I must take responsibility for this defeat.
I congratulate Qatar on reaching the final. I believe that with their current strength, Qatar will once again be crowned champion."
Watch Live & Complete Asian Cup 2023 on FPT Play, at: https://fptplay.vn/
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