Facing the host Qatar, the Iranian team was rated higher, especially when the students of coach Amir Ghalenoei had just created an earthquake when defeating the championship candidate Japan in the quarterfinals. In the 3rd minute, Sardar Azmoun brought the advantage to the Iranian team with a beautiful kick. However, the Qatar team, with the support of home fans, scored 2 consecutive goals before the end of the first half thanks to Jassem Gaber and star Akram Afif. Although the Iranian team equalized 2-2 on the penalty spot thanks to captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Almoez Ali quickly scored the goal to seal a dramatic 3-2 victory.
Coach Amir Ghalenoei reacted strongly to the referee's decisions. He expressed his anger at the result of the match in the press conference: “First of all, I apologize to the Iranian people. Today we should have made everyone happy and reached the final. However, luck was not with us. I think Iran played one of their best matches in the second half. The players gave their all. But that's football, if you don't take advantage of your chances, you will be punished.
When the match was tied 2-2, the Iranian team suffered many controversial decisions from the main referee. We lost the match, a painful result. Not only that, VAR also intervened at the end of the match, causing us to lose a man while the opponent was leading. The Iranian team tried very hard but was helpless. Those decisions made the situation of the match impossible to change."
Coach Amir Ghalenoei constantly reacts to referee decisions
Many of Iran's players underperformed in the second half but were still kept on the pitch by coach Amir Ghalenoei. The most notable of these was Mehdi Taremi - a player who missed the quarter-final and also did not make much of an impression against Qatar. Coach Amir Ghalenoei explained: "When you want to make a substitution, you have to consider the situation. Before the opponent took the lead, we should have scored three or four goals. Mehdi Taremi also played well and he can create chances with his movements with Sardar Azmoun. Mehdi Taremi is Iran's best target man and we need him on the pitch."
Coach Amir Ghalenoei also praised Qatar goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham: “In my opinion, the Qatar goalkeeper should have been the best player. He denied Iran too many chances. Before this match, no one thought we would have to face such a skilled player. In addition, Iran also had a lot of bad luck, such as the ball hitting the post and going out.”
Goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham continues to have excellent performance
At the end of his speech, coach Amir Ghalenoei also congratulated the Qatar team and he believes that the host team of the 2023 Asian Cup will be able to win the championship. Mr. Amir Ghalenoei continued: "The Japanese, Korean and Saudi Arabian teams were also eliminated despite attacking a lot. The Iranian team is no exception. I do not blame anyone and I have to take responsibility for this defeat.
I congratulate Qatar for reaching the final. I believe that with your current strength, you will once again be crowned champions."
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