Iraq defeated Carlos Queiroz's Iran 7-6 on penalties this morning to become the third semi-finalist at the Asian Cup.
Salam Shaker struck the winning spot-kick for the Lions of Mesopotamia after an epic clash which ended 3-3 after extra-time against their neighbours in Canberra.
Team Melli opened the scoring in the first half through a 24th-minute strike by Rubin Kazan's Sardar Azmoun but were hit with a body blow when Mehrdad Pouladi was sent off for a second yellow before half-time.
It got worse for Iran when Ahmed Yasin equalised for the Iraqis in the second half, and it stayed at 1-1 until the end of normal time.
Probably the greatest match in #AsianCup history. Simply to be known as the "Canberra game" forever more. It's beyond words now. #IRNvIRQ
— Sebastian Hassett (@sebth) January 23, 2015
Younis Mahmoud Khalef then put the Lions of Mesopotamia ahead three minutes into extra-time, but Morteza Pouraliganji levelled ahead of the interval.
Incredibly Iraq pulled ahead yet again courtesy of a Dhirgham Ismail penalty four minutes from time ... but Charlton Athletic's Reza Ghoochannejhad headed Iran them into a penalty shootout with a minute to go.
No words left to describe this game. What an advert for Asian Football! #AC2015 #IRNvIRQ pic.twitter.com/Yxi3TwucnC
— AFC Asian Cup (@afcasiancup) January 23, 2015
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