Asian Cup:Iraq Beats Iran In Penalty Thriller

IRAQ claimed the scalp of its fiercest rival to cause the biggest upset of the Asian Cup seeing off Iran in a penalty shoot out after the sides were locked at 3-3 after extra time at Canberra Stadium on Friday.
Iraq made the most of Iran being reduced to 10 men in the first half before the most spectacular match of the Asian Cup unfolded.
Iraq won the shootout 7-6 after both nations missed the first two spot kicks.
With the count at six apiece Iraq’s Salam Shakir scored the winner after Vahid Airy’s attempt hit the post.
Iraq will now meet South Korea on Australia Day in the semi final of the Asian Cup at Stadium Australia.
But Australian referee Ben Williams was at height of the controversial quarterfinal when he expelled Iran’s Mehrdad Pooladi in the first half before awarding Iraq an extra time penalty.
The game had it all and kept vocal crowd on its toes throughout extra time when four incredible goals were scored.
After Iran scored the opener Team Melli was forced to come from behind twice to take the tie to penalties.
-News LIMITED