'Gucci' guides Iran to vital win

Iranians claim top spot in Group C of Asian Cup after defeating UAE

BRISBANE: Substitute Reza Ghoochannejhad scored in the first minute of stoppage time on Monday to give Iran a thrilling 1-0 win over the UAE and top spot in Group C of the Asian Cup.

Ghoochannejhad, nicknamed ‘Gucci’, headed the ball past keeper Alireza Haghighi after a scramble in the box to send the majority-Iranian crowd of more than 11,000 into raptures.

The win means Iran will now play the runners-up in Group D in the quarter-finals and avoid a likely clash with defending champions Japan.

The entertaining match looked headed for the first draw of the tournament until the Charlton Athletic forward popped up with the winner, beating the offside trap.

"It was good win against, in my opinion and my football appreciation, the best football team in West Asia," said Iran's coach Carlos Queiroz.

Ahmed’s cheeky chip leaves Qatar red-faced

Sayed Ahmed scored a glorious late chip as Bahrain defeated Qatar 2-1 and left the future World Cup hosts ruing a string of missed chances in their Asian Cup dead rubber on Monday.

With both teams already eliminated, the match in Sydney was heading for a draw until Ahmed spotted Qatar 'keeper Qasem Burhan off his line and embarrassed him by lifting the ball over his head and into the back of the net in the 82nd minute.

"This goal had a little bit of luck but also the player had the vision in that situation — he saw the goalkeeper off his line," said Bahrain coach Marjan Eid.

The defeat was a disaster for Gulf Cup champions Qatar, who came to Australia with high hopes but leave with much to ponder as they build towards the 2022 World Cup.

 

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