AFC Asian Cup 2023: Iran vs Qatar: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Qatar will aim to get one step closer to defending their AFC Asian Cup title.

Iran and Qatar are set to meet in second semi-final of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup at the Al-Thumama Stadium in Qatar on 7 February 2024. The air is tense ahead of the highly anticipated clash with both teams showing incredible hunger to go all the way in the prestigious continental tournament.

The Iran men’s national team dumped the highest-ranked Asian team in FIFA rankings, Japan, out of the tournament in the run-up. The Samurai Blue being the favourites to win the tournament did not affect the three-time AFC Asian Cup winners who went on to win by a 2-1 scoreline. As for Qatar, it was a nervy end to their quarter-final contest against Uzbekistan where the host nation had to rely on penalties to keep their hopes of retaining the title alive. 

Here is a look at what to look out for in an electrifying fixture which will reveal one of the finalists for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup:

Kick-off

Wednesday, 7 February 2024, 8:30 PM IST (15:00 GMT) at the Al-Thumama Stadium in Qatar.

Form

Iran (all competitions): W-W-W-W-W

Qatar (all competitions): W-W-W-W-W

Player to Watch

Sardar Azmoun (Iran)

Sardar Azmoun showed flexibility in his gameplay in the iconic win against Japan. He came deep to help in the build-up and got an assist for the equaliser. The striker could have also bagged a goal for himself during the game. His vision and combination with other attackers make him a dangerous player and Qatar must plan to contain his influence.

Akram Afif (Qatar)

Akram Afif has consistently performed well at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. The forward has scored four goals, the most for his side. He converted his penalty in the previous game against Uzbekistan, showing a lot of confidence and belief. Backed by a rich vein of form and unrelenting confidence, Afif can be the difference-maker for Qatar.

Match Facts

• Iran have won all of the last six matches against Qatar.
• All three of Iran’s AFC Asian Cup wins came successively in 1968, 1972 and 1976.
• No team have defended their AFC Asian Cup title in the past 20 years with Qatar looking to end that myth.

Head-to-Head

Total Matches – 25

Iran wins – 17

Qatar wins – 3

Draws – 5

Predicted Lineup

Iran (4-2-3-1)

Beiranvand (GK), Rezaeian, Kanaani, Khalilzadeh, Mohammadi, Ebrahimi, Ezatolahi, Jahanbakhsh, Ghoddos, Cheshmi, Azmoun

Qatar (3-5-2)

Barsham (GK), Salman, Ali, Mendes, Miguel, Abdulsallam, Fathi, Haydos, Mashaal, Almoez Ali, Afif

Match Prediction for Iran vs Qatar

Iran made short work of Japan with their physical display and Qatar will be fatigued after the penalty shootout against Uzbekistan, which may swing the fixture in favour of the former.

Prediction: Iran 2-1 Qatar

Telecast for Iran vs Qatar

India – Sports 18, Jio Cinema

Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Oman – BeinSports, Alkass

United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Belgium, Netherlands – Triller TV

Australia – Network 10

AFC Asian Cup 2023 Worldwide Broadcast Details: Click here

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