PFDC - JINAN,The Three times champions Iran, went ahead in a quarterfinal thriller and the other Asian powerhouse and two-time Asian champions, South Korea managed to come back three times but the fourth goal was just too much for the Koreans to handle, putting Iran through to the Asian cup semifinal when the last advanced to in 1996 in Emirates thrashing the same Korean team 6-2, and are now off to clash against the confident hosts China who thrashed the Iraqies 3-0 in their comfortable quarter-final game yersterday on next Tuseday in Beijing.

Iran, still missing their suspended defensive trio, played in the same formation which had shown an impressive performance against Japan. The Iranians, lead by Croatian coach Branko Ivankovic, also had the better start. Hamburg SV star Mehdi Mahdavikia pulled off two good shots in the opening minutes, both saved by the goalkeeper. The keeper was, however, chanceless in minute 10, when Mahdavikia produced one of his famous world class passes, sending Kaabi through on the right side. The just 18-year-old managed to produce a cross, finding Karimi in center, who headed the ball in.

Only a minute later, confusion was spotted in Team Melli's backline, but Mirzapour, playing a great tournament so far, tipped the ball over the bar. The suspension-hit Iranian defense then was weakened even more, when after a clash with Korea's Seoul, Taghipour had to be carried to hospital, having lost his conciousness for short time even. With no defender available anymore, offensive midfielder Mobali had to come on, forcing midfielder Alavi to play in defense for the rest of the game. Before Mobali could come on, however, noone else but Seoul, having gotten rid of his marksman, took advantage of the gained space and of a positioning mistake by Golmohammadi - making him be onside - scoring a beautiful goal to even the scoreline. Three minutes later, the Iranian defense was caught napping, when a Korean counter lead to a good scoring opportunity, but Park had to see his effort being denied by Mirzapour.

It was then Iran's turn again, and Karimi did it better than Park, when he headed in a precise Mahdavikia cross to make it 2-1 for the Persians. Korea Republic, however again responded just six minutes later, when playmaker Lee Dong-Gook scored his fourth of the tournament, converting a  deflected cross from left side. The teams then seemed to be slightly powered out, as shots from Daei and Park - both saved by the keepers - were the only further noteable scenes before halftime.

Six minutes into second half, Iran once more took the lead. The dazzling Ali Karimi sent Mahdavkia through on right side, the fast paced winger curling the ball in, and defender Park Jun-Sib, feeling Daei's breath in the neck, scored what would have been a beauty if he was playing for Iran. But Iran then pulled back, showing a pure defending game. They were punished for that in minute 68, when Lee Dong-Gook set up Kim Nam-Il, who's deflected shot made the, however innocent, Mirzapour look bad to equalize for the third time.

But then the two outstanding Iranian players of this tournament combined once more to give Iran a famous win. Mahdavikia won a freekick on the left side, played the ball in, which found Karimi's foot and it's way into the goal. It was Mahdavikia's fifth assist in the competition and Karimi's fourth goal, the Al Ahly playmaker also having two assists.

Iran then relied on pure defensive works for the rest of the game, not allowing any real scoring opportunity for the well and brave playing Koreans. Zare then even had the chance to make Iran's fourth, but shot the ball right into the goalkeepers arms. It should be the last scene of a dramatic quarter final match, in which Team Melli managed to get revenge for being eliminated from the same competition four years ago.

Korea Republic - Iran 3-4 (2-2)

Asian Cup 2004 Quarterfinal, Jinan

Goals:
0-1 Karimi (10')
1-1 Seoul (15')
1-2 Karimi (20')
2-2 Lee (26')
2-3 Park (51'/OG)
3-3 Kim (68')
3-4 Karimi (77')

Iran played with: Mirzapour - Taghipour (15' Mobali), Golmohammadi, Kameli - Kaabi (90' Amirabadi), Nekounam, Alavi, Zare - Mahdavikia, Karimi - Daei

Bookings: Lee - Nekounam, Kameli, Karimi