PFDC - CHONGQING, A strong Iranian side struggled to a goalless draw against title defenders Japan. After an equal first half, Iran then increased the pressure on Japan, but failed to capitalize on the scoring opportunities, but was also saved by Mirzapour on a few occassions.

Surprising Iranian lineup

Branko Ivankovic suprised the public and the opponent by lining up a 3-4-3 system, with Golmohammadi being the defensive boss. Upfront the not fully fit Daei, who was doubtful until shortly ahead of the match, was supported by Mahdavikia on the right and Karimi on the left. Japan's Zico relied on his usual 3-5-2 system.

The spectators should see an open match in first half, Japan having more possession in the opening 20 minutes, before Iran became stronger towards the end of the half. First chance should be Japan's, as Kameli let the ball pass him in the box, but striker Tamada was just too surprised to capitalize on this.

After 20 minutes, again Tamada created danger for Mirzapour's goal, this time curving around Kameli, but the Japanese attacker produced an enbarassing miss from great shooting position. Six minutes later, Iran then scored what appeared to be the opener, after a great move over the right side, but the Qatari linesman should be the second within four days, causing a huge disadvantage for Iran from the line, denying the goal due to his wrong offside call.

In minute 29, Japan launched a dangerous counter attack, but Kaji's shot could be saved by Mirzapour. Only moments later, a beautiful Iran attack from the right, almost ended in a goal, but the not fully fit Daei narrowliy missed Karimi's cross. Iran's Alavi then produced a thunderous shot from far out, and forced Kawaguchi to an amazing save (36'). Two minutes later, Zare, today in left midfield, won the ball and tried his luck with a direct shot, but saw it going wide.

The last minutes of the first half then saw two more Japanese opportunities and a good shot from Mahdavikia, which, however, could be saved by Kawaguchi.

Strong Iran in second half

After the break, Iran then slowly gained control over the match, pressing the Japanese deep into their own half for longer periods. First Iran demanded a penalty, when short after halftime, Karimi sent Kaabi through on goal and the youngster fell in the box, but Australian referee Shields booked Kaabi for a dive. Then, right at the hourmark, a perfect Iranian counter was whistled back by the referee - another doubtful offside decision against Iran. A minute later, Mirzapour saved Iran, when he tipped Tamada's powerful shot from half left over the bar.

In minute 66, Daei missed what looked to be a so called 100%er, when Karimi penetrated the box, and left the ball for Daei, who, totally unmarked, sliced it over the bar. With Mobali coming on for the injured Taghipour, the system being changed back to a 4-2-3-1, Iran then finally took control over the match. But also Japan still was dangerous, as Endo suddenly found a perfect shooting chance, and was denied by the fabulous Mirzapour.

Iran then tried all to still win the game and avoid a quarterfinal against South Korea, but a Mobali-freekick and a shot by Kaabi from outside could be saved by the today very strong Kawaguchi. Kawaguchi once more spoiled the Iranian party eight minutes to the end, when after confusion following an Iran corner, he denied the sitting Nekounam from close range. The last big chance was then missed by Daei, who in the box stepped over a square ball from Kaabi, instead of shooting himself.

With this result Iran finishes second in the group and will now have to take on South Korea in quarterfinal stage on Saturday.

Japan - Iran 0-0

Chongqing Olympic Stadium
Asian Cup 2004, Group D

Goals: None

Lineups:

Japan: Kawaguchi - Tanaka, Miyamoto, Nakazawa - Kaji, Endo, Fukunishi, Santos - Nakamura - Suzuki (70' Motoyama), Tamada

Iran: Mirzapour - Taghipour (68' Mobali), Golmohamadi, Kameli - Kaabi, Nekounam, Alavi, Zare - Mahdavikia, Karimi - Daei

Bookings: Tamada, Kawaguchi - Alavi, Taghipour, Kaabi, Kameli