Iran’s impressive run
The Iranian players celebrate after winning against DPR Korea in their group stage match.
AFC – DOHA, Iran’s qualification for the quarter-finals of the AFC Asian Cup 2011 is of a piece with their impressive run in previous editions.
Team Melli beat DPR Korea 1-0 on Saturday at the Qatar Sports Club to qualify for the last eight on top of Group D.
Iran were numero uno in Asia in 1968, 1976 and 1972, clinching the title impressively.
They have finished third four times – 1980, 1988, 1996 and 2004. In 1980, they were fourth.
The reached the quarter-finals in recent years in 2000 and 2007. The only time they went out in the group stage was in 1992.
In 2007, Team Melli lost to Korea Republic on penalties in Kuala Lumpur at the Bukit Jalil Stadium.