10 of the Best: Group stage match-ups [Iran vs. Iraq]
(3 votes, average: 4.67 out of 5)
Loading...AFC – KUALA LUMPUR, There are just seven days until the big kick-off of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, with teams and fans beginning to descend on the United Arab Emirates.
As ever, the group stage will throw up a number of intriguing clashes between the nations, so, next in the ’10 of the Best’ series, the-AFC.com has picked out standout fixtures to keep an eye out for.
Islamic Republic of Iran v Iraq
Venue: Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai
Kick-off: January 16, 20:00 UTC+4
Arguably the most eagerly awaited tie of the group stage sees Iran and Iraq square off in a repeat of the 2015 quarter-finals – a scintillating 3-3 draw before the Iraqis eventually won 7-6 on penalties.
The Iranians may boast the better record at the tournament, but they have not tasted glory since 1976. The 2007 champions have the better recent history and will be desperate to defeat their neighbours once again.
