Iraq’s national soccer team has defeated Iran 7-6 on penalties after a tie score of 3-3 in extra time of their Asia Cup quarterfinal.
The victory sends the Iraqi team to the semifinals against South Korea on January 26.
Iran, which was favored to win, led 1-0 at halftime after Sardar Azmoun scored in the 24th minute of the match in Canberra, Australia.
But Iran was forced to spend the second half defending after the team’s defender Mehrdad Pooladi was sent off with a red card just before the interval.
Iraq’s Ahmed Yasin scored an equalizer in the 56th minute and, with their one-man advantage, kept Iran from scoring again in regulation play.
Extra-time goals were scored by Iraqi players Younus Mahmood and Dhurgham Ismail, and by Iranians Morteza Pouraliganji and Reza Ghoochannejhad.
