Iran survive penalty drama to book Asian Cup showdown with mighty Japan

No room for mistakes: Iran’s Ehsan Hajsafi scoring a penalty against Syria during the last-16 match. — Reuters

DOHA: Iran will meet pre-tournament favourites Japan in the Asian Cup quarter-finals after surviving extra time with 10 men before defeating Syria 5-3 on penalties.

Japan beat Bahrain 3-1 despite another mistake from goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, as Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma made his first appearance in Qatar after injury.