Soccer-Iran should have played Japan in Asian Cup final, not quarters - coach Ghalenoei

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - AFC Asian Cup - Round of 16 - Iran v Syria - Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha, Qatar - January 31, 2024 Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei reacts REUTERS/Molly Darlington/File Photo

DOHA (Reuters) - Japan and Iran should have met in the Asian Cup final and not the quarters, Iranian coach Amir Ghalenoei said on Friday, adding that the east Asian side are peaking at the right time after a surprise defeat in the group stage.

While Iran topped their group with maximum points, Japan finished second following a shock loss to Iraq. But Hajime Moriyasu's side were clinical in their last-16 win over Bahrain while Iran needed a penalty shootout to eliminate Syria.