Iran beat Japan to reach semi-finals

A last-minute penalty from Alireza Jahanbakhsh sealed a 2-1 win for Iran over Japan on Saturday to seal their place in the last four of the Asian Cup. 

Jahanbakhsh maintained his composure from the spot in the 96th minute after a foul was awarded against Japan's Ko Itakura. 

Iran had to come from behind to book their semi-final berth, as Hidemasa Morita had put Japan ahead in the first half of a pulsating last eight tie at Education City Stadium.

However, Mohammad Mohebi equalised in the 55th minute to set the stage for Jahanbakhsh's late penalty drama. 

Iran will now face either host Qatar or Uzbekistan in the semi-finals.