Iran vs Qatar AFC Odds, Semifinal Preview
Team Melli Take on Defending Champions
Iran Look to End Final Drought
We’re down to the last four teams at the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar. Iran have qualified for back-to-back Semifinals and they’re looking for their first final appearance since 1976. On Wednesday, they’ll take on hosts and defending champions Qatar, who advanced to the Semifinal in a penalty shootout.
For this match at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, we’ll cover the Iran vs Qatar AFC odds. The winner of Wednesday’s Semifinal will take on the winner of South Korea vs Jordan in Saturday’s final at Lusail Stadium.
Iran vs Qatar Game Info
Day/Time:
Location: Al Thumama Stadium, Doha, Qatar
Head-to-Head
Asian Cup predictions take into account the fact that Iran are unbeaten in their last ten matches vs Qatar. Iran are also on a six game winning streak vs Qatar and the two sides last met in October. In a friendly, Iran came away with a 4-0 win and Team Melli have conceded just once to Qatar in the last seven meetings. Qatar last defeated Iran in 2009.
Iran Complete the Comeback
Iran fought back from one goal down vs Japan in the Quarter-Final to advance to the Semis under dramatic circumstances. The Samurai Blue scored through Hidemasa Morita in the first half following some questionable defending by Iran. Team Melli didn’t give up in the second half and pushed for an equalizer. Sardar Azmoun played a beautiful through ball for Mohammad Mohebi, who finished in the bottom corner with 35 minutes of normal time to play.
Both sides had chances but a Japanese defensive miscue in second half stoppage time handed Iran a golden opportunity to win the match. Iran won a late penalty as a result of the mixup and attempted defensive tackle and Alireza Jahanbakhsh converted to win the match. Iran are now on to their second straight Semifinal and have an opportunity to make the final for the first time since 1976.
The Iran vs Qatar AFC odds will take into account the fact that Mehdi Taremi is returning from a one-game suspension. The forward will make Iran’s attack more potent and he’s already scored three goals at the tournament. Azmoun has added three assists in the competition, and he’s been an excellent target man for Team Melli. Iran defeated Syria in penalties in the round of 16 and finished in first place in the Group C AFC Asian Cup standings with three wins from three matches.
Qatar Dreaming of Back-to-Back Titles
Qatar have been an excellent pick for soccer betting in the last two editions of the AFC Asian Cup. The Maroons are on a 12-game unbeaten run in the Asian Cup and are the defending champions after going 7-0 in 2019. This time around, they won all three of their group stage matches once again without conceding a single goal. Akram Afif has been one of the tournament’s best players, as he’s scored four goals and provided two assists thus far.
In the round of 16, Qatar completed a comeback to defeat debutants Palestine 2-1. Then, they took the lead in the Quarter-Final vs Uzbekistan on a bizarre deflected cross that somehow found its way into the net. Uzbekistan snagged an equalizer in the second half and the match ended up going into penalties. Meshaal Barsham was the hero for Qatar in penalties, as he saved three Uzbekistan shots.
Now, Qatar have a chance to reach their second straight AFC Asian Cup Final but this will be their toughest test yet. Iran are the highest-ranked team in the AFC and Qatar haven’t played any of the AFC’s powerhouses at this tournament. Bettors should be aware that Qatar forward Khalid Muneer is suspended for this match but he was likely going to start on the bench anyway.
Match Analysis & Odds
Iran are on a long winning streak vs Qatar and are certainly the better side on paper. Still, Qatar are the defending champions and hosts and will play with a chip on their shoulder. At the moment, the Iran vs Qatar AFC odds price Iran as -135 ATS and moneyline favorites. They’ve already taken out the tournament favorites, Japan, and have Taremi coming back into the fold on Wednesday.
Bettors can also take Qatar at +400 odds but they haven’t won any of their last ten games vs Iran. Qatar have done well to concede just two goals at this tournament but Iran should have their fair share of chances in this one. Over two goals come in at -130 odds and Iran have averaged two goals per game at the AFC Asian Cup.
Qatar +0.5 also sits at +105 and a draw is priced at +265 odds for this one. Qatar’s 4-0 defeat to Iran back in October will be fresh on their minds, while Iran will undoubtedly feel they can advance to the final with a solid performance.
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