Second-string Iran beat UAE at Asian Cup

Doha: A second-string Iran team defeated the United Arab Emirates 3-0 on Wednesday to send the Gulf nation out of the Asian Cup in a match both teams finished with 10 men.

Iran was already sure of advancing to the quarterfinals and became the only team to finish the group stage with three wins from three games and topped Group D ahead of Iraq, which beat North Korea 1-0.

Forward Arash Afshin gave Iran the lead in the 70th minute, only to be sent off five minutes later. Midfielder Mohammad Nori scored the second in the 83rd and UAE defender Walid Abbas netted an own goal in injury time.

UAE defender Khalid Sebil was sent off in the 79th.

Afshin scored after a quick run down the right flank by substitute Gholam Reza Rezaei, whose cross was met by Mohammad Gholami. His first header struck the underside of the crossbar and the Iranian forward had another attempt but his second header also bounced off the crossbar. Afshin then followed through to slam the ball into the net.

Five minutes later, Afshin was sent off with his second booking for a rough challenge on UAE goalkeeper Majed Naser.

The UAE's man advantage last only four minutes, until Sebil was sent off with his second yellow card.

Nori scored after collecting a pass from the right flank from defender Khosro Heidar, and Abbas' attempt to clear the ball then ended in his own net in injury time.

Despite using mainly reserve players, Iran looked dangerous on the counterattack and Abbas made two key clearances early in the game.

Iran coach Afshin Ghotbi rested his regulars for the quarterfinal clash with South Korea, making nine changes in his lineup.

Subait Khater hit the post of Iran's goal after the two early Iranian opportunities.

Forward Ismaeil Matar was left unmarked at the far post in the 18th but drilled the ball wide.

Nori had a good effort in the 28th for Iran but sent his shot wide.

Matar nearly caught Iran's goalkeeper Shahan Gordan off-guard in the final minute of the first half but his shot went outside the far post.

Gholami had a good shot saved by Naser, who dived to his left to smother the ball.

Naser made another excellent save, this time diving to his right to palm away a shot by Ghasem Hadadifar.

On the other side, midfielder Ismail al-Hammadi narrowly missed the target in the 66th.