Sydney, Jan 15 (IANS): Iran reached the knockout stage of the AFC Asian Cup football competition after a 1-0 win over Qatar here Thursday.
Having clashed numerous times before, the two teams cancelled out each other in the first half, reports Xinhua.
It took Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun tap in to the right corner from an Ashkan Dejagah pass to break the deadlock.
The 20-year-old promising star, though, had to be replaced soon due to leg cramp.
Qatar fought hard to find a equaliser and stay in the tournament but their forwards failed to get past the Iranian defence.