Doha: Qatar held Iran to a momentous goalless draw in the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2023 to keep their knockout stage hopes alive in Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday.
Despite relentless attempts, Iran found themselves unable to breach Qatar's goal, thanks to the extraordinary performance of goalkeeper Galal Amir Elsharkawy, who spectacularly denied a staggering nine shots.
This significant result has now sealed South Korea position in the quarter-finals, marking their triumphant advancement in the tournament.
On the other hand, Iran find themselves in a favourable position, requiring only a draw against the formidable East Asians on Thursday to secure their spot in the next stage.
Meanwhile, Qatar faces a crucial challenge and must overcome Afghanistan to keep their aspirations alive in the competition.
Qatar, who suffered a devastating defeat with six goals conceded against South Korea a mere three days ago, showcased a remarkable defensive transformation.
Despite a heart-stopping moment in the opening seconds when Kasra Taheri met Esmaeil Gholizadeh's cross, directing a header straight at goalkeeper Galal Amir Elsharkawy, Qatar's steadfast defence managed to frustrate the Iranians throughout the first half.
The maroon shirts held their opponents at bay, with their defensive efforts drawing applause from the handful of supporters in the stands.
Iran had put six goals past Afghanistan in their opener but looked out of ideas here, with Taheri blasting a snapshot well over and a couple of long throws from captain Erfan Darvish coming to naught.
The closest they came was in the 41st minute when Gholizadeh slalomed into the box from the left, before unleashing a fierce effort that Elsharkawy parried away.
Qatar refused to be beaten despite the waves of white shirts laying siege to his goal with Taheri spurning another good pass from Andarz by firing straight at Elsharkawy in the 83rd minute, before Mohammad Askari did likewise a minute later.
Even when Elsharkawy was helpless, centre-back Ali Mohammad Shahabi came to the rescue with a vital intervention to deflect Amirmohammad Razaghinia’s goal-bound shot before the two teams shared the spoils.
