Match Summary
Qatar defeated Iran 3:2. The match was played in Asian Cup 2023. Goals were scored by S. Azmoun 4′, Jassem Gaber 17′, Akram Afif 43′, A. Jahanbakhsh 51′ (pen.), Almoez Ali 82′. 4 yellow cards were shown, 1 red cards. Iran had 59% possession while Qatar held 41%. Iran had 23 shots (5 on target) compared to 15 (8 on target) for Qatar. Iran made 4 substitutions, Qatar made 5. VAR was involved: Penalty confirmed (Saeid Ezatolahi 49′), Card upgrade (Shoja Khalilzadeh 90′).
Match Events
Key match events between Iran and Qatar — 5 goals and 5 cards recorded during the match.
assist: Akram Afif
assist: Ahmed Fathy
Penalty
assist: Abdulaziz Hatem
Match Statistics
Iran had 59% possession against Qatar's 41%. Iran registered 23 shots (5 on target) while Qatar managed 15 (8 on target). Corner kicks: 12–1. Fouls committed: 9–11.
Lineups
Iran lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under A. Ghalenoei, while Qatar deployed a 4-4-2 under Tintín Márquez.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Iran is 6.72, compared to 6.59 for Qatar. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Iran's highest-rated starter is S. Khalilzadeh (7.20), while Qatar's best-rated player is Akram Afif (7.30).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Iran have contributed 1 goals and 1 assists this season, led by M. Taremi (1G). Qatar's starters account for 3 goals and 2 assists, spearheaded by Almoez Ali (2G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Iran deploy 4 defenders rated 7.20 on average, against Qatar's 4-man backline averaging 6.43. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Iran field 5 midfielders averaging 6.90, versus Qatar's 4 rated 6.50. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Iran start 1 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 2 for Qatar averaging 7.19. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 47% for Iran and 44% for Qatar. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Iran's starters have collected 3 yellow cards this season, compared to 1 for Qatar. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Iran's starting XI is 32.9 (youngest: S. Ezatolahi (29), oldest: S. Khalilzadeh (36)), while Qatar average 29.2 (youngest: Jassem Gaber (23), oldest: Pedro Miguel (35)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Iran's starters average 4 league appearances each, versus 2 for Qatar. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Coach: A. Ghalenoei
Substitutes
Coach: Tintín Márquez
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Iran have recorded 1 wins, 3 draws and 2 defeats. Qatar show 0 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses from their last 6 outings.
Iran
Qatar
API data: 20 Apr 2026