Iran and Japan will lock horns in the Asian Cup quarter-final at the Education City stadium on 3 February.
Iran – 4.45
Draw – 3.40
Japan – 1.87
Iran
Iran gained nine points from three group-stage clashes, having beaten Palestine, Hong Kong and UAE. However, in their first knockout game against Syria, they conceded an equaliser shortly before FT and then were reduced to ten men after goal-scorer Mehdi Taremi was sent off.
Initially, Iran won on penalties but this game was a harsh reality check for them nonetheless. Against Japan, such an approach is going to prove costly.
Japan
The Samurai had a rollercoaster-like group stage campaign, where a win against Vietnam was followed by a surprising defeat against Iraq. Finally, Japan beat Indonesia and that helped them to the second place in the group.
As the second-placed team, they were supposed to get a tough opponent in the last 16 but instead, they faced Bahrain and made a short work of them winning 3-1. Meanwhile, group leaders Iraq were eliminated. Oh, the irony.
Bad news for Japan fans: defender Reo Hatate is injured and will not be available for the Iran clash. Good news: Kaoru Mitoma is back after missing the entire group stage.
Iran vs Japan: Facts to know
In Japan's last five games, including all matches at this cup, bets on both teams to score came in.
In each of their last eight games, goals total was over 2.5.
Iran have been undefeated for the last 16 games: 14 wins at FT, one win on penalties, and one draw.
Iran vs Japan: Head-to-head
In the last 20 years, there were five games between the sides. Japan won two, Iran had the upper hand once, and two games ended in a draw.
At the Asian Cup, Iran and Japan last met in 2019: the Samurai thrashed their opponents 3-0. Previously, in 2004, the teams faced off at the group stage and drew 0-0.
Iran vs Japan: Prediction and betting tip
Even though Iran will be missing their best scorer, Mehdi Taremi, their attacking threat will be enough to net against Japan. The odds on both teams to score are just too good to ignore them.
Our betting tip: Both teams to score (Megapari odds – 2.11)
