Iran prevails on penalties against outsiders Syria and ensures a quarter-final blockbuster against Japan.

Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Qatar – What do you get when you pit two soccer-loving countries against each other in a compact stadium and risk a spot in the knockout championship?

Iran versus Syria on Wednesday evening at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium – battle for the last remaining quarter-final place AFC Asian Cup 2023.

Iran emerged as the winner After a 1-1 score at the end of extra time, a penalty shootout was needed to separate the teams.

It was an end-to-end contest that captivated viewers for more than two hours and showcased the underdog fight that Syria displayed.

Iran went into the game as favorites in many respects.

Higher ranking: Iran is ranked second in Asia and 21st in the world in the FIFA men’s rankings, compared to Syria ranked 91st in the world and 13th in Asia.

Past Glory: Iran has won the Asian Cup three times – despite the last victory taking place 48 years ago – while Syria had never progressed beyond the group stage.

Tournament history: Iran led their group with three wins and a goal difference of five. Syria made it into the knockout stages as one of the four best third-placed teams thanks to a 1-0 win over hapless India and a goalless draw against Uzbekistan.

And finally the reputation: Iran was one of the title contenders alongside countries such as Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Australia. Syria was rated as one of the teams that would do wonders by qualifying for the knockout stages.

Their progress delighted Syrian fans as it gave them the opportunity to see their team in action again, especially in a stadium where they were close to the action. Both fans enjoyed every minute of the action.

The intensity of what was happening on the field was hardly exceeded by the singing and chanting that accompanied it.

The 10,000-capacity venue was evenly filled with fans of both teams. They were equipped with drums, trumpets, flags of different sizes and powerful vocal cords. Once the action was underway, each wave of attacks on the pitch was met with a crescendo of noise.

Iran took the lead in the 34th minute when their star striker Mehdi Taremi scored a penalty, but Syria continued to pile pressure on the Iranian goal.

Their efforts paid off when they were awarded a penalty in the second half and Omar Khribin stepped up to convert it and send the Syrian fans to dreamland.

And when Taremi was sent off in stoppage time, Syria felt the one-man advantage could help them claim the winner.

But somehow Iran managed to repel the Syrian attacks, which Team Melli coach Amir Ghalenoei attributed to a “compact and disciplined performance” in his post-match comments.

What ultimately separated them on the pitch after more than two hours of play was a saved penalty.

When Ehsan Hajsafi successfully converted Iran’s last penalty in the shootout to make it 5-3, the Syrian players fell to the ground in disbelief. In the stands, her fans looked shocked. Children with their faces painted with Syrian flags sobbed, but some fans, like Adnan Yazbek, said they were immensely proud of the team.

“Our team has exceeded expectations to come this far and give Iran such a fight. It breaks my heart, but I have a smile on my face because they made me proud to be Syrian,” Yazbek told Al Jazeera.

Mohammed Abdullah, a Syrian fan, said the team had overcome many challenges off the field due to the ongoing war in the country and the resulting complications.

“Football is loved by everyone in Syria and this team is loved by all Syrians around the world,” Abdullah said.

“Me and my little sister are heartbroken, but this is football and as long as we know our players gave it their all, we will continue to support them.”

The Syrian team and their traveling fans return home to focus on 2026 World Cup qualification.

Meanwhile, Iran will face the Samurai Blue in an afternoon opener in the third quarter-final on Saturday.