by Robert J. Saiget
CHONGQING, China, July 28 (AFP) - Holders Japan and Iran fought to a goalless draw in a tense finale to Asian Cup Group D here Wednesday in a result that sees both sides go safely through to the quarter-finals.
Japan now plays Jordan in Chongqing on Saturday, while Iran goes against Group D winner South Korea in Jinan on the same night, the third straight Asian Cup in which the two will meet in the quarterfinals.
"It was a very difficult match," Japan's Brazilian coach Zico said. "We managed to play well enough and we managed to finish at the top of our group."
The goalless match was not bereft of action as both sides attacked throughout creating chances.
A header by Iranian midfielder Javad Nekounam in the 25th minute was called back for offside, while Japan keeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi made two one-handed saves on howitzer-strikes by Yahya Golmohammadi and Mehdi Mahdavikia.
Japanese striker Takayuki Suzuki led his side with chances, shooting wide from inside the six-yard box early on, then missing an open goal badly in the 43rd minute after Iran goalie Ebrahim Mirzapour got caught way out of position.
"This was a well played match, both Iran and Japan showed good tactics," Iran's Croatian coach Branko Ivankovic said.
"We had some problems before the match and during the match, but I appreciate the way our players played so well."
Iran's side had been decimated due to expulsions in its last match with Oman with defender Mohammad Nosrati kicked out of the tournament for stamping on an opponent and Rahman Rezaei and Ali Badavi suspended for fighting each other.
"The accidents that happened in the last match have been resolved and won't happen again, what was said on the pitch, we discussed among ourselves and have worked through the problem."
Japan, which was again loudly booed by the Chongqing fans, has the easiest route to the final and will face either Uzbekistan or Bahrain if it can win its quarter-final with Jordan.
If Iran can get by South Korea, the Iranians would then face either hosts China or Iraq.
In the second half, Iraq's attack dominated most of the action with the legendary Ali Daei missing in the 65th minute and two accurate powerful shots by Eman Mobali stopped by Kawaguchi.
Iran keeper Mirzapour too was kept busy, stopping a shot from inside the penalty box by Endo Yasuhito in the 75th minute.
The physical match resulted in six yellow cards with Australian referee Mark Shield giving four to the Iranian side.