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Alireza Jahanbakhsh scored a 96th-minute penalty to give Iran a dramatic 2-1 win over Japan in the quarterfinals.
It capped a stunning comeback from Iran, who were behind at the break but roared back to dump out the pre-tournament favourites and keep alive their dream of a first Asian title since 1976.
Hidemasa Morita gave Japan, who were looking to lift the trophy for a record-extending fifth time, the lead midway through the first half in front of 36,000 at Education City Stadium.
Mohammad Mohebi drew Iran — itself champion three times — level 10 minutes after half-time and it dominated the remainder of the game.
But just when it looked like overtime, Kou Itakura brought Hossein Kanaanizadegan down in the box and skipper Jahanbakhsh held his nerve to spark delirium on the pitch and in the stands.
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said his players were “fantastic” in the second half.
“They gave everything for the Iranian people,” he said. “This can be a turning point for Iranian football.”
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