2023 Asian Cup Semifinals: Jordan Meets South Korea, Iran Plays Qatar
The 2023 AFC Asian Cup has entered the semifinals. Four teams are ready to compete to compete for two tickets to the top match, the final round. The four teams are Jordan, South Korea (South Korea), Iran and Qatar.
The 2023 Asian Cup semifinals will be held on Tuesday, 6 February 2024 and Wednesday, 7 February 2024. The first semifinal on the first day will bring Jordan and South Korea together. Meanwhile, the second semifinal on the second day will bring together Iran and host Qatar.
The semifinal match between Jordan and South Korea was quite interesting. Because the two teams had previously met in the group phase. This is because Jordan and South Korea are in the same group, namely Group E.
During the Group E phase match, Jordan and South Korea met in the 2nd match (20/01). At that time the match ended in a 2-2 draw. Uniquely, one goal each from Jordan and South Korea was an own goal.
South Korea took the lead over Jordan thanks to Son Heung-min’s goal in the 9th minute. However, in the 37th minute, Jordan was able to equalize because of Park Yong-woo’s own goal.
In injury time of the first half, precisely in the 45+6th minute, Jordan took the lead over South Korea thanks to a goal scored by Yazan Al Naimat. However, in second half injury time, South Korea was able to equalize thanks to Yazan Al Arab’s own goal in the 90+1 minute.
Looking at the strength of the two teams, everyone might agree that South Korea is above Jordan. South Korea also wins in terms of experience and also FIFA rankings.
Therefore, it is not an exaggeration if South Korea is more favored than Jordan to advance to the final. South Korea can be said to have won everything over Jordan.
The other semifinal match between Iran and Qatar is no less interesting. Because the performance of the two teams in the group phase and knockout phase was quite extraordinary and convincing.
Iran is the winner of Group C with perfect results and points. Iran was able to win all Group C matches
Likewise with Qatar. Like Iran, Qatar also won the group with perfect results and points. Qatar won Group A and successfully won all Group A matches.
The power of Iran and Qatar is relatively balanced. However, in terms of FIFA rankings, Iran is quite far ahead of Qatar. Iran is ranked 21st, while Qatar is ranked 58th.
But don’t forget, Qatar has strength and energy that Iran does not have. What is meant is none other than because Qatar is the host of the 2023 Asian Cup. The host factor is certainly an extra strength for Qatar.
Considering this, the chances of Iran and Qatar qualifying for the final round are fifty-fifty. This means that whether Iran or Qatar, both are fit and proper to be in the final. It will be interesting to see who will come out as winner.
ASL
