TEHRAN – Iran national football team defeated Oman 2-0 and booked a place in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup quarter-finals on Sunday.

In the match held at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the UAE, Oman striker Muhsen Al Ghassani was brought down in the penalty area in the first minute of the match by Majid Hosseini and Mexican referee César Ramos showed the penalty spot.

Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand saved Ahmed Al Mahaijri’s penalty to keep Team Melli’s fourth successive clean sheet in the competition.

In the 32nd minute, Alireza Jahanbakhsh took advantage of Oman defender’s mistake and slotted home.

Nine minutes later, Iran striker Mehdi Taremi was fouled in Oman area and Team Melli captain Ashkan Dejagah converted the penalty with a right footed shot to the center of the goal.

The Iranian national football team could have scored more goals in the second half but their strikers wasted their chances.

Iran will face Marcello Lippi’s China on Thursday at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.

Reporting by Masoud Hossein