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AFC Asian Cup
As the countdown gathers pace, the-AFC.com takes a look at several teams who were simply unstoppable in previous editions of the tournament, starting with Islamic Republic of Iran.
The 1970’s were eventful in terms of football for Iran, as it saw them lift the AFC Asian Cup title twice - including their last title in the competition - as well as their first ever FIFA World Cup appearance.
Iran have remained at the forefront of Asian football since and are the second highest ranked Asian team in the latest FIFA Ranking.
Team Melli's introduction to the continental scene was a grand one, as they took Asia by storm, winning the AFC Asian Cup title on their debut on home soil in 1968.
The following decade would see the Iranians prove their triumph at home was far from a coincidence, and that they were a force to be reckoned with in the entire continent.
Repeating the Trick
Four years on, and with the number of teams increased to six; Iran set out to defend their title in Thailand 1972. They were pitted against the hosts and neighbours Iraq in Group A.
Four years on, and with the number of teams increased to six; Iran set out to defend their title in Thailand 1972. They were pitted against the hosts and neighbours Iraq in Group A.
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Hossein Kalani bagged a hat-trick in the opening match as Team Melli dispatched the Lions of Mesopotamia 3-0 in Bangkok. Top spot in the group was sealed in style four days later. Ali Jabbari needed just eight minutes to net the fastest hat-trick in the history of the AFC Asian Cup, helping Iran come from behind to defeat Thailand 3-2.
Runners-up from Group B, Cambodia awaited in the semi-final, and goals from Safar Iranpak and Parviz Ghelichkhani were enough for head coach Mohammad Ranjbar's men to book a date in the final with Korea Republic.
In front of 15,000 fans in Bangkok, Jabbari's goal was cancelled out by Park Lee-chun, forcing extra-time. Kalani scored in the 108th minute to ensure the continental title remained in Tehran for four more years.
Three is a Charm
Back at home and under the guidance of legendary manager Heshmat Mohajerani, Team Melli still had a point to prove.
Back at home and under the guidance of legendary manager Heshmat Mohajerani, Team Melli still had a point to prove.
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Just as four years earlier, they would start their campaign against Iraq. And just like in Thailand, Iran were victorious; goals from Nasser Nouraei and Hassan Roshan sealed a 2-0 win.
The second game saw Mohajerani's men flex their muscles in an 8-0 defeat of South Yemen.
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Kuwait had topped the other group, while China PR came second, meaning Team Dragon would face the hosts in the semi-finals.
A cagey affair saw no goals in 90 minutes, but the Iranians were finally able to break the deadlock through Alireza Khorshidi at the 100-minute mark. Roshan's second of the tournament confirmed a 2-0 win and a place in the final a minute before the final whistle.
In front of a record 100,000 passionate home fans at the iconic Azadi Stadium, the Iranians would settle for nothing less than the trophy, and it was the legendary Ali Parvin who scored the only goal of the night to calm the nerves and seal Iran's third AFC Asian Cup triumph.
