The win took Iran closer to a fourth title, having last emerged champions in 1976.

The-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts from the absorbing match, which ended Japan’s dream of a record-extending fifth title.
Back-to-back
Iran have qualified for the semi-finals of the AFC Asian Cup in two consecutive editions now, having failed to do so in each of their three prior participations in the competition.

No problem
Iran logged a possession of 42% against Japan, their third lowest mark in an AFC Asian Cup game which they won since the start of the 2007 edition of the competition.

Off key
Japan registered just two shots on target against Iran; Japan averaged 3.6 shots on target per game at Qatar (18 shots on target from five games), their lowest tally in a single tournament since the start of 2007.

Dribble master
Iran’s Alireza Jahanbakhsh completed four dribbles against Japan; the last Team Melli player to complete more dribbles in an AFC Asian Cup was Ali Karimi who completed five dribbles against Korea Republic in 2007.

Late, late show
Alireza Jahanbakhsh’s goal in the 96th minute is the latest winner that Iran have scored in regulation time in AFC Asian Cup history; it is also the latest penalty (non-shootout) that Iran have scored in any AFC Asian Cup match in the 21st century.