Iran vs Qatar Prediction and Betting Tips: Two tips for Asian Cup semi-final

Iran and Qatar lock horns at the Al Thumama Stadium on Wednesday in the second semi-final at the 2023 Asian Cup.

Defending champions Qatar are one win away from reaching back-to-back Asian Cup finals.

They beat Japan 3-1 in 2019 to lift the trophy for the first time in their history, now four years later they are seeking a second successive success, something that was last achieved by Japan in 2000 and 2004.

The hosts recorded a hat-trick of wins to nil over Lebanon, Tajikistan, and China to top Group A and have since overcome Palestine (2-1) and Uzbekistan (penalties) en route to the semi-finals, where they'll face three-time winners Iran.

Iran reached the last-four for the first time in 20 years after they scored a 96th minute winner to boot out Japan. Prior to that, they beat Syria on penalties in the last-16 and won all three group games against Palestine, Hong Kong, and the UAE.

Iran have been handed odds of 8/11 to reach their first final since 1976, Qatar can be backed at 9/2, with a draw available at 5/2 (all prices in 90 minutes).

I expect this semi-final match-up to be more competitive than the match odds suggest. While I believe Iran have the confidence, form, and momentum to progress through to the final - they are unbeaten in 18 games and haven't lost to Qatar in their last 10 - I think the draw at 90 minutes appeals at 5/2.

Qatar are not only the hosts but the defending champions who are unbeaten in 12 Asian Cup games dating back to 2015. They won every single group stage game without conceding and have since negotiated their way through to a second successive semi-final, showing their resolve in the last round to overcome Uzbekistan on penalties.

Iran too have gone the distance this tournament when they edged out Syria on penalties, while only a 96th minute winner prevented another bout of extra-time in the semi-finals.

With the final within touching distance for both teams, I think this game will go past 90 minutes and into extra time

I'll also be having a bit of loose change on this three-pronged Bet Builder at 40/1 with bet365.

In the first tip for this match I've spoken about how the odds of a draw at 90 minutes appeal. With that said, I've added Qatar double-chance into this betting pot at 21/10. They have the advantage of home support and can draw on a 12 game undefeated streak at the Asian Cup.

I'll be combining this with two selections from the Shots On Target market, with Mehdi Taremi (9/4) and Akram Afif (11/2) both tasked with having Over 1.5 Shots On Target.

Both players have been handed attractive odds here. Only Aymen Hussein has scored more goals at this year's tournament than Qatar's Afif who scored a brace against Lebanon, the winners against both Tajikistan and Palestine, then a penalty in the shoot-out win over Uzbekistan. He's a player in form and is bound to have opportunities to add to his tally in the semi-final.

As for Taremi, he has scored 45 goals in 80 games for Iran and a very respectable 86 goals in 171 games for club side Porto. He has three goals on the board at the tournament so far and scored and got sent off in the last-16 win over Syria. He now returns for the semi-final after serving a suspension and with both the Golden Boot and Asian Cup double in his sights, I fancy him to make a statement on Wednesday.