Extra, extra: Middle East trio in semis with Korea

The four teams who will contest the men's football semifinals has been decided after a thrilling night of action in Doha.

Defending champions IR Iran squeezed through on penalties after their game against China ended 1-1 after 90 minutes and 2-2 after extra time. The four-times champions won a dramatic penalty shoot out 8-7 with China's Zhao Ming the unlucky player to miss his spot kick, instead slamming it against the woodwork to trigger wild celebrations among the Iranian fans and players.

There were similar scenes of delight at Al-Gharrafa Sports Club where hosts Qatar swept into their first ever Asian Games football semifinal by making light work of Thailand in a 3-0 victory. Khalfan Ibrahim Al Khalfan sank his teeth into a brace with goals in either half and a deciding third goal came from Abdulla Obaid Koni. The hosts now face IR Iran on Tuesday 12 December at Al-Sadd Sports Club.

Iraq, who have progressed through from round one and the opening day of the tournament, needed extra time to defeat 1994 winners Uzbekistan 2-1. Karrar Muhamed gave Iraq an early 10th minute lead.

But Alexander Geynrkh equalised for the Uzbeks in first-half injury time. With no further goals in the second half, Ali Alwan netted the vital winner five minutes into extra time to set up a semifinal clash with Korea - also on 12 December at Al-Sadd.

Korea cruised past neighbours DPR Korea thanks to two first-half goals in three minutes from Kim Chi Woo and Yeom Ki Hun. Jung Jo Gook adding a decisive third on 57 minutes to cap a comfortable victory.

By 15th Asian Games, Doha 2006