Iraq beat Iran 7-6 on penalties to reach the semi-finals of the Asian Cup yesterday after the two Middle Eastern rivals played out one of the most extraordinary matches in the tournament’s history.

With police heavily patrolling the stands and the tension escalating with each new dramatic development, Iraq fought back to beat a 10-man Iran after the teams finished tied at 1-1 at the end of normal time and then 3-3 after extra-time.

Defender Salam Shakir calmly converted the decisive penalty for Iraq after Vahid Amiry missed for Iran, hitting the post, sending Iraq through to the semi-finals against South Korea.

The Iraqi players and their fans roared with delight, united in a rare moment of celebration for a country that has been torn apart by war.

Eight years ago, Iraq defied the problems in their homeland to win the Asian Cup for the first time and now they are dreaming big again after beating their fiercest foes, who were brave in defeat.

As expected, there was a heavy police presence at Canberra Stadium for the clash between two nations with a long political history.

The Australian referee Ben Williams handed out 10 yellow cards and things briefly threatened to get out of hand when the teams began to push and shove each other near the end of extra time.

In yesterday’s other last-eight match, United Arab Emirates produced one of the greatest Asian Cup upsets to send champions Japan tumbling out of the tournament 5-4 on penalties after their match finished 1-1 after extra-time.

After Japan’s Shinji Kagawa had missed the first sudden-death spot-kick, defender Ismail Ahmed nervelessly converted the decisive penalty to send his team into a last four meeting with hosts Australia next Tuesday.