Iran vs Palestine 4-1: AFC Asian Cup 2023 – as it happened

That’s it from a big day of sport on our live pages.

Iran got off to exactly the start they wanted at the Asian Cup while Palestine did themselves and their country proud in never giving up.

We hope you enjoyed the coverage of the football and the cricket throughout the day.

We’ll be back with another live blog on Tuesday when Saudi Arabia face Oman.

For now though from Patrick Keddie, Hafsa Adil, myself and the rest of the team, it’s goodbye.

Final match result between Iran and Palestine

🇮🇷🆚🇵🇸#AsianCup2023 #HayyaAsia pic.twitter.com/ZksuSPXY5b

— AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 (@Qatar2023en) January 14, 2024

United Arab Emirates were the 3-1 winners in their match against Hong Kong to sit second in Group C behind Iran, whose four goals take them to the top.

🇦🇪🆚🇭🇰
3️⃣ - 1️⃣ #AsianCup2023 #HayyaAsia pic.twitter.com/3yvq6EeQhr

— AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 (@Qatar2023en) January 14, 2024

Iran were dominant from the off with an early goal to set the tone.

There was no way back after that for Palestine.

A consolation goal at the end of the first half and a reprieve for Saleh, who had initially been shown a red card, softened the blow for them at least.

It was a momentous day for many reasons, but Iran comfortably come out on top and look well set for a push for another Asian Cup crown.

The Palestinian players have walked over to their fans to acknowledge their support.

They look dejected but remain on the pitch to wave their flag.

Iran seal a comfortable win.

Full-time: Iran 4-1 Palestine

VAR asks the referee to look again.

He downgrades it to a yellow card because the angle of the ball was heading towards another Palestinian player.

Mohammed Saleh is back on the pitch to huge cheers in the stadium.

90+4 minutes: Iran 4-1 Palestine

Saleh is sent off for a late lunge on Azmoun, who was through on goal.

Saleh had a swing at the ball first and missed then seemed to have a swing at the player.

90+3 minutes: Iran 4-1 Palestine

Mohammad Mohebi is still a force in the game as the sub clearly wants to impress for Iran.

Palestine are still full of willingness, but the gap in class remains a problem for them.

90 minutes: Iran 4-1 Palestine

The striker wraps his foot around an effort from just outside the box, but there’s not enough power to test the keeper.

87 minutes: Iran 4-1 Palestine

The breathlessness of recent minutes has calmed.

It looks like Iran have themselves tightened up and decided to retain the ball and with it, energy.

It’s not the relentless surge forward from them and, as a result, nor is it for Palestine.

85 minutes: Iran 4-1 Palestine

Palestine are still throwing players forward but they can’t find the space for the shot.

Iran go straight to the other end and similarly can’t create an opening.

Straight back to the other end and Seyam swings a wild shot over from the edge of the box. It was optimistic.

There are openings everywhere now as both teams look to add to their tallies.

80 minutes: Iran 4-1 Palestine

Palestine find a way through again and Dabbagh sidesteps the defence to work an angle.

Iran recover their ground to throw bodies in front of the shot, which in turn falls to Hassan.

Once again Iran get their blocks in.

75 minutes: Iran 4-1 Palestine

Hasan drives from range at the Iranian goal.

The ball has power and dips but comfortably enough, saved by Beiranvand in goal.

Iran counter and Mohebi jinks into the area to cross into the huddle of players.

Eventually, a foot is swung at the ball but it deflects wide.

The corner is defended but cleared straight back to Iran to build again.

72 minutes: Iran 4-1 Palestine

Palestine forwards Qunbar and Qumbor come off for Hassan and Dabbagh.

64 minutes: Iran 4-1 Palestine

Palestine still have their moments when they foray forward, but there’s rarely anyone in support let alone an outcome.

Palestine’s bravery going forward has resulted in space for Iran to pass through them.

They came out to play football, but the class of Iran is telling and they’re toying with the ball now.

59 minutes: Iran 4-1 Palestine

Sardar Azmoun taps in from close range.

Iran work their way down the right and the fullback Sadegh Moharrami surges through to cross.

55 minutes: Iran 4-1 Palestine

Saeid Ezatolahi surprises everyone and drives for a goal from more than 30 yards out.

Iran have knocked on the door again since the break with a corner that floated over everyone.

All the possession remains with Iran.

51 minutes: Iran 3-1 Palestine

That Palestine goal has cheered up fans of the underdogs.

Their supporters are now matching the Iranians’ drumbeats with chants of “free Palestine” and it doesn’t seem like the Iranians mind it too much.