An unconvincing Iran toiled to a 1-0 win over Hong Kong on Friday to progress to the knockout rounds of the Asian Cup in a game of spurned chances for both teams.
On paper this fixture was among the biggest group-stage mismatches at the Qatar tournament, with Iran ranked 21st in the world to Hong Kong's 150. Iran, among the favourites for the trophy as they hunt a record-equalling fourth continental crown, dominated possession.
But Hong Kong - playing at their first Asian Cup in more than 55 years - had opportunities early on, especially when Brazil-born forward Everton Camargo blazed over the bar from inside the box. Iran took the lead in the 24th minute when Mehdi Ghayedi slid a shot across the six-yard box and past the despairing grasp of goalkeeper Yapp Hung-fai, the ball nestling in the bottom-right corner.