Iran sank Vietnam and Iraq beat Yemen as the neighbours and arch-rivals powered into the Asian Cup round of 16 on Saturday ahead of their highly anticipated group decider next week.
Sardar Azmoun struck both goals in Iran's 2-0 win in Abu Dhabi, while teenager Mohanad Ali's early solo strike kick-started Iraq's 3-0 victory in Sharjah.
Iran and Iraq will meet in Dubai on Wednesday to decide who tops Group D in a repeat of their combustible quarter-final of 2015, which Iraq won on penalties.
Iran, looking to end a 43-year title drought since last winning Asian football's most coveted prize, could have scored four or five but for some poor finishing in Abu Dhabi.
"It's a pity our performance didn't produce a couple more goals," Iran coach Carlos Queiroz told reporters.
"But winning is the best medicine in football. To win two games and score seven goals -- I have to praise my players because I am very demanding."
- 'A finisher' -
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"In the second half our anxiety to score a third goal led to some bad passes."
"We have high hopes for him for this competition. But the way the team is contributing around him, and our movement in the last third, are very interesting."