The United Arab Emirates shocked holders Japan and Iraq sent their arch-rivals Iran crashing out as a stunning night of upsets turned the Asian Cup on its head today.
A double-header of quarter-finals ended in two penalty shoot-outs in Canberra and Sydney, with UAE and Iraq surviving moments of intense drama to come out on top.
Their stars shone with UAE wizard Omar Abdulrahman and Iraq's Younis Mahmoud, hero of their 2007 title run, both slotting outrageous "panenka" penalties in the shoot-outs.
But Japan's leading lights Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa had a night to forget, and 10-man Iran were left cursing Australian referee Ben Williams.
UAE's 5-4 win on penalties, after it finished 1-1 after extra-time, puts Mahdi Ali's men into a semi-final against hosts Australia in Newcastle.
Iraq will play South Korea as they bid to repeat their astonishing 2007 win and bring joy to their homeland, where thousands of fans blasted celebratory gunfire on Friday.
Iraq outlasted Iran 7-6 on penalties after a match of scarcely believable drama ended 1-1 on 90 minutes and 3-3 after the extra periods.
Iran's coach Carlos Queiroz was incensed at Mehrdad Pooladi's first-half sending-off when he received a second yellow card from referee Williams for simulation.
"Can he (Williams) sleep tonight? It's just a question," said Queiroz, who had to be restrained by his players after the dismissal.
"If it's necessary I put my knees to the ground to show my respect and humble attitude to ask him how we understand this decision, you tell me."
- 'Panenka' double -
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There was no sign of the fireworks to come when talented young striker Sardar Azmoun nodded Iran in front on 24 minutes.
But sparks flew when Pooladi was cautioned for simulation, and then sent off when Williams realised it was his second yellow.
