Skip to main content
Part of complete coverage on

Asian Cup: Iran versus Iraq in images

By James Montague, for CNN
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • CNN takes a look at images from Tuesday's Asian Cup clash between Iran and Iraq
  • Iran beat their neighbors and the tournament's defending champions 2-1
  • Their fierce rivalry is due to the two Middle Eastern nations' ongoing political tension
  • Fans from both countries attended the match in Qatar, which passed without incident
RELATED TOPICS
  • Iraq
  • Iran
  • Qatar
  • Asia
  • Football

(CNN) -- Neighboring Iran and Iraq faced each other on the soccer pitch in one of the most highly-awaited games of the 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar.

Iran beat its fiercest sporting rival 2-1 on Tuesday, in the latest instalment of the ongoing grudge-match between the two Middle Eastern nations.

The victors are bidding to become the only country to win the tournament four times, while Iraq are hoping to defend the title they won in 2007, beating Saudi Arabia in the final.

With fans of both Iran and Iraq present in the Emirate, which will also host the 2022 World Cup, CNN takes a look at some of the images from around the stadium.

Blog: An ominous sign ahead of the 2022 World Cup?

Part of complete coverage on
2011 Asian Cup highlights
Take a look at behind-the-scenes images and other revealing footage from Qatar as the tournament moves into the knockout stages.
Exiled Iran coach's historic goal
Having left pre-Revolution Iran as a teenager, coach Afshin Ghotbi is hoping to end his nation's 35-year trophy drought.
Meet India's David Beckham
Sitting in the lobby of his team's hotel, it is clear why Baichung Bhutia is often compared to soccer superstar David Beckham.
Asian Cup: Iran v Iraq in images
Neighboring Iran and Iraq faced each other on the soccer pitch in one of the most highly-awaited games of the 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar.
Qatar welcomes half the world
16 nations -- from Japan's wild Pacific coastline to Syria's Mediterranean beaches -- converge on the tiny emirate of Qatar for the AFC Asian Cup.