Heavyweights Iran clash with impressive Iraq to decide who will top Group D at the Asian Cup on Wednesday.
Both sides have 100 per cent records in the UAE so far with two wins from two, with Carlos Queiroz’s men top thanks to a goal difference of +7, three more than Iraq.
Both sides booked their spots in the last 16 on matchday two with victories against Yemen and Vietnam respectively.
Adding spice to the clash is the fact the two met in the quarter-finals of the competition four years ago, with the Lions of Mesopotamia winning on penalties before losing in the semi-finals to South Korea.
Iran head coach Queiroz isn’t bothered about the past and is eagerly anticipating the match with the 2007 champions.
“I am sure it will be a great game for both teams, and for the fans. So let’s enjoy and have some fun,” said the former Real Madrid and Portugal coach.
Iraq won the Asian Cup in 2007.
“Nothing in football comes again. You never play the same two games, never the same competition twice.
“So tomorrow is a new beginning, a new story, a new game. Something that the players, coaches, the referees must be ready to write another script about in the game.
“Of course we can’t forget that we’re in the Asian Cup, a difficult competition. Everybody comes here with dreams, and now it’s time for us to express ourselves.”
Iran themselves are three-time winners of the competition and go in search of a fourth title that would see them go level with record holders Japan on four.
But former Manchester United assistant Queiroz isn’t bothered about the past.
“What happened in the past doesn’t win and lose games,” he added. “It doesn’t have any influence on our state of mind in this game, we’re just here to enjoy good games.
“All of us need to know why we are here. We are here to play for the people, the values that I have shared with my players; do it with full commitment, honesty, good fighting spirit and be loyal to the team.
“This will not be different tomorrow, doesn’t matter if we play Iraq, who we respect, or Argentina. It’s always to respect the team that’s in front of us.”
Iran are led by former Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz.
Iraq have caught the eye in the UAE so far this month, coming back from a goal down twice to beat Vietnam 3-2 in their group opener, before confirming their spot in the knockout phase with an emphatic 3-0 win over Yemen.
Head coach Srecko Katanec admits his side are not the finished product, but head into the game in confident mood.
“We need grow together more as a team, to be more compact, and I know of many things that we need to do to improve,” said the Slovenian, who was in charge of the UAE from 2009-11.
“We are a good team, I have good guys and good atmosphere now (ahead of) tomorrow’s game and I hope we will win.
“It will be easier because we are already in the second round, so the players can play without pressure. I didn’t put any pressure (on them), they just need to try to do the things which we have talked about the past few days. If they do it, I am sure we will play a good game.
“We want to win, but my philosophy is like this; with good performances, I look forward to good games with good skills and many chances. When I see the team playing well, I am happy.”
