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China 0 Iran 3: Azmoun punishes Lippi's lacklustre side

Sardar Azmoun starred as Asian Cup favourites Iran booked their place in the semi-finals with a straightforward 3-0 win over China.

Iran striker Azmoun set up Mehdi Taremi for and 18th-minute opener and scored one of his own after the half-hour mark, before substitute Karim Ansarifard's strike in the first minute of second-half stoppage time guaranteed a last-four clash with Japan on Monday.

Marcello Lippi has been tipped to bring his time as China coach to an end after this tournament and his side crashed out with a whimper, all three goals being scored following defensive lapses.