TEHRAN, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Iran sealed top spot in Group D of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 after playing 0-0 with Iraq at the Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai on Wednesday, Tasnim news agency reported.
Despite having secured qualification to the Round of 16, both sides adopted a high-tempo style of play, with Iran having the first glimpse at goal in the 12th minute when Vahid Amiri sent a cross into the box but Sardar Azmoun's header was just off the mark.
Iran had the bigger share of the ball but failed to make goals, with its attempts hardly troubling Iraqi goalkeeper Jalal Hassan Hachim and his defenders.
Iraq started the second half aggressively as the team saw more possession and also continued to deny Iran with resilient defending.
As the minutes ticked away, neither team was able to make headway as they settled for a share of the spoils.
As group winner, Iran will play the third-placed team from either Group B, E or F in Abu Dhabi's Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium on Sunday, while runner-up Iraq will face the winner of Group E - either Saudi Arabia or Qatar - in Al Nahyan Stadium on Tuesday.
