The Samurai Blue stand between the Iranians and a first appearance in the final of the AFC Asian Cup since Team Melli claimed the last of three consecutive titles in 1976, with either Qatar or hosts the United Arab Emirates waiting in Friday’s final.

The Iranians are appearing in the last four of the AFC Asian Cup for the first time since 2004, when they missed out on a place in the final in a penalty shootout, and are taking on a nation that has won the title on four occasions since 1992.

But while the pressure is mounting on Team Melli to claim the title for the first time since 1976, the experienced Portuguese coach wants his players to continue to believe in the methods that have taken them to the Finals of the last two FIFA World Cups under his watch.

No Taremi for Team Melli

The major team news ahead of the semi-final is the enforced absence of Mehdi Taremi, who will miss Monday's clash through suspension having collected a second yellow card against China PR.

While card trouble has cost them the Al Gharafa star, who has scored three goals in UAE 2019, the Iranians will welcome back Vahid Amiri, while Yoshinuri Muto returns from suspension for Japan.

Outstanding yellow cards were erased following the quarter-finals, meaning only a red card in Monday's match will result in a player missing the final.

After comfortably beating China PR in the quarter-finals, Iran now play Japan in the last four, a meeting which pits Carlos Queiroz’s charges against a side that has recorded five successive victories en route to Monday's match at Al Ain’s Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.

Although more than aware of the test that awaits Iran, the 28-year-old forward - who plays his club football in England with Nottingham Forest - is nevertheless intent on claiming what would be a fourth Continental crown for Team Melli.

The Iranians will take on Japan in their first semi-final appearance since 2004 as Team Melli continue their quest to secure a first AFC Asian Cup title since the last of the country’s three consecutive crowns was won back in 1976.

Goals from Mehdi Taremi, Sardar Azmoun and Karim Ansarifard saw off China PR in the quarter-finals on Thursday evening in Abu Dhabi, and Jahanbakhsh is confident he and his teammates can continue their impressive run.

Their place in the last four against Islamic Republic of Iran was sealed with a 1-0 win over plucky Vietnam and the Japan head coach said the performance against feisty opposition was proof that the Samurai Blue are growing stronger with each passing match.

Japan dominated the tie at the Al Maktoum Stadium and shrugged off being denied a goal in the first half by a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review to advance.

Ironically, it was a VAR review that led to Japan’s goal, as they were awarded a penalty after Ritsu Doan had been brought down in the box. The midfielder then stepped up to convert.

Japan will take a perfect record into the last four clash with Team Melli after five wins out of five since the tournament kicked off on January 5, but the Belgium-based central midfielder knows his side face a significant test of their title credentials against Carlos Queiroz’s side.

However, he refuses to be overawed by the challenge that lies ahead against Asia’s No. 1 ranked nation.