Iran are facing elimination from the Asian Cup after a 4-0 loss to hosts Australia. It was their second of the tournament after an opening 3-0 defeat to South Korea, who at 21st in the FIFA World Rankings, are several places above Iran in 68th. With zero points at the bottom of Group A, a win in their final match against the Philippines would need to be by a significant margin to position the side as one of the best third-placed finishers. Qualification for the knockout stages is now unlikely, h