A dramatic penalty shootout victory, following a 1-1 draw over the 120 minutes of play, saw Persepolis defeat Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr to progress to their second AFC Champions League final in three years. Here's how those involved reflected on the action.

The 2018 runners-up Persepolis went into the tie on the back of a string of resolute performances while Al Nassr, competing in the semi-final for the first time, were looking to become the second successive Riyadh side to reach the final.

After going a goal down to Abderrazak Hamdallah's first-half penalty Persepolis got back into the game just minutes later and then, despite going down to 10 men in extra time, held on for penalties before keeping their nerve from 12 yards to progress.

Among them was a young Tariq, who demonstrated an exceptional left foot, boundless energy and an ability to glide effortlessly around the pitch – all with a fierce passion to do his utmost for the national team cause.

Unbelievably, over the past eight years Tariq has participated in every tournament Iraq has taken part in, and in more than one edition of some; the AFC U-19 Championship, the FIFA U-20 World Cup, the Gulf Cup, the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, the AFC Asian Cup, AFC U23 Championship, the Men's Olympic Football Tournament, as well as having professional stints with clubs in IR Iran, UAE and Egypt. All very impressive from a young man who has not yet turned 24.

The title meant Korea Republic would lead Asia's challenge in the Tokyo Olympics and it was a mission head coach Kim Hak-bum was relishing.

The COVID-19 pandemic, however, brought the world to a screeching halt as the Tokyo Olympics, pushed to next year, was among numerous sporting events either postponed or cancelled.

The Olympique Marseille wing-back joins fellow veteran Shinji Okazaki in withdrawing from the squad after the Spain-based forward pulled out as a result of injury.

No replacements for either player have been named by head coach Hajime Moriyasu, who has selected a line-up comprised solely of Europe-based players for the matches.