It wouldn't be any other way for an Iran v Iraq encounter.

Everything that was hoped for from the hotly anticipated quarter-final at Canberra Stadium between two arch-rivals lived up to the billing, and then some.

Iraq booked its spot in the semi-finals after beating Iran 7-6 in a penalty shoot-out after scores were locked at 1-1 at full-time and 3-3 after 120 minutes.

The prize for Iraq is facing South Korea at Stadium Australia on Monday night for the right to play in the Asian Cup final.

But it's difficult to know how much will be left in the tank - physically and emotionally - after the 18,921 fans in attendance witnessed one of the greatest games in this country.

Iraq defender Salam Shakir was the hero, converting the 16th shot of the penalty shoot-out to spark wild celebrations and send the 2007 champions into the final four.

Australian referee Ben Williams had earned the ire of Iran coach Carlos Queiroz after handing a second yellow card to defender Mehrdad Pooladi late in the first half.

Queirozhad to be physically restrained by one of his own substitute players from approaching Williams as he walked to the dressing rooms at half-time.

A clearly annoyed Queiroz said he couldn't comment about Williams because it would finish his career.

"Unfortunately I cannot express my opinion about the referee, because they fine me and I don't want to be in that position," Queiroz said.

"You can imagine how I feel, but I cannot express how I feel.

"If I tell the truth that everybody saw in the game, they punish me and I end my career.

"In regards to Mr Williams, can he sleep tonight?

"I ask you [the media] to make the judgement because we go home."

Iraq coach Radhi Swadi said Williams was "known for giving cards and penalities".

"The referee makes the decision on the day," Swadi said.

"Regarding the Iran team, I have all the respect for them, but I reckon they were under pressure.

"The pressure came from their coaching staff and their bench, which was wrong.

"They were leading 1-0, they should have been more relaxed."

Having earlier picking up a caution for a strong challenge, Pooladi was booked again for an attempted tackle he made on Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hachim.

Iran was leading 1-0 at that point after striker Sardar Azmoun gave his side the lead in the 24th minute with a bullet header from close range.

Iraq midfielder Ahmed Yaseen gave Iraq the equaliser it so richly deserved in the 56th minute, pouncing on a rebound from Haghighi and calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner.

Mahmood was the hero once again in extra-time, finding the back of the net in the 93rd minute.

But any thought that the match was over were washed away as Iran defender Pouraliganji charged in with a towering header to the delirious delight of the Iran supporters.

With scores locked 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes, and again tied up at 2-2 in extra-time, a penalty in the 115th minute from Dhurgham Ismael appeared to send Iraq through to the final four.

Iran defender Morteza Pouraliganji brought down Yaser Kasim inside the box, Williams having no hesitation in pointing to the penalty spot.

But barely a minute later, substitute Reza Ghoochannej had headed the ball home from a mad goal-mouth scramble to again get the 10 men of Iran back on level terms.