Chinese soccer fans cheer for the Chinese team in the match against Iran during the semifinal of the Asian Cup in Beijing, August 3. China beat Iran 5-4 in a thrilling penalty shootout to reach the final for the first time in 20 years.

China's Li Jinyu fights for a loose ball against a Iranian player in the Asian Cup semi-final Tuesday in Beijing.

China's Shao Jiayi celebrates after scoring his team first goal against Iran during their semifinal match at the Asian Cup in Beijing August 3, 2004. China beat Iran 5-4 in a penalty shootout.

An ecstatic Chinese football team celebrates as goalkeeper Liu Yunfei saves Iran's last spot kick in the penalty shoot-out -- and sends China to the Asia Cup final.

Two security workers stop an overjoyed Chinese fan after he tried to rush into the field to greet the Chinese team after China beat Iran 5-4 to make its first Asian Cup final in 20 years.

(People's Daily August 4, 2004)