The boys from D.P.R. of Korea have made quite a name for themselves with their last minute heroics. They equalized against Saudi Arabia in the closing minutes of their opening Group B encounter.
Then came the final day drama, where an injury time goal against Lao People's Democratic Republic booked their spot in the semis.
Again in the final group stage, they have had to rely on goal difference, and a big favour from neighbours Republic of Korea, to make the semi-finals.
Nine goals in the five matches they have played so far is a miserly return, considering the number of chances that the team had created. Indeed, the main weakness in this team lies in its inability to apply the finishing touch.
For all their off the ball movement and fluent passing play, the attacking trio of Jo Kwang Myong, Ri Jong Hyok and Jo Sol Song have been less than impressive in front of goal.
However, they do pack a secret weapon in free-kick maestro Ro Kwang Yong. The midfielder has already scored a goal from a free-kick, and his deliveries from dead ball situations have resulted in crucial assists for his team mates.
Another key could be their high tempo game of physical challenges, running at opponents and quick passing. Unsettling the usually calm Iranian team would work in favour of D.P.R. of Korea.
The fact that the Koreans will be having one less day of rest as compared to their opponents is not lost on their minds. This is especially so because they have kept to nine of their starting-eleven for all their matches thus far. The semi-final would be the team's fourth game in eight days.
Coach Paek Kil Song said: "The most important thing is to maintain our level of fitness. The boys have played many matches, and are tired. Their condition is not good."
He revealed that there was no specific plan to prepare for the semi-final showdown but said: "The focus will be to get the mental and physical preparation done by the next match. And we'll give our best to win."
Contrary to their semi-final opponents, the Iranians have been impressing with their performances to date. They have won all four of their matches in the tournament thus far, chalking up 16 goals whilst conceding only three.
Islamic Republic of Iran have never been lacking in confidence, and declared their intentions with a 6-0 hammering of Chinese Taipei in their preliminary group encounter.
Coach Mohammad Yavari said quite simply after that match: "We're here to win the gold medal."
Their attacking triangle of Siavash Haghnazari, Saeid Aghaei Nojehdeh and captain Bahman Jahantigh could prove too much to handle for the D.P.R. of Korea defence.
Striker Siavash is the fulcrum of the attack with his hold up play and excellent distribution. Saeid Aghaei and Bahman provide both width and speed for the Iranians. The trio has been responsible for almost three quarters (11 out of 16) of their team's goals.
With their fluent play and steady possession, the Iranians have never seemed in doubt of dropping points in any of their matches, except the narrow victory over hosts Singapore.