Asia Cup: Tournament favourites Iran, managed by Carlos Queiroz, brushed aside Marcello Lippi’s China 3-0 to set up today’s first semi-final of the Asian Cup against Japan, who had earlier edged out Vietnam 1-0. 

Hosts UAE surprisingly beat holders Australia 1-0 to seal their spot in the last four against Qatar, who stunned South Korea by the same score thanks to Abdulaziz Hatem’s 78th minute long-range strike. 

Scotland: Ross County still lead the Championship by three points after they saw off Alloa 2-0 and second-placed Ayr had edged out Dundee United 1-0.

Ayr will move top if they beat Inverness, on Tuesday night.

Dunfermline drew 0-0 at Greenock Morton, Partick beat Queen of the South 2-1 and Falkirk dropped to the bottom of the table, despite coming from behind to draw 2-2 with Inverness. 

N Ireland: League leaders Linfield, who face Glentoran in a Belfast derby this evening, have a three-point advantage in the Irish Premiership after their nearest challengers Ballymena saw off bottom club Ards 4-1 and third-placed Crusaders won 3-1 at Institute.

Cliftonville drew 1-1 against Glenavon, Dungannon’s good form continued with a 2-1 win at Coleraine and struggling Newry slipped further into the relegation mire after losing 2-0 to Warrenpoint.

Wales: Cambrian and Clydach, who beat Rhyl on penalties, are the only team from outside the top flight left in the Welsh Cup.

Bala needed injury time to see off Haverfordwest 4-0, holders Connah’s Quay won 3-1 at Carmarthen and Cardiff Met saw off Aberystwyth 3-1.

TNS won 5-2 at Airbus, Barry edged out Cefn Druids 3-2, Llandudno beat Llangefni 3-1 and Caernarfon won 2-1 in Bangor.