Four countries have registered their first qualification for the AFC Asian Cup final tournament.
AFC Asian Cup 2023 is about to enter the RO16 stage. Round 3 of the AFC Asian Cup was a very important match that would decide the fate of many teams. Indonesia became the last team to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 Round of 16.
The round of 16 will feature a heavyweight showdown between Saudi Arabia, who has won the AFC Asian Cup a total of five times, and South Korea. Defending champions Qatar, who won Group A with a perfect nine points, will face Palestine, while Group B winners Australia will face Indonesia in the round of 16.
The third section was a wild ride, with fans mesmerized and pundits debating.
Here are the key takeaways from this exhilarating match.
5. Jordan’s unexpected defeat against Bahrain
Jordan were the favorites to win the match as they lead the group heading into the match against Bahrain, but things have changed. Abdullah Yusuf scored the only goal of the match as Bahrain defeated Jordan 1-0 at the Khalifa International Stadium. Jordan dominated the match with a series of attacks, but could not escape humiliation.
Bahrain looked better in the second half with some good chances, but the scoreline remained the same and Jordan qualified as one of the third-placed teams in Group F. Meanwhile, with this historic victory, Bahrain qualified to top their group and will face Japan in the final. Round 16.
4. First-time qualification for Syria, Palestine, Indonesia and first-time Tajikistan
Syria, Palestine, Indonesia and debutant Tajikistan qualified for the first time from the group stage. Syria stole the show in front of a packed Indian crowd expecting a fantasy ride, but reality set aside with a grounding strike from Al Wahda forward Omar Kulibin.
Palestine achieved a belief-shattering victory over Hong Kong by a psychologically overwhelming margin of 3-0. Tajikistan, playing for the first time, pulled off the heist of the century against experienced Lebanon in the final minutes of extra time, maintaining a large lead and winning the match.
3. Vietnam’s heroic performance against strong Iraq
The 10-man Vietnam squad showed great mental strength against a well-tested and experienced Iraqi squad. Iraq had already qualified for the knockout stages and this match tested some of the team’s key players and rested several key players.
Vietnam had a great first half with proper pressing football and held the favorites to a goal. After Levin Suraka’s goal in the 47th minute gave Iraq the lead, Ayemun Hussein gave Iraq a much-needed lead in the 72nd minute. However, parity was restored thanks to a stunning goal from Vietnamese attacking midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai, but then a perfect late penalty that snatched Iraq’s victory in this match. was.
2. Thailand’s brilliance against Saudi Arabia
Thailand advanced to the fiercely contested round of 16 by defeating favorites Saudi Arabia. It was a masterclass performance by Thailand’s guardian deity Saranon Anuin. With this draw, Thailand finished second in Group F and will face powerhouse Uzbekistan in the round of 16 on Tuesday.
1. Malaysia’s miracle against South Korea
Malaysia pulled off a miraculous draw against the likes of South Korea. The Malaysians held the Koreans to a 3-3 draw with a “nothing to lose” mentality. Notably, Malaysia were trailing 2-3 until Colombian-born forward Romel Morales pulled off a bold comeback in the 90th+15th minute. Malaysia signed the deal with respect and atonement, leaving South Korea in second place in the group.
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