In the Asian Cup quarterfinals, the strongest teams from the region play against each other, but the weaker teams may also play against the holders.
The AFC Asian Cup is a tournament that has entered its quarter-final stage, but the continent's giants have so far come through relatively unscathed. But they are all trying to conflict with each other.
Here's a rundown of the best-of-eight stages of the tournament, which will take place on Friday and Saturday.
1. Tajikistan vs. Jordan: Friday, February 2, 11:30 JST
Two underrated teams face off in the first quarterfinal. Jordan defeated Malaysia 4-0 in the first match and drew with South Korea in the second match, before Bahrain won 1-0 in the final round of the opening match and scrambled to the third group match. . . Jordan defeated Iraq 3-2 in the round of 16, scoring two goals in stoppage time and making a stunning comeback.
Tajikistan defeated Thailand 2-1 in the last 16 match, finished second against China, who had drawn in the first match, and defeated Lebanon, although they lost to Qatar, to advance to the group stage for the first time. to ensure their progress.
It won't be easy to choose a winner in this match.
𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑-𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐒. 𝐋𝐄𝐓'𝐒 𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎!
4️⃣4️⃣The match has ended. In order to carve its name in history, the quest intensifies! 💪#Asian Cup 2023 | #HayaAsia pic.twitter.com/gl8q3ULLJc
— #Asian Cup 2023 (@afcasiancup) February 1, 2024
2. Australia vs. South Korea: Friday 2 February 15:30 GMT
One of the two notable ties in the quarterfinals pits one of the in-form teams against one of the favorites. Australia progressed through the group with first wins over India and Syria and secured their place before drawing with Uzbekistan in the final match. In the round of 16, they defeated Indonesia 4-0, another overwhelming victory.
South Korea were firmly behind Japan as candidates for second place in the tournament, but were forced to work hard to reach this stage. South Korea, who finished second in their group, had to face Saudi Arabia with the same score in the final round, but as South Korea were second strongest in most areas, Cho Gu Sung's header in stoppage time in the second half extended the game. It was necessary to bring it to war. Abdullah Radif gave Saudi Arabia a deserved lead immediately after the break. It was a close battle leading up to the penalty shootout, but it can be said that the Korean team was lucky to emerge victorious. It remains to be seen how much of an impact this achievement has had on their feet.
Will Korea begin to reach the top in this tournament?
Ayman Hussein 🇮🇶 is still on top ⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽#Asian Cup 2023 #HayaAsia pic.twitter.com/9mr6w75aRS
— AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 (@Qatar2023en) January 31, 2024
3. Iran vs Japan: Saturday 2 February 11:30 GMT
Another matchup between the Asian giants in the quarterfinals will be a big battle between East and West. Iran has won the Asian Cup three times, but in recent decades they have become more famous for their performances at the World Cup. Japan is the record champion with five trophies and is the favorite to extend that record.
Japan made good preparations for this match after defeating Bahrain 3-1 in the last 16. However, Iran's neighbor Iraq caused some trouble within the group, and they defeated Japan 2-1. After Aymen Hussein scored the second goal in the first half, Endo Waturo scored the equalizer in stoppage time. After scoring seven goals and making it through the relatively easy group stage with a clean sweep, Iran is now in the opposite predicament as their opponents. The Iranians were then forced into a penalty shootout by an enthusiastic Syrian side. Iran will also be without top scorer Mehdi Talmay, who was sent off for his second yellow card of the match.
Will Team Melli be strong enough to see off the Blue Samurai?
#Asian Cup 2023 Last 8!
🇦🇺🇹🇯🇯🇴🇶🇦🇺🇿🇰🇷🇯🇵🇮🇷#HayaAsia pic.twitter.com/qvpqo3nnkU
— AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 (@Qatar2023en) January 31, 2024
4. Qatar vs Uzbekistan: Saturday 3 February 15:30 GMT
The host nation and defending champions are strong favorites to advance to the semi-finals with this draw. After suffering a crushing defeat at the World Cup in their home country two years ago, Qatar picked up where they left off in the 2019 Asian Cup final against Japan. Akram Afif, who scored the third goal in this match from a penalty spot, has been an attractive presence in this competition, not only inspiring the team's efforts but also seemingly offering endless options.
Captain Hassan Al-Haydos is also at the heart of everything for Qatar, with both he and Afif continuing their personal journeys to compete for the golden boat, with one or the other scoring in every match so far. , both are making waves on the internet. They will see off the match against Palestine in the final round.
Uzbekistan defeated Thailand 2-1 in the last 16, continuing their own great story and remaining unbeaten in all competitions so far, drawing their final group stage match against Australia and holding off an impressive Syria and a sleeping giant. He secured the second place. India is expected to wake up.
Will the weak dethrone the holder?
