Palestinian and Syria advanced to the knockout stage of the AFC Asian Cup 2024 for the first time after both teams secured their place in the round of 16 as two of the best third-placed teams from the group stage, whilst Australia advanced after their draw with Uzbekistan.
Oday Dabbagh scored twice in Palestine’s 3-0 win over Hong Kong in Group C., at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, in Qatar, whilst Omar Khrbin struck the only goal in Syria's 1-0 win against India in Group B. The Palestinian team had failed to advance from the first round in its prior two attempts. Syria had exited the tournament in the group stage in its six previous tries, most recently in 2019.
Dabbagh opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a close-range header and Zeid Qunbar glanced another header past Hong Kong goalkeeper Tse Ka Wing three minutes after the break. He scored again in the 60th after Tamer Seyam's effort came back off the bar.
In the other game, after coming on as a substitute after half time, Khrbin struck in the 77th as Syria beat India and secured third place in Group B. It came after his decisive strike, at the Al Bayt Stadium, was Syria's only goal in three group games.
In their tie, Australia advanced as the Group B winner after a 1-1 draw with Uzbekistan. The 2015 champion had already secured a place in the round of 16 after two straight wins and confirmed the group win after picking up a point at Al Janoub Stadium. Martin Boyle fired the Socceroos ahead in first-half stoppage time from the penalty spot after a handball from Odiljon Xamrobekov.
He sent Uzbekistan goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov the wrong way. Uzbekistan sealed a point and second spot in Group B, with substitute Azizbek Turgunboev rising to head in Jaloliddin Masharipov's cross in the 78th. Minute.
In Group C., three-time champion Iran was one of the favourites to secure a record-equalling fourth Asian Cup title this year and it has backed its pre-tournament billing with three straight wins in the group stage. Mehdi Taremi scored both of Iran's goals in a 2-1 win over UAE at Education City Stadium, although they (UAE) still advanced as runner-up ahead of the Palestinian team on goal difference after Yahya Al Ghassani's strike in the 93rd. it came after Al Ghassani had earlier seen his penalty saved by Iran keeper Alireza Beiranvand.
Taremi scored his first in the 26th and then powerfully swept in his second in the 65th. Al Ghassani’s crucial goal was curled past Beiranvand from the left of the box.
