South Korea’s players applaud the fans after the match against Malaysia, yesterday. AFP
Doha, Qatar: Defending champions and hosts Qatar will confront a resolute Palestine side as the AFC Asian Cup Round of 16 cast was finalised following the conclusion of group stage.
Pulsating matches are on the cards throughout the first knockout stage, which will also see heavyweights Saudi Arabia and South Korea battling for a spot in the quarter-finals.
Thailand, Jordan, Bahrain and Indonesia advanced with the completion of group stage - featuring 36 matches - yesterday.
Marquez Lopez’s Qatar will take a phenomenal form at Al Bayt Stadium on Monday after topping Group A with three straight wins. But Palestine will be brimming with confidence after securing their first-ever knockout stage berth following a convincing 3-0 victory over Hong Kong in Group C.
“Regardless of the opponent we will face, we will continue to work according to our strategy and take the best out from players,” Lopez had said after finishing the group phase.
South Korea though have avoided a clash against giants Japan after finishing runners-up in Group E behind Jordan, they will lock horns with title contenders Saudi Arabia at Education City Stadium on Tuesday in perhaps the most anticipated last 16 clash.
“We did not want to avoid Japan, we wanted to go through in first place, that was our goal but Malaysia played so well. They played with a lot of heart and you’ve got to give them a lot of credit for that performance,” South Korea coach Jurgen Klinsmann said after a 3-3 draw against Malaysia yesterday, .
“Saudi Arabia is our next one and it will be a battle,” he added.
The Green Falcons yesterday topped Group F after a earning a point from a goalless draw against Thailand, who finished second and will face Uzbekistan at Al Janoub Stadium the same day.
Top spot in Group E after a 1-0 victory over Jordan yesterday pitted Bahrain against four-time winners Japan with their clash scheduled on Wednesday at Al Thumama Stadium.
The Round of 16 will get underway at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Sunday with 2015 champions Australia taking on Indonesia, who booked maiden last 16 spot after finishing third in Group D.
United Arab Emirates and debutants Tajikistan will square off at Ahmad Bi Ali Stadium the same day.
Former champions Iraq, who topped Group D after outstanding performance that included a shock victory over Japan, will meet Jordan at Khalifa International Stadium on Monday before Qatar’s game against Palestine.
“There is an expectation from fans to see Iraq replicate their 2007 title-winning run, but we are not dreaming so far ahead yet and are going to take it one match at a time. We have to remember that any team who has reached this far is good enough to cause trouble,” Iraq coach Jesus Casas said after 3-2 comeback win over Vietnam on Wednesday.
The Round of 16 will wrap up with Wednesday’s second game at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium when Iran will take on Syria, who also entered the Asian Cup knockout stage for first time.
