The national football teams of Palestine and Syria made history at the Asian Cup by reaching the round of 16 for the first time. Palestine celebrated its first victory in its third tournament participation with a 3-0 (1-0) win over Hong Kong in Qatar and qualified for the knockout round as one of the best third-placed teams in the group.
Syria achieved the same feat. With Omar Khribin’s goal (75th) in the 1-0 (0-0) win against India, the team of former Inter and Valencia coach Hector Cuper made it out of the group phase for the first time in the seventh attempt.
Australia and Iran group winners
Australia goes into the round of 16 as group winners. On the last matchday of Group B, the Socceroos drew 1-1 (1-0) with Uzbekistan, which also qualified for the knockout rounds. Martin Boyle (45th + 1) gave the Australians the lead with a hand penalty according to video evidence, while Asisbek Turgunbojew (78th) equalized with a header. Australia had already booked their ticket to the round of 16 before the game.
Iran secured victory in Group C with a 2-1 (1-0) victory over the United Arab Emirates.