Australia advanced to the quarterfinals after a 4-0 victory over Indonesia as the knockout stage of the Qatar Asian Cup gets underway on Sunday.
Jordan Bos (L) of Australia competes during the round of 16 match between Australia and Indonesia at AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 in Doha, Qatar, Jan. 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)
Australia broke the deadlock in the 12th minute when Jackson Irvine's shot was deflected past Indonesia's goalkeeper by defender Elkan Baggott at the near post.
Martin Boyle's diving header doubled the lead when Gethin Jones delivered a low cross that bounced to the far side of the penalty area to find him just before the halftime interval.
In the second half, Indonesia came out with an attacking mindset but saw their hopes ended in the 89th minute when Graig Goodwin volleyed in after Muhamad Riyandi's save parried the ball to his path. Souttar sealed the victory with a close-range header two minutes later in injury time.
Debutant Tajikistan made history as they stunned the United Arab Emirates after a penalty shootout.
Tajikistan took the lead as Vahdat Hanonov headed home Zoir Dzhuraboev's cross into the bottom corner in the 30th minute when Paulo Bento's side flustered after a corner kick.
Tajikistan should have doubled the lead in the 60th minute after Dzhalilov missed two gilt edged chances: a one on one with the goalkeeper and an open goal.
The UAE defender Al Hammadi saved Paulo Bento after rising high to nod home a free-kick in the 95th minute, forcing the game to an additional 30 minutes and a penalty shootout. With Rustam Yatimov making the only save in the shootout, Tajikistan move on to the next round.
