Asian Cup 2015: Palestine thumped by Jordan, Japan edge past Iraq
JORDAN striker Hamza Al Daradreh bagged four goals in the demolition of Palestine, but champions Japan could only just find the net.
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ANOTHER hugely entertaining night of Asian Cup action, with Jordan striker Hamza Al Daradreh writing the headlines as he hit four goals in the 5-1 demolition of Palestine.
Defending champions Japan, on the other hand, struggled to find the net at all as they missed a host of chances agains Iraq - but still claimed a crucial 1-0 win.
Four-goal haul as Jordan smash Palestine
HE was $101 to win the golden boot and benched for Jordan’s first game, but Hamza Al Daradreh is officially the hottest striker at the Asian Cup.
A lightning 45-minute blitz led to a four-goal rampage, as Hamza single-handedly dismantled Palestine with speed, trickery and bravery.
He was the difference in the 5-1 win over Palestine in front of 10,808 at AAMI Park, that leaves Jordan with an intriguing final game against Japan in Melbourne on Tuesday.
RELIVE ALL THE ACTION IN THE MATCH CENTRE
Profligate Japan edge past Iraq
DESPITE wasting a host of chances, defending champions Japan took a huge step towards the Asian Cup quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over Iraq at Suncorp Stadium.
A draw in their final Group D clash against Jordan in Melbourne on Tuesday will guarantee Japan — 4-0 winners over Jordan last Monday — a place in the last eight.
They had to rely on a penalty to secure the three points, with star attacker Keisuke Honda converting a 23rd-minute spot kick he earned to maintain Japan’s 100 per cent record at the tournament.
Honda could have had at least a hat-trick, hitting the woodwork on three occasions.
RELIVE ALL THE ACTION IN THE MATCH CENTRE
SOCCEROOS WATCH
cahill: Socceroos focused, together, hungry
THERE has been transfer speculation about some Socceroos but the focus in this squad is totally on the Asian Cup, writes TIM CAHILL.
Kruse faces ‘rock star’ mate Son
Socceroo Robbie Kruse is used to sharing a changeroom with a pin-up — but he has never been teammates with a ‘rock star’ like Son Heung-min.
Roos to rotate for South Korea
COACH Ange Postecoglou will tinker with a winning team to ensure the Socceroos’ Asian Cup is not derailed at the business end of the tournament.
Hardworking Ryan earning plaudits
ASKED why on earth he would become a goalkeeper, Socceroo Mat Ryan laughs and says “it’s a good question”.
NEWS WRAP
Magic moment puts Iran into quarters
A SUBLIME piece of skill from Sardar Azmoun booked Iran’s passage into the Asian Cup football quarter-finals and condemned Qatar to an early exit.
UAE looking to turn dreams into reality
UNITED Arab Emirates boss Mahdi Ali says he has six dreams and one of those fantasies is to coach an A-League club as his side is charming the Asian Cup.
BEST OF SOCIAL
Archie’s boy getting into the Asian Cup spirit.
Palestine fans out in force...
The challenge is out to Nutmeg ...
Skills! How did we miss this?
Perth goalkeeper Danny Vukovic gets caught up in the atmosphere.
I hope the Socceroos play Iran this tournament! The atmosphere will be outstanding if it happens.. #AsianCup
— Danny Vukovic (@vuka20) January 15, 2015
A brilliant crowd in Sydney on Thursday night.
SATURDAY PREVIEW
GROUP A
OMAN v KUWAIT
8pm, Hunter Stadium, Newcastle
TAB odds: Oman $2.25, Draw $3.25, Kuwait $3.10
TV: Live on Fox Sports 5
THE PLOT
Nothing but pride to play for here, but there is a fair bit of it at stake. Kuwait will be desperate to atone for a 5-0 loss to the Omanis at November’s Gulf Cup of Nations which cost then coach Jorvan Vieira his job, while Oman will still be stinging after its 4-0 touch up by the Socceroos on Tuesday.
KEY PLAYERS
OMAN
Ahmad Mubarak is lucky to be eligible for this clash after his horror tackle on Socceroo Tim Cahill on Tuesday drew only a yellow card. The talented midfielder will be keen to make the most of his second chance.
KUWAIT
Key Kuwaiti striker Yousef Nasser has been starved of gilt-edged opportunities in his first two games, but a more even clash here will give him the chance to shine.
Originally published as Asian Cup 2015: Palestine thumped by Jordan, Japan edge past Iraq
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