Up for the Cup: Uzbekistan defeat Saudi Arabia, China see off DPR Korea, Roos fear factor
AUSTRALIA’S quarterfinal rivals China maintain their unbeaten record while Uzbekistan’s White Wolves claim a spot in the Asian Cup quarter-finals.
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UZBEKISTAN’S White Wolves claim a spot in the Asian Cup quarter-finals, while Australia’s quarter-final rivals China maintain their unbeaten record on Sunday night.
It’s all in Up for the Cup.
GOAL CENTRE: CHECK OUT EVERY ASIAN CUP GOAL & PICK YOUR BEST
ORGANISED CHINA FINISH OFF DPR KOREA
ANGE Postecoglou will have plenty to consider after China’s 2-1 victory over DPR Korea in front of a sold-out and vocal Canberra crowd.
Team Dragon were pretty impressive in the first half; organised, disciplined and always willing to play the ball on the ground.
Star men Sun Ke, Gao Lin and Jiang Zhipeng all caused problems, while attacking midfielder Wu Xi will be fresh after coming off the bench late in the game.
But it wasn’t all plain sailing and in the second half, DPR Korea came very close to an unlikely comeback, showing how vulnerable China are to pressure on the flanks and that the Socceroos’ pacy midfield should be able to create plenty of opportunities when the two sides meet in Newcastle on Thursday night.
WHITE WOLVES MAUL GREEN FALCONS
Uzbekistan set up a quarterfinal date with Korea Republic with a 3-1 win over Saudi Arabia in a highly entertaining clash in Melbourne.
Sardor Rashidov was the difference for the White Wolves, the winger’s two goals - the first coming inside 90 seconds before sealing it by finishing off a fine counter-attacking move - getting the job done for the Uzebeks.
Saudi Arabia had 61 per cent of the ball and made more than twice as many passes as their opponents but couldn’t make it count, their tournament over after just nine days.
Uzbekistan took their chances when they came and probably shouldn’t have conceded, with Ben Williams’ soft penalty decision getting Saudi Arabia back into the match in the second half.
With Japan and Australia on the other side of the draw, don’t bet against Uzbekistan going a long way in this Asian Cup.
SOCCEROOS WATCH
SUNCORP PITCH GETS EMERGENCY REPAIRS
Ange Postecoglou slammed the Brisbane Stadium pitch after last night’s loss to Korea Republic, and rightly so.
I’m not happy with this pitch,” Postecoglou said.
“I still think the players did fantastically well to play our style of football.
“For them to persist and create good opportunities, that will be our challenge again on Thursday.”
On Sunday sections of the pitch – including both six-yard boxes - were being re-laid ahead of Iran v UAE (Monday) and Australia v China (Thursday).
CAHILL SAYS ROOS WILL INTIMIDATE CHINA
The Socceroos plan to intimidate China in the same way Tim Cahill claimed his side frightened South Korea.
“You could see the fear straight away,” Cahill said in reflecting on South Korea’s alleged state of mind when he entered the contest and combined in attack with Tomi Juric.
“Even physical encounters, they were apologising when they were bumping into me.”
“That’s how it’s going to be when we play China. We’re not going to be sidetracked by teams, because we believe (in) the way we play.
SPIRANOVIC’S PAIN IS WILKINSON’S GAIN
Alex Wilkinson is excited to get his shot at the Asian Cup, though he’s disappointed it came from Matthew Spiranovic’s suspension.
“I’ll look to go in and do my best, and fill in like we have done all tournament,” Wilkinson said.
“The depth in squad is good and we have seen when players are rested or not playing, people have stepped up and fitted in seamlessly, and that’s why I’ll be doing.”
BEST OF SOCIAL
Saudi Arabian fans already in full voice supporting their team! Will they win through to #AC2015 qtr finals? http://t.co/RIBP1LK6Tx #UZBvKSA
— AFC Asian Cup (@afcasiancup) January 18, 2015Archie joins the chorus of those who disagreed with Ben Williams’s penalty decision.
Omg am I watching a-league or Asian cup.....penalty WHAT!!!
— Archie Thompson (@10Archie) January 18, 2015
It's a sellout! #CHNvPRK @afcasiancup in #CBR great show of support! pic.twitter.com/xgnOvaFM4C
— Sam Irvine (@sammy_irvine) January 18, 2015
You might be happy, but you're not as happy as this dancing @UzbekistanFF_en fan | http://t.co/j0gs0eTRCo #UZBvKSA pic.twitter.com/A2bT2MEz7t
— FOX SPORTS Football (@FOXFootballLive) January 18, 2015
Those pesky moths caused quite a stir during the Socceroos’ loss to Korea Republic in Brisbane.
Interesting to see the moths have lined up in a 49902323-75656940-23080029 formation. #tactics #AUSvKOR
— Vince Rugari (@VinceRugari) January 17, 2015
MONDAY PREVIEW
GROUP C
IRAN v UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
8pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
TV: Live on Fox Sports 5
TAB odds: Iran $2, Draw $3.30, UAE $3.75
THE PLOT
This is a tournament-defining clash for both teams. UAE can afford to draw to top the group, but essentially it is a winner-takes-all affair. The loser will in all likelihood have to take on Japan in the quarterfinals and, should they get through that, possibly Australia in the semis. The winner takes the softer route of a quarterfinal probably against Iraq and a semi potentially against South Korea.
KEY PLAYERS
IRAN
Veteran Javad Nekounam bossed the midfield with authority against Qatar on Thursday. The 34-year-old Osasuna star, with 147 caps, is crucial to his side’s title chances.
UAE
Ali Mabkhout scored the fastest goal in Asian Cup history on Thursday, taking just 14 seconds to get on the score sheet against Bahrain. The forward, now with three goals in two games, is running hot in Australia.
QATAR v BAHRAIN
8pm, ANZ Stadium, Sydney
TV: Live on Fox Sports 4
TAB odds: Qatar $2.20, Draw $3.10, Bahrain $3.30
THE PLOT
Probably best that there’s such a good game on at the same time elsewhere, because viewers are likely to otherwise find a game here between two sides who are already out of the competition and with few expats in the country, therefore resulting in a lowly crowd in a huge stadium.
KEY PLAYERS
QATAR
Mohammed Muntari has been busy this tournament, but lacked a cutting edge. The El Jaish striker will again feature prominently here.
BAHRAIN
Otherwise resolute central defender Mohamed Hasan was the unfortunate scorer of the decisive own-goal against the UAE and so will be keen to make amends tonight.
Analysis by Matt Windley
Originally published as Up for the Cup: Uzbekistan defeat Saudi Arabia, China see off DPR Korea, Roos fear factor
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