A 1-0 win over Syria helped Australia top Group B and secure an early ticket to the 2023 Asian Cup Round of 16. Uzbekistan also impressed with a 3-0 win over India.
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| The Australian team has a ticket to the 1/18 round of the 2023 Asian Cup after two matches. (Source: AP) |
The match in Group B of the 2023 Asian Cup at Al Rayyan Stadium (Qatar) was very exciting. In the 5th minute, Pablo Sabbag handled the ball quickly before shooting dangerously into the near corner, goalkeeper Ryan was helpless but the ball hit the Australian goal post.
After the first 15 minutes of being at a disadvantage, Australia gradually regained control of the game. In the 17th minute, from a free kick from a teammate, Jackson Irvine escaped at the far post and dived to head the ball beautifully, but the ball went over the crossbar of the Syrian goal.
The controversy broke out in the 27th minute, when Australian midfielder Aiden O'Neill received a yellow card after swinging his arm at an opponent. Syrian players felt that O'Neill deserved to be sent off.
Australia were sharper in their finishing and in the 36th minute, Gethin Jones made a smart move to head the ball back, sending it across the Syrian goal. However, no Australian player was able to touch the ball to score.
Syria had another dangerous opportunity in the 40th minute, Ramadan shot the ball from the near corner, the ball went very difficult but not accurate. In the second half, the match was tense, players from both teams tackled fiercely but not many dangerous situations were created.
In a balanced match, Australia made the difference in the 59th minute. Martin Boyle's dribbling effort created chaos in the Syrian penalty area. Jackson Irvine handled the ball skillfully before turning and shooting past goalkeeper Ahmad Madanieh, opening the score 1-0 for Australia.
Syria pressed forward to attack, in the 69th minute Thaer Krouma suddenly shot from a distance, causing goalkeeper Ryan to make a mistake and miss the ball. Luckily for Australia, Ryan was able to return in time to push the ball out.
Australia played defensive counter-attacks and in the 86th minute, center-back Harry Souttar won the ball from a Syrian player and suddenly dribbled straight towards the opponent's goal, creating a dangerous counter-attack for Australia, but his teammates missed the opportunity.
At the end of 90 minutes, Australia secured a 1-0 victory over Syria. Coach Arnold's team won 6 points after two matches and officially won a ticket to the 1/8 round of the 2023 Asian Cup.
In another match, Uzbekistan showed their strength when they easily defeated India 3-0.
After two matches of Group B of the 2023 Asian Cup, Australia leads the group with 6 points, Uzbekistan is in 2nd place with 4 points, the next positions belong to Syria (1 point) and India (0 points).
In the final match on January 23, Australia will meet Uzbekistan, while Syria will play against India.
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| Asian Cup 2023 Group B standings after two matches. (Source: Wiki) |
( according to Dan Tri )
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