Uzbekistan 2022 Quarter-final cast finalised: Vietnam faces Saudi Arabia
The quarter-final cast for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2022 was finalised following the conclusion of Group D on Thursday. All four former champions advanced, with two teams who finished runners-up previously, a side who were third two years ago and a debutant joining them.
Uzbekistan, the 2018 champions, were the first team to advance, booking their quarter-final spot with a match to spare as the Group A winners with debutant side Turkmenistan pipping Islamic Republic of Iran and Qatar on Matchday Three to finish as runners-up.
Australia, third two years ago, topped Group B with seven points as 2013 champions Iraq took second spot ahead of Jordan and Kuwait.
Defending champions Korea Republic won twice and drew once as they clinched first place in Group C with Vietnam, the 2018 runners-up, advancing as well with Thailand and Malaysia eliminated.
Saudi Arabia, runners-up in 2013 and 2020, topped Group D ahead of Japan on goal difference after defeating United Arab Emirates 2-0 on Thursday. Japan beat Tajikistan 3-0 to finish second.
The quarter-finals will kick-off on Saturday with Australia playing Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan facing Iraq in the later match. Korea Republic will play Japan on Sunday followed by Saudi Arabia against Vietnam.
