Doha: Australia secured their place in the knockout rounds of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Syria in Group B. The match, held at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium on Thursday, saw Jackson Irvine scoring the only goal in the 59th minute, his second of the tournament.
The win, which followed Australia’s opening victory over India, places them at the top of the Group B standings with one round remaining. Their advancement to the Round of 16 was confirmed after Uzbekistan defeated India 3-0 in the group’s second match on the same day.
The top two teams from each group, along with the four third-placed sides with the best records, progress in the tournament. Australia’s solid performance in the group stage, backed by Irvine’s timely goal, demonstrates their readiness for the challenges ahead in the knockout phase.
For Syria, the loss means they will have to regroup and focus on their remaining group match to keep their hopes alive in the tournament. The game against Australia was a tight contest, with both teams displaying determination and skill.
Australia’s success in this match highlights their status as a strong contender in the AFC Asian Cup, building on their history of competitive performances in the tournament. As they prepare for the knockout stages, the team will look to maintain their winning momentum and aim for a deep run in the competition.
