AL-AIN, United Arab Emirates (AFP) - Tom Rogic's injury-time thunderbolt settled an Asian Cup thriller on Tuesday (Jan 15) as defending champions Australia beat Syria 3-2 to reach the last 16 and knock out their war-torn rivals.
The result meant the holders finished second in Group B behind Jordan, whose simultaneous 0-0 draw with Palestine gave the Palestinians hope of qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams.
Syria, vocally backed by thousands of their fans in Al Ain, twice fought back from a goal behind before Rogic slammed home the winner in the third minute of injury time.
Injury-hit Australia, with only six outfield players on the bench, needed just a draw to go through as they kicked off at the same time as Jordan against Palestine.
Syria looked an early threat before Australia started to get a grip on the game and Hibernian striker Jamie Maclaren flashed a header just wide.
There was drama on the half-hour when a Syrian free-kick bounced through a packed penalty area and into the net, but the goal was ruled out for a foul on Mark Milligan.
But Australia were getting close and Awer Mabil, after seeing one raking shot blocked, unleashed a fabulous effort which curled into the top corner four minutes before half-time.
However, the lead lasted just two minutes as Mouaiad Alajaan's cross picked out Omar Khrbin, who on his 25th birthday saw his header saved by Mat Ryan but then gobbled up the rebound.
On 54 minutes, Chris Ikonomidis's shot was hooked away by Omro Al Midani - but the ball was judged to have crossed the line by the additional assistant referee, who was surrounded by Syrian players.
SYRIA PENALTY
The incident silenced the massed ranks of Syrian fans but there was uproar around the stadium shortly afterwards when their team vehemently claimed a penalty for a Milligan handball.
Australia looked firmly in control and they could have had a third goal when substitute Apostolos Giannou saw a low shot cannon off the base of the upright.
But Mexican referee Cesar Ramos threw Syria a lifeline when he gave them a penalty after Omar Al Soma went down in the box - and the striker stroked them level once more with 10 minutes to go.
It looked like Syria would escape with a vital point before Celtic's Rogic, playing the tournament with a broken hand, belted Australia's third from distance.
Meanwhile in Dubai, Jordan were held to a goalless draw by Palestine in a fiery clash to preserve their unbeaten record and progress as Group B winners.
Twice quarter-finalists, in 2004 and 2011, Jordan stunned holders Australia in their opening game before beating Syria 2-0.
But they found plucky Palestine a tougher nut to crack in Abu Dhabi.
Abdallatif Al Bahdari header gave Jordan a scare on the hour-mark of a match that was not one for football purists.
Jordan went close when Ahmad Ersan's long-range blast was blocked by Palestine goalkeeper Rami Hamada before the game petered out with both sides content to take a draw.
Zidane set for shock Madrid return. By. a shock return as coach of Real Madrid after the club decided on Monday to sack Santiago Solari, say reports in the Spanish press. Madrid president
Zidane set for shock Madrid return | Aaj News
Real Madrid News: Santiago Solari 'trusts' VAR after Ajax win - Nicolas Tagliafico saw his opener ruled out due to a marginal offside call, a decision that Madrid's boss believes was correct Santiago Solari said head co - February 14th, 2019
Real Madrid News: Santiago Solari 'trusts' VAR after Ajax win
The Australian, who has scored once in six appearances for his country, is on a two-year loan at Scottish club Celtic from English Premier League champions Manchester City. Michel Sablon was the last FAS technical director, but the Belgian stepped down in December 2018, after being appointed in April 2015.
eReaders on Flipboard | Singapore, Solomon Islands, College
Champions League: Real Madrid's European reign ends with shock loss to Ajax Ajax stunned Real Madrid 4-1 at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, eliminating the three-time defending champion in the round of 16 of the Champions League.
Bale benched for Real Madrid's clash with Ajax - sportsmax.tv
Rangers looked to strengthen their bid to win the Scottish Premiership title by announcing Sunday they had signed ex-England striker Jermain Defoe in a loan move. The 36-year-old Defoe, who has scored 162 goals in England's top flight, has joined Rangers from Premier League club Bournemouth in an 18-month deal.
Jermain Defoe completes loan move to title-chasing Rangers
Jurgen Klopp has condemned "disgusting" racist abuse aimed at Mohamed Salah and called for lifetime bans for the Chelsea fans accused of taunting the Liverpool star. A video circulated on social media ahead of Chelsea's Europa League match at Slavia Prague this week showed a group of six supporters chanting "Salah is a bomber" repeatedly.
Liverpool's Klopp condemns 'disgusting' Salah abuse ahead of
As Singapore legend Kadir Yahaya looks to guide Tampines first-team head coach Gavin Lee to a successful season, he urged all local football coaches to show more respect and dedication to their role. The Stags started their 2019 season with a bang after sealing a 3-1 comeback victory away to Yangon United in the AFC Cup […]
Jesus saves Man City with last-gasp winner | Daily Nigerian
Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino remained defiant despite his side preparing for their Champions League semi-final second leg against Ajax Amsterdam in disjointed fashion as they had two men sent off in a 1-0 defeat by Bournemouth.
Pochettino defiant as poor Tottenham form continues
gets off mark in Norway
News Post Enquiry Form for Republication or Keepsake. To republish or purchase any Singapore Press Holdings articles and photographs, please fill up the form below.
Ikhsan scores again but misses in shoot-out loss
Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas, with wife Sara Carbonero, leaves a hospital in Porto, Portugal on Monday. (AP Photo) Sara Carbonero, wife of Iker Casillas, has revealed that she is fighting ovarian cancer - just three weeks after the Spain legend suffered a heart attack.
Iker Casillas' Wife Reveals She Has Ovarian Cancer 3 Weeks
Arsenal manager Unai Emery has vowed that his team will attack Valencia in the second leg semi-final clash as they bid to reach the Europa League final. The Gunners travel to Spain next week for the second leg after winning the first leg 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday.
Arsenal, Chelsea in strong positions in Europa League semis
0 Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen