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.
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino feels his two-match touchline ban for confronting referee Mike Dean is "completely unfair".
Ban completely unfair: Pochettino - theworldnews.net
May 02, 2019 · Chelsea are 90 minutes away from reaching the Europa League final after Pedro earned a 1-1 draw at Eintracht Frankfurt. Skip to main content.
Football: Chelsea draw 1-1 at Eintracht in Europa League semi
LONDON: Maurizio Sarri has downplayed Pep Guardiola's suggestion that Chelsea are still in the Premier League title race as he prepares his team to face leaders Manchester City on Sunday. The 60-year-old Italian said his side were "lucky" to beat City in December when they ended the champions
Chelsea not in Premier League title race, says Sarri
Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric has criticised Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi for choosing not to attend this month's ceremony where he was given the award, saying their decision was unfair to
Luka Modric wins Ballon d'Or 2018, breaks decade-long Ronaldo
Newcastle plunge 10-man Huddersfield closer to the drop Soccer Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Huddersfield Town - St James Park, Newcastle, Britain - February 23, 2019 Huddersfield Towns Jonathan Hogg in action with Newcastle Uniteds Jamaal Lascelles Action Images via Reuters/Lee
Newcastle plunge 10-man Huddersfield closer to the drop
Mauricio Pochettino went in search of bovine inspiration as he arrived in Italy and wondered aloud whether Tottenham might be better off for last year's agonising exit at the hands of Juventus.
Tottenham vs Liverpool: Mauricio Pochettino must take
Former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is set to be appointed as the new Inter Milan manager. Italian Conte, 49, has been out of the game since he was sacked by Chelsea last July, ending a
Ex-Chelsea boss Antonio Conte confirmed as new Inter Milan
Klopp hails 'outstanding' Reds, turns attention to Barca Mohamed Salah scoring Liverpool's third goal in their 5-0 rout of Huddersfield at Anfield on Friday. Salah also scored their fifth goal.
Klopp hails departing Sturridge as 'modern-day Liverpool great'
Massimiliano Allegri will leave Juventus at the end of the season, the Serie A club have confirmed. A statement on their website read: "Massimiliano Allegri will not sit on the Juventus bench in
Massimiliano Allegri - Wikipedia
Claude Puel has spoken of his "honour" at being given the opportunity to manage Leicester following his sacking at the weekend. The 57-year-old Frenchman's 16-month reign came to an end after
Sacked Puel says an 'honour' to manage Leicester - World
worldsoccertalk.com/2019/02/25/sacked-puel-says-an-honour-to-manage-leicester/
London (AFP) - Claude Puel has spoken of his "honour" at being given the opportunity to manage Leicester following his sacking at the weekend. The 57-year-old Frenchman's 16-month reign came to an end after Saturday's 4-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace, Leicester's sixth defeat in seven matches.
Claude Puel: Sacked Leicester boss says it was his 'honour
Now in its 12th edition, all eyes are fixed on Virat Kohli to lift the trophy. Known as Proteas, South Africa are considered as chokers in the tournament history.
Women's World Cup: 10 Big Stars to Keep an Eye Out for in
Home Others Kane Making 'Fantastic' Recovery, Says Spurs Boss Pochettino. How It Works Kane Making 'Fantastic' Recovery, Says Spurs Boss Pochettino. By
Kane Making 'Fantastic' Recovery, Says Spurs Boss Pochettino
0 comments:
Post a Comment