Syria makes history, advances in the Asian Cup for first time

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AL WAKRAH, Qatar, Jan 23, (AP): Syria advanced to the knockout stage of the Asian Cup for the first time after beating India 1-0 on Tuesday.Substitute Omar Khrbin’s score in the 77th minute ensured Syria finished third in Group B and advanced as one of the four best third-placed teams.

Khrbin’s decisive strike at Al Bayt Stadium was Syria’s only goal in three group games.
Syria failed to advance from the first round in its six previous attempts, most recently in 2019.
Progress was a triumph for Argentine coach Hector Cuper, who was a back-to-back Champions League runner-up when in charge of Valencia, and led Egypt to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2017.
Syria players hoisted Khrbin into the air in celebrations on the field after the final whistle.

Australia advanced as the Group B winner after drawing with Uzbekistan 1-1.
The 2015 champion had already secured a place in the round of 16 after two straight wins and confirmed the group win after picking up a point at Al Janoub Stadium.Australia conceded for the first time but remained unbeaten.

Martin Boyle fired the Socceroos ahead in first-half stoppage time from the penalty spot after a handball from Odiljon Xamrobekov. He sent Uzbekistan goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov the wrong way.
But Uzbekistan held onto second spot in Group B when substitute Azizbek Turgunboev rose to meet Jaloliddin Masharipov’s cross in the 78th minute and headed in.

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