Dubai: China and South Korea reached the Asian Cup last 16 knockout round with wins over the Philippines and Kyrgyzstan respectively as holders Australia bounced back to claim their first win of the tournament.
Marcello Lippiās China side negotiated a potentially tricky clash with the Azkals thanks to a pair of high quality strikes from Wu Lei and a late header from Yu Dabao to seal a 3-0 win and guarantee a top two finish in Group C.
The victory is, of course, very important, however the teamās performance is just as important, said Lippi.
“I hope we can continue in this manner because once you have confidence in yourselves you know you can play against any opponent in Asia.” The Koreans, meanwhile, had defender Kim Min-jae to thank for their 1-0 victory over Kyrgyzstan which secures their place in the last 16 of the competition.
The Jeonbuk Motors centre half put Paulo Bentoās team in front four minutes before halftime when he headed Hong Chulās corner through the legs of 21-year-old debutant goalkeeper Kutman Kadyrbekov.
South Korea take on China in their final group game on Jan. 16 and, with both nations through to the next round, they will be playing to determine who wins the group.
Earlier on Friday, Australia eased to a 3-0 win over Palestine having lost their opening game of the tournament in Group B to Jordan last weekend. Jamie Maclaren put the Socceroos in front with a deft header off Tom Rogicās lofted pass after 18 minutes and Awer Mabil doubled the advantage from close range two minutes later.
Substitute Apostolos Giannou added the third in the final minute as Graham Arnoldās team ensured they go into next weekās meeting with Syria knowing a win will clinch a place in the knockout rounds.