Jordan,Japan make it to the last eight

Jordan qualified for the Asian Cup quarter-finals for only the second time after they came from behind to beat Syria 2-1 in a Group B clash at a wet and windy Qatar Sports Club on Monday. In a battle of triple champions at the Al Rayyan Stadium,Japan hammered a woeful Saudi Arabia 5-0 to top Group B to join Jordan in the last eight. The results left Japan top of the group,ahead of Jordan on goal difference. They play hosts Qatar in the quarter-finals with Jordan facing Uzbekistan.

Syria took an early lead when striker Mohamad Al Zino was on hand to rifle home from six yards after Jordan goalkeeper Amer Shafi could only parry Sanharib Malki’s low drive. Jordan came back into the game and were handed an equaliser after 30 minutes when Syrian defender Ali Dyab rose above his on-rushing goalkeeper to loft a header in to his own net after a dangerous cross from Amer Deeb. Odai Al Saify lifted an effort over the on-rushing Mosab Balhous in the 59th minute for the winner.

Shinji Okazaki scored a hat-trick for Japan,including two goals in the first 13 minutes,to put the match beyond the Saudis almost from the off. Ryoichi Maeda made it 3-0 after 19 minutes and added his second after 51 minutes before Okazaki completed his hat-trick and grabbed Japan’s fifth in the 80th minute.

Not underestimating India

Meanwhile,South Korea coach Kwang Rae-cho has warned against underestimating India in Tuesdays final group match. The 2002 World Cup semifinalists need a win to guarantee their progress to the quarters. Tomorrows game is more important than the first two and will be a turning point for the team. We should not underestimate the Indian team. If we start to do that it will be a very big problem for us. Thats why Im concerned, he said. India coach Bob Houghton has stressed this tournament has been about gaining experience.