The Equation: Socceroos await Round of 16 opponent at AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019™
The Socceroos are through! Wednesday morning’s (AEDT) thrilling 3-2 win over Syria means Graham Arnold’s men have finished in second spot in Group B.
Goals for Awer Mabil and Chris Ikonomidis either side of the break, followed by Tom Rogic’s stoppage-time winner made it two wins from three for Australia to move into the knockout phase.
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Jordan topped the group on seven points following their goalless draw with Palestine.
How things stand
Following the final round of fixtures, the Group B ladder is so:
- Jordan - 7 points
- Australia - 6 points
- Palestine - 2 points
- Syria - 1 point
What’s next?
With their Round of 16 berth secured, the Socceroos now await who they will face in the first knockout match.
As runners-up in Group B, Australia will take on the second-place getter in Group F.
That will either be Uzbekistan or Japan, who meet in a shootout for top spot in their group early on Friday morning (AEDT).
If Uzbekistan avoids defeat against the Samurai Blue, the Socceroos will take on Japan in the last 16, but a win by the Japanese would see Australia face the Uzbeks.
In a bonus for Australia, they will play their Round of 16 tie at the Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, the same venue as the win over Syria.
The Round of 16 clash will be played on Tuesday, January 22 (AEDT), kicking off at 1am.
The Socceroos will take on either Japan or Uzbekistan on Tuesday, January 22 at the Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium. Kick-off is at 1am AEDT and will be broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS 505.
