AFC Asian Cup 2023 updated knockout stage bracket: Korea Republic storm into the quarters

Korea Republic will have to lock horns with Australia in the quarters.

The AFC Asian Cup 2023 round-of-16 continued its streak of thrilling encounters as Korea Republic edged past Saudi Arabia in a high-profile clash.

Jo Hyeon-woo was the hero as Korea Republic progressed to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 quarter-finals on Tuesday with a 4-2 penalty shoot-out win over Saudi Arabia at Education City Stadium after the teams shared a 1-1 draw at the end of extra-time.

Abdullah Raddif, the Al Shabab forward, would have proved to be the hero for Saudi Arabia. Coming on as a substitute in the second half for Saleh Al Sehri, Raddif wasted no time leaving his mark on the game. In his first minute on the pitch, he found the back of the net, putting the Green Falcons ahead with a crucial goal.

In the midst of a tense battle between two football powerhouses, Saudi Arabia’s resilience and Raddif’s clinical finish were over shadowed by Jo Hyeon-woo’s picture perfect saves & Cho’s last minute strike.

The victory propels Korea Republic into the Quarterfinals, setting the stage for further intense clashes in their quest for Asian Cup glory.

As the tournament progresses, the Quarterfinal matchups continue to promise fascinating football battles. Australia, having asserted dominance in the Round of 16, will face another title favourites Korea Republic in the Quarter Finals. On the other side, Tajikistan, the underdogs who upset the United Arab Emirates, will lock horns against the winner of this intense encounter will move forward, one step closer to the coveted Asian Cup.

The Semi-Finals loom large on the horizon, where the remaining teams will engage in fierce battles to determine the finalists. The clash between Australia vs Korea Republic and Tajikistan vs Jordan will take place, showcasing the teams’ determination to etch their names in Asian Cup history.

Simultaneously, the winners of Uzbekistan vs Qatar and Bahrain vs Japan/Iran vs Syria will vie for the other coveted spot in the grand finale.

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