AFC Asian Cup 2023 updated knockout stage bracket: Jordan pull late win against Iraq

Jordan to play Tajikistan in the quarters.

The AFC Asian Cup Round of 16 lived up to its billing as a stage for dramatic moments, with Jordan pulling off a stunning comeback against Iraq in the third game of the knockout stage. The late-game heroics saw Jordan leapfrogging Iraq in the dying moments with two quick-fire goals in injury time.

Yazan Al-Naimat drew first blood for Jordan, capitalizing on an opportunity in the injury time of the first half. However, Iraq mounted a spirited comeback with Saad Natiq and Aymen Hussein finding the back of the net in the 68th and 76th minute, respectively, to take a 2-1 lead. The tables turned for Iraq when Aymen Hussein received a red card in the 77th minute, reducing them to 10 men for the remainder of the game.

Seizing the numerical advantage, Jordan orchestrated a comeback. Yazan Al-Arab leveled the score in the 90+5 minute, setting the stage for a thrilling finale. In a remarkable turn of events, Nizar Al-Rashdan delivered the winning punch in the 90+7 minute, securing Jordan’s place in the Quarterfinals and breaking Iraqi hearts.

The quarter-final matchups now promise more captivating football battles. Australia, after asserting dominance in the Round of 16, awaits their opponent from the clash between Saudi Arabia and South Korea. On the other side, Tajikistan, the underdogs who upset the United Arab Emirates, will play their game against Jordan. The winner of this intense encounter will move forward, one step closer to the coveted Asian Cup.

As the tournament progresses, the Semi-Finals will witness fierce battles to determine the finalists. The clash between Australia/South Korea vs Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan vs Jordan will unfold, showcasing the teams’ determination to etch their names in Asian Cup history. Simultaneously, the winners of Uzbekistan vs Thailand/Qatar vs Palestine and Bahrain vs Japan/Iran vs Syria will vie for the other coveted spot in the grand finale.

The anticipation for the Final Showdown will be visible, where only two teams will stand on the brink of glory. The culmination of skill, strategy, and determination will be showcased in the ultimate match, ultimately crowning the 2023 AFC Asian Cup champion.

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