Qatar into Asian Cup last 16; China made to sweat
Hosts and defending champions Qatar on Wednesday were the first team to reach the Asian Cup knockout rounds, but China will need to fight it out to join them after successive 0-0 draws. Qatar were left red-faced after losing all three games at their home World Cup in 2022, the worst performance of any host in the competition's history. They then axed Carlos Queiroz early last month and replaced the former Real Madrid coach with Tintin Marquez in a last-minute gamble. It has paid off so far with Qatar following up their 3-0 win over Lebanon with a 1-0 victory over Asian Cup newcomers Tajikistan in front of 55,000 at the tent-like Al Bayt Stadium. Livewire forward Akram Afif, who scored twice in the opening game of the tournament, hit what turned out to be the winner with another clinical finish. The victory puts Qatar through as Group A winners with a game to spare, but who progresses with them will go right down to the wire. In the final round of matches in the group on Monday, Qatar play China while Tajikistan face Lebanon. Despite two listless 0-0 draws China are in pole position to go through with the hosts. China have two points, with Tajikistan and Lebanon each on one. Only the top two are sure to reach the knockouts. (AFP)