The Asian Cup continues down under as two more teams booked their tickets to the quarterfinals on Thursday.
[ RELATED: Wednesday at Asian Cup ]
Iran and the United Arab Emirates are both through to the final eight, as both nations secured their second-straight victories to open up the 2015 Asian Cup in Australia.
With the defeats both Bahrain and Qatar bow out of the tournament at the group stage, as the West Asian nations continue to struggle in Oz.
Qatar 0-1 Iran
Sardar Azmoun was the match-winner for Iran as the three-time Asian Cup champions are through to the last eight, while Qatar are heading home. The Iranians are behind the UAE in Group C on goal difference, as top spot will be at stake on Monday in Brisbane as Iran place the UAE.
United Arab Emirates 2-1 Bahrain
The United Arab Emirates are through to the quarters for the first-time since 1996. Ali Mabkhout put them ahead after just 14 seconds, but Jaycee John equalized in the first half for Bahrain. A second half own goal from Bahrain’s captain Mohammed Hussain handed UAE the win, as they now face a showdown with Iran for the top seed.
Friday’s matches
Group D
Palestine vs. Jordan - 2 a.m. ET
Iraq vs. Japan - 4 a.m. ET
