Vietnam advance despite defeat

Pre-tournament favorites Australia needed to beat Thailand to advance to the knock-out stage on debut at the Asian Cup, and progressed in second place in Group A behind Iraq.

That means a quarter final against the two-time defending champions for the Socceroos at Hanoi, Vietnam on Saturday.

Newcastle recruit Mark Viduka scored twice in three minutes and Liverpool winger Harry Kewell, sent on as a substitute on the hour, capped Australia8217;s win over Thailand with a powerful run and right-foot shot in the 90th minute.

In a match played simultaneously across Bangkok, Iraq reached the Asian Cup quarter finals for the fourth consecutive tournament with a scoreless draw against Oman.

Iraq upset Australia 3-1 in their previous match and only needed to avoid a loss to ensure they went through to a quarter final against Vietnam.

The Vietnamese sneaked into the knockout stage for the first time despite a 4-1 loss to Japan. That left Vietnam hoping for a draw or a United Arab Emirates win over Qatar in the match being played simultaneously in Ho Chi Minh City, and substitute striker Faisal Khalil delivered with a header in injury time.

Asian Games champions Qatar went into their last match needing a win after two opening ties and went ahead on Sebastien Quintana8217;s penalty in the 42nd minute. But Saeed Al Kaas equalised for UAE at the 59th minute when he leaped above the defense to meet Ahmed Mubarak8217;s cross. Khalil capped it off with a close-range header.