July 21, 2007	Saturday	Rajab 05, 1428

HANOI, July 20: After negotiating a treacherous group phase, the Asian Cup's eight surviving teams are set to do battle in the quarter-finals. A sequence of surprise results in the first round has produced an unexpected quarter-final lineup that promises more twists and turns over the concluding week of the competition.

Australia's shock loss to Iraq means the pre-tournament favourites have the daunting challenge of playing defending champions Japan in the most eagerly-anticipated match of the championship.

Regional powerhouses South Korea and Iran have also been drawn together somewhat prematurely, while three-times champions Saudi Arabia face an unlikely opponent in Uzbekistan, who advanced at the expense of China.

Vietnam are the surprise package after sneaking through to the last eight where they face Iraq.

Despite making their first appearance at the Asian Cup, Australia were widely regarded as the early favourites after reaching the second round of last year's World Cup. But a sloppy start to Group A in Bangkok saw them finish second behind Iraq, setting up a quarter-final match with Group B winners Japan on Saturday.

Japan are also relishing the chance to play the Australians after losing to them at last year's World Cup but remain wary about their opponents. Iraq play Group B runners-up Vietnam in Bangkok on Saturday while the two remaining quarter-finals will both be played on Sunday.

Saudia Arabia tackle Uzbekistan in Jakarta after thrashing Bahrain 4-0 to top the Group D standings while Iran play the Koreans in Kuala Lumpur.—Reuters