The 2024 Asian U-23 Cup is heating up as the second round of group matches has seen several teams advance to the quarter-finals. While not all matches have been completed, four teams have already secured their places in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Asian U-23 Cup. Meanwhile, the fate of the remaining four quarter-finalists will be determined by matches played today and over the next two days.
Qatar became the first team to reach the quarterfinals after beating Jordan 2-1 on Thursday (April 18). However, Qatar's victory remains controversial, as it is reminiscent of their previous match against the Indonesian U-23 national team.
In addition to host nation Qatar, three other countries have also qualified for the quarterfinals of the 2024 Asian U-23 Cup. They are Saudi Arabia, Japan, and South Korea, who all booked their places in the quarterfinals after winning their first two matches.
At the other end of the field, Saudi Arabia advanced to the quarterfinals with a convincing 5-0 win over Thailand in the second matchday of Group C on Friday (April 19). The resounding victory earned the Saudis six points after their 4-2 win over Tajikistan in their opening match. With this result, Saudi Arabia secured second place in Group C and an automatic berth in the quarterfinals.
In Group B, South Korea took a big step towards the quarterfinals with a 2-0 win over China at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, Qatar, on Friday, April 19. Lee Young-jun scored twice in the impressive win, which marked a glorious moment for this East Asian team.
Japan also proved their mettle in Group B, cruising through to the quarter-finals. They defeated the United Arab Emirates 2-0 at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha. Japan secured their place in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Asian U-23 Cup thanks to outstanding performances from Seiji Kimura and Sota Kawasaki, who scored twice.
With six points from two games and three clean sheets, South Korea and Japan are locked in a fierce battle for the group title. The ultimate showdown will take place on the final matchday of Group B on April 22. Who will emerge victorious? Let's wait and see!
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