DOHA, Qatar — Jackson Irvine delivered again as Australia booked its place in the knockout stage of the Asian Cup on Thursday by beating Syria 1-0.
The midfielder scored for the second straight game to maintain the Socceroos’ 100% start in Group B.
Australia won the title when hosting the tournament in 2015 and tops the group on six points.
Irvine struck the winner when he turned inside the area and flicked a shot past Syria goalkeeper Ahmad Madanieh in the 59th minute at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. He had scored the opening goal in his team’s 2-0 win against India on Saturday.
The closest Syria came to scoring was when Pablo Sabbag fired powerfully against the post early on.
UZBEKISTAN WINS
PHOTOS: Irvine goal sees Australia advance to knockout stage of the Asian Cup
Uzbekistan put itself in position to join Australia in the next round after a 3-0 win against bottom team India.
Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Igor Sergeev and Sherzod Nasrullaev all scored in the first half to effectively seal the win before the break.
There is still plenty to play for in the group.
Second-placed Uzbekistan is on four points going into its final game against Australia on Tuesday and would go top with a win. A draw would be enough to guarantee it advances as runner-up.
Syria could also move onto four points if it beats India. That might be enough to see it progress to the next stage as one of the best third-placed teams, even if it doesn’t overtake Uzbekistan.
There is still a chance India could advance as one of the best third-place teams if it beats Syria.
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