Irvine goal sees Australia advance to knockout stage of the Asian Cup

Thu, Jan 18, 2024
Soccer News (AP)

DOHA, Qatar (AP) - 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, the 2015 champions, tops the group on six points and and cannot finish lower than second.

Irvine struck the winner with a flicked shot from inside the box 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.

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The closest Syria came to scoring was when Pablo Sabbag hit the post early on.

India played Uzbekistan later Thursday and a draw in that game would guarantee Australia advances as group winner.

Australia plays Uzbekistan in its final Group B game on Tuesday.

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James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson

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