Tajikistan vs. Jordan (Friday, 11.30am)
© Reuters
The Asian Cup quarter-finals begin on Friday with a pair of sides appearing at this stage of the competition for the first time, as Tajikistan and Jordan square off at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium.
In the round of 16, the Crowns defeated the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on penalties (5-4), while a dramatic injury-time surge enabled the Jordanians to edge Iraq 3-2.
We say: Tajikistan 2-1 Jordan
Both sides have shown a tremendous amount of resilience recently, but we are leaning towards Tajikistan because they have performed better overall and have nothing to lose at this stage.
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Australia vs. South Korea (Friday, 3.30pm)
© Reuters
For the third time in the last four editions of the Asian Cup, Australia and South Korea will square off, this time in the quarter-finals on Friday at Al Janoub Stadium.
In the last 16, the Socceroos came away with a convincing 4-0 triumph over Indonesia, while the Koreans levelled their match with Saudi Arabia at one, deep into stoppage time, advancing 4-2 on penalties.
We say: Australia 1-1 South Korea (Australia advances on penalties)
South Korea have been remarkably resilient throughout the tournament, but we believe their luck will run out against a Socceroos side that have shown discipline, poise and consistency throughout this competition, which is why we are leaning towards them narrowly advancing.
