After an exciting Round of 16, we now have just 8 teams remaining in the Asian Cup. A dramatic penalty shootout win for the Socceroos means they’ll move on to face hosts UAE in the Quarter Finals. Main rivals Japan, Iran, and South Korea all also advanced to this stage, making for some potentially interesting Semi-Finals. Let’s provide our best bets for each of the top 3 matches at the Asian Cup Quarter-Final stage.
Australia
The Socceroos made it through to the Quarter Finals after a nervy penalty shootout win against Uzbekistan last time out. Despite the 0-0 regular time scoreline, Australia did statistically dominate the match. They registered 17 shots to 7 from Uzbekistan and also enjoyed 61% possession. This helped to build off a solid finish to the group stage, where they won their last 2 matches and scored 6 goals in the process.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE made it through to the Quarters after a dramatic extra time win over Kyrgyzstan last time out. As the hosts for this tournament, they had a relatively easy group, which they made it through undefeated. Ali Mabkhout appears to be their main threat in front of goal, registering 3 solo goals in 4 games so far.
Prediction: Australia to win $1.90
Whilst the UAE is a tough place to play in, the Socceroos are comfortably the better side in my opinion. They’ve been much more solid at the back of late and could easily keep a clean sheet in this one. The UAE have conceded in 3 of their 4 matches so far, a trend which I expect to continue here.
Iran
The pre-tournament favourites continued their excellent run in the Round of 16 with a comfortable 2-0 win over Oman. They’ve now gone 4 straight games without conceding, which is testament to their fantastic defence. Their front 3 also remains very dangerous and has been the catalyst behind an impressive 9 team goals so far.
China
China advanced from the Round of 16 after a solid 2-1 win over Thailand. Trailing 1-0 at the 65-minute mark, two late goals from Xiao Zhi and Gao Lin ultimately proved the difference. They were also solid throughout the group stage, registering wins over Kyrgyzstan and the Philippines by a combined scoreline of 5-1. That said, Iran will definitely prove their toughest test yet.
Prediction: Iran to win to nil $1.85
We had success with this market in the Round of 16 and I’m continuing with it here. I just don’t think China has the attacking firepower to get one over this strong Iranian defence. At $1.38 to win outright, the win to nil market offers a much higher value alternative.
South Korea
Another key rival of the Socceroos, South Korea advanced to the last 8 after a 2-1 win over Bahrain last time out. After ending the regular 90 minutes at 1-1, a Kim Jin Su extra-time winner ultimately proved the difference. South Korea have been perfect so far, also winning each of their group games to nil.
Qatar
Qatar have been the surprise packets of the tournament so far and find themselves in the last 8 after a win over Iraq. In a tightly contested affair, a 62nd minute goal by Bassam Al-Rawi was all that was required to win. This was off the back of an excellent group stage for Qatar, where they thumped Lebanon, North Korea, and Saudi Arabia by a combined score of 10-0.
Prediction: South Korea to win $1.85
Despite being in strong form of late, I think South Korea are comfortably the better team in this one. I expect Qatar to struggle to score in this one, whilst the firepower of South Korea produces at least one moment of magic. At $1.85 to win, I think they’re very solid value here.