An eventful Asian Cup group stage has come and gone without too many huge surprises. 24 teams have become 16 as several knockout rounds will dictate the premier footballing side in Asia. After winning the previous Asian Cup in 2015, the Socceroos stumbled out of the gate, before winning 2 straight to finish in 2nd place. Headlined by the Socceroos taking on Uzbekistan, let’s take a look at our best bet in the 3 signature games on the board.
Australia
The Socceroos enter the knockout stages after a nervy group state that saw them surprisingly finish second. Fortunately, a draw against Uzbekistan in the Round of 16 isn’t the worst they could’ve received. After an opening round loss to Jordan, the Socceroos looked better in their last 2 games, having over 60% possession in wins over Palestine and Syria. Awer Mabil looked the goods with goals in the last 2 matches, whilst a Tom Rogic thunderstrike was the difference against Syria.
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan enter the Round of 16 off the back of a mixed campaign that saw them finish 2nd in their group behind Japan. Beating Oman and Turkmenistan by a combined scoreline of 6-1 is nothing to sneeze at. Captain and Midfielder Odil Ahmedov looms as their most dangerous threat, whilst Striker Eldor Shomurodov is promising up front.
Prediction: Australia to Win at $1.70
As the reigning champions, this is a game the Socceroos ought to be winning in regulation. They have the significant talent edge in this one and have put in solid performances in each of their last 2. Expect a controlled and composed victory from Australia here.
Correct Score: 2-1 at $8
To help punters find a bit more value, a 2-1 correct score bet at $8 looks a solid option. Whilst the Socceroos can no doubt score, they’ve been somewhat leaky at the back of late. I expect them to go up 2-0 here, before a late Uzbekistan goal makes things interesting.
Iran
As the pre-tournament favourites, the Iranians didn’t disappoint. They went through their group undefeated, scoring 7 goals and conceding 0 in the process. Led by Captain Ehsan Hajsafi, this team has been very difficult to score on in recent years. Forward Sardar Azmoun has also been among the goals of late, bagging 3 in the group stage.
Oman
Oman had a relatively difficult group stage, falling to both Uzbekistan and Japan, before a win against Turkmenistan got them through in 3rd. Muhsen Al-Gassani appears to be the danger man going forward, scoring 2 goals in the group stage. Against a firing Iranian forward line, a defence that conceded in each match will need to improve.
Prediction: Iran to win to Nil $2
For me, this is one of the bigger mismatches in this round of the tournament. Iran’s defence has been impenetrable so far, whilst the skilful front 3 are bagging goals for fun. At $2, I think Iran are strong value to win to nil.
Japan
The Japanese side picked up full points in the group stage, winning each match by a single goal. Their first two wins were particularly dominant, registering over 63% possession in each. Unfortunately, all their good work has led them to a showdown with a strong Saudi side. Quality in the form of Maya Yoshida, Muto, and Haraguchi should hold them in good stead.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia enter the knockout stage off a middling group-stage performance, winning 2 of their 3 games. Both of these were dominant wins in which they had at least 15 shots and 70% possession. A 2-0 loss to Qatar in the final game was somewhat disappointing, however they did still statistically dominate that one.
Prediction: Both Teams to Score: No $1.85
Both of these sides have solid experienced defenders and I can see goals being hard to come by in this one. The Japanese defence is particularly strong, and they can contain the Saudi forward line here. At a generous $1.85, I think the value is on the ‘no’ in this market.