Determine the four quarterfinals of U23 Asia 2024

The final series of Group D matches on April 23 determines four quarter-final pairs, including Qatar – Japan, Korea – Indonesia taking place on April 25, while Uzbekistan – Saudi Arabia and Iraq – Vietnam play on April 26. The two match time frames are 5:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. local time, which means 9:00 p.m. and 0:30 a.m. Hanoi time.

The Uzbekistan – Saudi Arabia match is considered an early final, when both are considered championship candidates. The 1-2 loss to Iraq in the final round of Group C caused defending champion Saudi Arabia to soon face a strong opponent. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan determined to win every match to be crowned.

The two teams have met three times at the U23 Asian Finals, with both winning in favor of the West Asian representative. In the first round in 2013, Saudi Arabia won 1-0 in the group stage, then won 1-0 in the 2020 semi-finals and 2-0 in the 2022 final.

Iraq also has a debt with Vietnam when it lost in the quarterfinals in 2018 – the tournament where Vietnam made history as runner-up. That year, Vietnam also ranked second in Group D, and Iraq ranked first in Group C. Cong Phuong opened the scoring in the 12th minute before Aymen Hussein kicked a penalty to equalize in the 29th minute. In extra time, Hussein helped Iraq lead 2-1 in the match. 94th minute. Phan Van Duc and Ha Duc Chinh regained the advantage, leading 3-2, before Alaa Ali Mhawi set the score 3-3 in the 116th minute. In the penalty shootout, Bashar Reshan missed in the first round. Meanwhile, Vu Van Thanh, Quang Hai, Xuan Truong, Duc Chinh and Bui Tien Dung all kicked successfully in all five matches, helping Vietnam win 5-3.

Reuniting in the quarterfinals this year, Vietnam continues to be underestimated. Iraq has a physical advantage, thanks to more than one day of rest, and is in good spirits after slipping through a narrow gap into the quarterfinals, despite losing to Thailand in the opening match.

The penalty shootout helped Vietnam defeat Iraq

Another notable match is Korea vs Indonesia, creating a battle of wits between two coaches, close friends Hwang Sun-hong and Shin Tae-yong. South Korea is the only team to reach the quarterfinals of all six U23 Asian tournaments, with one championship in 2020. Meanwhile, Indonesia reached the quarterfinals for the first time in its first participation.

The remaining match is a duel between hosts Qatar and Japan. The away team is rated higher in terms of qualifications, but is at a disadvantage in terms of audience. In addition, the referee is also a notable factor in recent matches with Qatar.

The four winning teams will enter the semi-finals to compete for three official tickets to the 2024 Paris Olympics. The fourth-placed team will play a play-off match against the African representative, Guinea, on May 9.

Schedule of the 2024 Asian U23 quarterfinals

Qatar – Japan: 9:00 p.m. April 25, Hanoi time
Korea – Indonesia: 0:30 April 26
Uzbekistan – Saudi Arabia: 9:00 p.m. April 26
Iraq – Vietnam: 0:30 April 27

Hieu Luong