Another passage into the next round of the Asian Cup was booked during Wednesday’s matches in Australia, while North Korea’s dreams of knockout round play have been Don’t make a “The Interview” joke. Don’t make a “The Interview” joke. Don’t make a “The Interview” joke murdered by Seth Rogen and James Franco.
On to the games.
North Korea 1-4 Saudi Arabia
Even at 1 after 45 minutes, Mohammad Al-Sahlawi netted in the 52nd and 54th minutes before Nawaf Al Abed allowed the Green Falcons to put it into cruise control with his 76th minute goal.
The result sets up an elimination game, as Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia will each go into Match 19 with three points a piece. Saudi Arabia is on the front foot if the match were to end level, with a plus-2 goal differential to the White Wolves’ zero.
China 2-1 Uzbekistan
The Chinese team is on to the next round after goals from a pair of Jiangsu Guoxin-Sainty players more than made up for the goal conceded to Krasnodar’s Odil Ahmedov.
Wu Xi and Sun Ke play together for club and country, and scored 14 minutes apart in the second half to overcome Ahmerdov’s opener.
Much th
Few days old, but “newer” news...
A 12-year-old Australian ballboy is a bit of a hero in China after giving Wang Delai advice on the direction of the attempt for a Saudi Arabian penalty kick.
Of course there’s so much wrong with saying he knew -- there really are only two, max three, places to go, after all -- but it’s a fun little story from Down Under.
Thursday’s matches
Bahrain vs. United Arab Emirates, 1am ET
Qatar vs Iran, 3am ET