It feels like just yesterday when the 2023 AFC Asian Cup began on Jan. 12. Now, only eight teams remain, all vying for the championship in the 18th edition of the premier international tournament in Asia.

The round of 16 brought plenty of excitement, with three matches going down to the wire and requiring penalty shootouts to determine the winner, including one major upset. As we approach the quarterfinals, anticipation grows as the contenders will soon be narrowed down to the final four, promising more compelling storylines to unfold.

One of the most surprising narratives of this tournament has been the unexpected success of Tajikistan, the debutants at this edition of the Asian Cup. Against the odds, they find themselves in the knockout round, and by Friday evening, they might even secure a spot in the semifinals. Led by the charismatic Petar Šegrt, Tajikistan has impressed with their fearless performance, gaining admiration for their attractive style of play.

Alternatively, Jordan also stands on the brink of history, with a chance to reach the semifinals for the first time ever. While they’ve been regular participants in the Asian Cup, surpassing the quarterfinals would mark a significant achievement for them.

In another intriguing matchup, Australia and South Korea, two powerhouses of Asian football, will meet again in a rematch of the 2015 final. The intensity of their previous encounter, which ended in a thrilling victory for Australia, adds an extra layer of excitement to this fixture. Both teams have formidable strengths, setting the stage for a captivating showdown.

Similarly, the clash between Japan and Iran promises to be a heavyweight battle, reminiscent of their encounter in the 2019 semifinals. With both teams boasting impressive records in the Asian Cup, the stakes are high as they compete for a spot in the next round.

Lastly, reigning champions Qatar face a formidable challenge against Uzbekistan, who have consistently performed well in previous editions of the tournament. Despite Qatar’s strong form so far, they’ll need to be at their best to overcome their resilient opponents.

As the competition intensifies, each match brings new thrills and surprises, making the journey towards the Asian Cup crown all the more captivating.

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