AL WAKRAH, Qatar: South Korea averted a round-of-16 conflict with pre-Asian Cup favourite Japan after drawing with Malaysia 3-3 on Thursday.

Jurgen Klinsmann’s staff superior because the runner-up in Group E after conceding within the fifteenth minute of added time at Al Janoub Stadium and can play Saudi Arabia within the subsequent spherical.

Romel Morales struck late for Malaysia to even the sport and guarantee Bahrain superior because the group winner to face Japan. Bahrain gained 1-0 in opposition to third-placed Jordan, which additionally reached the knockout stage.

South Korea was one other of the pre-tournament favorites, however, like Japan, has had its setbacks within the group stage and progressed with one win and two attracts.

A Son Heung-min penalty 4 minutes into stoppage time gave his staff a 3-2 lead that may have sealed first place. But Morales secured Malaysia’s solely level of the event by firing into the underside nook from exterior of the world.

South Korea led by way of Jeong Woo-yeong’s header within the twenty first. Faisal Halim leveled six minutes after halftime and Malaysia had the possibility to go forward after Seol Young-woo fouled Arif Aiman within the field. Aiman stepped up and transformed from the penalty spot.

South Korea equalized within the 83rd because of an personal purpose by Syihan Hazmi earlier than the dramatic conclusion.

Klinsmann could also be grateful to keep away from Japan for now, even because the four-time champion has had its personal issues and completed runner-up in Group D behind Iraq.

BAHRAIN ADVANCES

Bahrain misplaced its opening recreation to South Korea nevertheless it superior to the knockout stage on the prime of Group E after back-to-back 1-0 wins.

Abdulla Yusuf Helal struck within the thirty fourth at Khalifa International Stadium to beat Jordan.

Despite dropping, Jordan superior as among the best third-placed groups.

MANCINI MARCHES ON

Roberto Mancini is aiming for his second main worldwide title after main Italy to European Championship triumph in 2021.

His Saudi Arabian staff drew 0-0 with Thailand at Education City Stadium and superior as Group F winner with an unbeaten report. Thailand superior as runner-up.

Three-time champion Saudi Arabia has not gained the title since 1996 and has been runner-up twice since then — most not too long ago in 2007.

Abdullah Radif had the possibility to make it three wins out of three for Mancini’s staff, however his Twelfth-minute penalty was saved by Thailand goalkeeper Saranon Anuin.

OMAN ELIMINATED

A late purpose ended Oman’s hopes of advancing after a 1-1 draw with Kyrgyzstan at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium.

Muhsen Al Ghassani gave Oman hope of qualifying as among the best third-placed groups when he scored within the eighth minute. But Joel Kojo’s equalizer within the eightieth secured a draw for Kyrgyzstan that left Oman on two factors.

Indonesia, on three factors in Group D, superior because the fourth-best third-placed staff.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer