DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Defending champion Saudi Arabia lost to Uzbekistan 2-0 in the Under-23 Asian Cup quarterfinals and also saw its chance of a second successive appearance at the Olympics end on Friday.
Only the top three teams from the 16-team competition qualify automatically for men’s Olympic soccer in Paris. Fourth place earns a playoff against Guinea in May.
In a reverse of the 2022 final, Uzbekistan was a comfortable winner. Khusain Norchaev scored on halftime and the Saudis’ task became much harder after 70 minutes when Ayman Yahya received a second yellow card. Umarali Rakhmonaliev headed home to secure the win for the 2018 champion.
The Central Asian team will take on Indonesia in Monday’s semifinal.
Iraq defeated Vietnam 1-0 to earn a last-four clash with Japan.
Ali Jasim scored in the second half from the penalty spot after goalkeeper Quan Van Chuan fouled Mohammad Nihad in the area.
Joey Logano captures pole for All
Beijing Greets the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for Int'l Cooperation
Xinhua Headlines: A Vibrant City on Ancient Silk Road — Kashgar in the Eyes of Foreign Tourists
Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks on Gaza rises to 32,226
Ministry Protects Disadvantaged Children's Basic Rights, Interests
World Children's Day Celebrated with Light Shows Across China
Protection, Inheritance of Cultural Heritage to Be Enhanced
Chinese ambassador warns UK not to further jeopardize ties
InPics: China Welcomes Return of CPV Soldiers' Remains for 10 Consecutive Years