Asian Games
Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, also advanced after securing an impressive victory against Qatar in Group D.
Group C
Kuwait 0-2 Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan had to play most of the second half with 10 men but it did not stop Ravshan Khaydarov’s side from making it two wins out of two to book their place in the knockout stage.
Midfielder Sadorbek Bakhromov grabbed a first half brace with strikes in the sixth and 36th minutes to put Uzbekistan comfortably ahead.
Ruziboy Fayzullaev was shown his second yellow card just three minutes into the second half but even with a player more, Kuwait never looked like troubling Samandar Muratbaev in Uzbekistan’s goal.
Philippines 0-2 Vietnam
Vietnam secured their first win in Group C to boost their chances of reaching the quarter-finals as they sit second on four points, two adrift of Uzbekistan.
After the 1-1 stalemate with Kuwait on Tuesday, Vietnam knew they could ill afford to drop any more points but initially found it difficult to breach a formidable Philippines defence.
It took Vietnam until the 74th minute to find the breakthrough with Nguyen Thanh Nhan netting the opener with Nguyen Le Phat settling the contest 13 minutes later.
Group D
Saudi Arabia 2-0 Qatar
Saudi Arabia finally got their campaign underway and Luigi Di Biagio’s side not only made a winning start but with only three teams in the group, secured their place in the next phase of the competition.
Goals from Mohammed Barnawi (38th) and Eyad Houssa (47th) gave Saudi Arabia the three vital points that prolonged their stay in the Asian Games and eliminated Qatar in the process.
Saudi Arabia will next face Korea Republic on Tuesday to decide who takes the top spot in Group D.
Photos: Uzbekistan Football Association, Vietnam Football Federation
