AFC U23 Asian Cup 2024

The Iraqis have bounced back with three wins in a row after losing their opening match of the tournament against Thailand to reach the semi-finals, and Shenaishil admitted results have taken precedence over playing style since that surprise first day defeat.

The debutants have been a revelation, advancing to the knockout stage at Australia and Jordan’s expense before stunning Korea Republic in the quarter-finals. In Uzbekistan, however, they will face their biggest challenge yet.

The Japanese eventually prevailed with a 4-2 win over the tournament hosts and Fujita, who played every minute of the quarter-final, stressed he has fully recovered ahead of what he expects will be a demanding semi-final clash.

For tournament debutants Indonesia, the encounter at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium presents them with the opportunity to become the seventh different side to reach the final in history as well as end a 68-year absence from the Olympics.

Meanwhile, 2018 champions Uzbekistan can take another step towards becoming the first two-time winners of this competition and also seal a maiden qualification for the Olympic Games.

It is a showdown that Witan and Rakhmonaliev, both sturdy heads on young shoulders with plenty of experience, are ready for.

Ahead of Indonesia meeting Vietnam and Japan squaring off against Iraq, the-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures from the four pulsating quarter-final ties.

Jasim’s strike from the penalty spot sealed Iraq a 1-0 win against Vietnam in the quarter-finals on Friday, with the exciting forward joining Abdullah Radif and Aiman Yahya of Saudi Arabia and Korea Republic’s Lee Young-jun at the top of the goalscorers’ chart on three goals.

However, the 20-year-old was well aware that his side squandered several opportunities against Vietnam but is confident the goals will soon flow, with Iraq to meet Japan in the semi-finals on Monday.

The encounter at the Khalifa International Stadium was a rematch of the 2022 final but strikes from Norchaev and Umarali Rakhmonaliev ensured that it would be Uzbekistan celebrating at the final whistle this time around.

Saudi Arabia’s title defence was ended in the quarter-finals by Uzbekistan on Friday, with the Central Asian side exacting revenge for their loss in the final two years ago.

Al Shehri’s side just couldn’t get a foothold in the game and their situation was made worse by Aiman Yahya’s red card, with Uzbekistan winning 2-0 to book a semi-final date with Indonesia.

It wasn’t a vintage performance from the 2013 champions but Shenaishil wasn’t overly concerned, saying what mattered at this stage of the competition was getting results.

Ali Jasim’s second half penalty secured Iraq their place in the semi-finals, with the West Asian side to play 2016 champions Japan next.

The two, together with Japan, are former winners with tournament debutants Indonesia the odd ones out.