Asian Cup quarter-finals promise more twists and turns

HANOI, July 20 (Reuters) After negotiating a treacherous group phase, the Asian Cup's eight surviving teams are set to do battle in the quarter-finals.

A sequence of surprise results in the first round has produced an unexpected quarter-final lineup that promises more twists and turns over the concluding week of the competition.

Australia's shock loss to Iraq means the pre-tournament favourites have the daunting challenge of playing defending champions Japan in the most eagerly-anticipated match of the championship.

Regional powerhouses South Korea and Iran have also been drawn together somewhat prematurely, while three-times champions Saudi Arabia face an unlikely opponent in Uzbekistan, who advanced at the expense of China.

Co-hosts Vietnam are the surprise package of the 14th Asian Cup after sneaking through to the last eight where they face Iraq, who endured a haphazard build-up to the tournament due to the security situation back home.

SLOPPY START Despite making their first appearance at the Asian Cup, Australia were widely regarded as the early favourites after reaching the second round of last year's World Cup.

But a sloppy start to Group A in Bangkok saw them finish second behind Iraq, setting up a quarter-final match with Group B winners Japan in Hanoi tomorrow.

''We're going to have to come up against one of the favourites some time so this is as good a time as any,'' Australia coach Graham Arnold said.

''They played better than us during the group matches so at this stage they deserve to be favourites, but in saying that Australians like to be underdogs.'' Japan are also relishing the chance to play the Australians after losing to them at last year's World Cup but remain wary about their opponents.

''Australia struggled at the start of this Asian Cup but that's what happened to Brazil at the Copa America and they won the tournament. Australia could do the same,'' Japan's Bosnian coach Ivica Osim said.

Iraq play Group B runners-up Vietnam in Bangkok tomorrow while the two remaining quarter-finals will both be played on Sunday.

Saudia Arabia tackle Uzbekistan in Jakarta after thrashing Bahrain 4-0 to top the Group D standings while Iran, another three-times Asian Cup champion, play the Koreans in Kuala Lumpur.

Reuters BJR GC1622