Uzbekistan advances to Asian Cup semifinals

DOHA, Qatar (AP): Uzbekistan advanced to the Asian Cup semifinals for the first time by beating Jordan 2-1 on Friday after two goals by forward Ulugbek Bakaev within four minutes.

Bakaev scored in the 46th and 49th minutes for Uzbekistan, before Bashar Bani Yaseen cut Jordan's deficit in the 58th at Doha's Khalifa stadium.

"Big, experienced player, I know him well," Uzbekistan coach Vadim Abramov said of Bakaev. "I give him a chance, he scores two goals."

Uzbekistan will play either Australia or Iraq in one of Tuesday's semifinals.

Asian Cup quarterfinals feature familiar teams

DOHA, Qatar (AP): Six teams that made it to the Asian Cup quarterfinals four years ago have progressed to the last eight again, showing little shift in power at the tournament.

The only surprise absentee is three-time champion and 2007 runner-up Saudi Arabia.

Instead, the quarterfinals will feature host Qatar - a welcome boost to the small nation seeking to build a credible team for 2022, when it will host the World Cup.

Qatar will face a major test when it plays three-time Japan in Friday's quarterfinals, while Uzbekistan takes on Jordan - the other country to have shaken up the 2007 order.

In Saturday's games, it's Australia vs. defending champion Iraq and Iran vs. South Korea.