Quarter-finals promise more twists and turns

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 line-up that promises more twists and turns over the concluding week of the competition.

Australia's shock loss to Iraq means the pre-tournament favour-ites 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 Saudi Arabia face an unlikely opponent in Uzbekistan.

Co-hosts Vietnam are the surprise package 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.

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 today.

"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.

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

Saudi Arabia tackle Uzbekistan in Jakarta while Iran play the Koreans in Kuala Lumpur.