China scored twice in 13 minutes to come from behind and upset Uzbekistan 2-1 at the Asian Cup yesterday to book themselves a spot in the quarter-finals.

China started the tournament as an outsider for the title but after winning their first two Group B matches in dramatic fashion, they are now assured of finishing top of their pool with a game to spare.

Trailing 1-0 at half-time against the group favourites, China drew level after 55 minutes when Wu Xi scored then snatched the lead with a spectacular solo strike from substitute Sun Ke.

Uzbekistan, who took an early lead through an opportunist goal from Odil Ahmedov, could not find a late equaliser and now face Saudi Arabia in their final group game in Melbourne on Sunday to decide the pool runner-up.

As Group B winners, China will play the runners-up in Group A, either hosts Australia or South Korea.

The Group B runners-up will play the Group A winners.

Saudis win

The Saudis, beaten 1-0 by China on the weekend, stayed in the hunt earlier in the day with a 4-1 win over North Korea, who were eliminated.

Saudi Arabia’s strikers feasted on a chaotic North Korea defence yesterday.

Mohammed Al-Sahlawi scored a brace of second-half goals after Naif Hazazi netted before the break, and Nawaf Al-Abid completed the scoring in the 77th minute after swooping on his own botched penalty kick to fire home his side’s fourth.