The elite eight: Quarter-final cast confirmed
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E-mail China.org.cn, January 23, 2019
After an unforgettable Round of 16 stage, the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 quarter-final cast has been confirmed.
From a starting field of 24 teams, only an exclusive eight remain, with four mouth-watering matches - each containing a former champion - set to be played on Thursday and Friday.
VIETNAM v JAPAN
Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai - 17:00, January 24
The Vietnamese fairy-tale continued in the Round of 16, as Park Hang-seo's side came from a goal behind to overcome Jordan in a penalty shootout, claiming the nation's first ever AFC Asian Cup knockout stage win.
Their next challenge comes in the form of the competition's most successful ever team; four-time champions Japan, who made it four wins from four with a 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia.
CHINA PR v ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN
Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi - 20:00, January 24
Still unbeaten, and still yet to concede a goal, Islamic Republic of Iran are building nicely as they look to win their first AFC Asian Cup title since 1976 - with their comprehensive 2-0 Round of 16 win over Oman underlining their smooth progress.
China PR appear in the last eight for the second consecutive edition of the tournament, having come from behind to secure a 2-1 win over Thailand in the first knockout round.
KOREA REPUBLIC v QATAR
Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi - 17:00, January 25
Korea Republic's quest to end their 59-year title drought faces what is arguably their most challenging obstacle yet, with Qatar having won all four of their matches without having conceded a single goal.
The match will feature the coming together of one of Asia's most celebrated stars, Korea' Republic's Tottenham Hotspur ace Son Heung-min, and one of its brightest emerging talents in seven-goal Qatari striker Almoez Ali.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES v AUSTRALIA
Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain - 20:00, January 25
Both United Arab Emirates and Australia emerged from epic Round of 16 tussles to ultimately prevail against Central Asian opposition, and book the first meeting between the AFC Asian Cup hosts and reigning champions since Vietnam met Japan in the 2007 edition.
The sides also met in the 2015 semi-final, and Alberto Zaccheroni's men will eager to square the ledger after the Socceroos won 2-0 on the way to claiming the Continental crown.
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