Defending champs Qatar to play against Palestine as Round of 16 cast finalised

Defending champions Qatar will play Palestine in the Round of 16 of the AFC Asian Cup as the preliminary stage of the 24-team tournament ended on Thursday.
Qatar, coached by Spaniard Marquez Lopez, are unbeaten in the tournament with wins over Lebanon (3-0), China (1-0) and Tajikistan (1-0).
Palestine, who have impressed with their overall form in Qatar, beat Hong Kong 3-0 in their last match following a 4-1 defeat against Iran. Palestine shared points with the UAE after a 1-1 draw on Jan 18.
Lopez’s side is on a 10-match winning streak that includes seven victories at the 2019 Asian Cup held in the UAE.
Indonesia were the final team to check into the Round of 16 following the conclusion of the group stage on Thursday.
The Southeast Asian side’s place was confirmed following the Group F tie between Kyrgystan and Oman ending in a 1-1 draw on Thursday, with Indonesia advancing as one of the four best third-placed teams. It will be Indonesia’s first appearance in the knockout stage, with Palestine, Syria and Tajikistan to also feature for the inaugural time.
The heavyweight Round of 16 clash, however, will be between Saudi Arabia and South Korea, who have won the AFC Asian Cup title five times between them.
Japan finished second in Group D while Saudi Arabia, held 0-0 by Thailand on Thursday, topped Group F with seven points. Group B points leaders Australia meet Indonesia. Three-time champions Iran, who were perfect in Group C, will meet Syria while 2007 winners Iraq, who topped Group D, face Jordan.
Bahrain topped Group E ahead of South Korea and their reward will be a Round of 16 clash with Japan while Thailand, who finished second in Group F, face Uzbekistan.

ROUND OF 16 FIXTURES
Sunday
Australia v Indonesia
Venue: Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (Doha)
Kick-off: 14:30

Tajikistan v United Arab Emirates
Venue: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium (Al Rayyan)
Kick-off: 19:00

Monday
Iraq v Jordan
Venue: Khalifa International Stadium (Doha)
Kick-off: 14:30

Qatar v Palestine
Venue: Al Bayt Stadium (Al Khor)
Kick-off: 19:00

Tuesday
Uzbekistan v Thailand
Venue: Al Janoub Stadium
(Al Wakrah)
Kick-off: 14:30

Saudi Arabia v South Korea
Venue: Education City Stadium (Al Rayyan)
Kick-off: 19:00

Wednesday
Bahrain v Japan
Venue: Al Thumama Stadium (Doha)
Kick-off: 14:30

IR Iran v Syria
Venue: Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium (Doha)
Kick-off: 19:00