Japan will meet Australia while Iraq is to play against Vietnam in the Asian Cup quarter-finals after the four teams qualified following Monday's matches.

In group B, Japan smashed co-host Vietnam 4-1 to qualify for the knock-out stage, but the latter also advanced thanks to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who defeated Qatar 2-1.

Vietnam gained an early lead just 7 minutes into the match when midfielder Phan Van Tai Em converted a powerful free kick into the net.

Japan controlled the game afterwards and equalized the score five minutes later when striker Maki Seiichiro blasted the ball home.

Endo Yashuhito gave Japan 2-1 lead in the 32th minute with a
skillful close free kick. Nakamura Shunsuke and Maki Seiichiro scored twice for Japan in the 53th minute and 59th minutes, sealing the victory for Japan.

Meanwhile, UAE defeated Qatar 2-1 in the Military Zone 7 Stadium in Vietnam's southern Ho Chi Minh City, killing hopes of the latter to qualify.

In Bangkok, Iraq topped Group A after a 0-0 draw with Oman as
Australia also booked another berth after smashing co-host Thailand 4-0.
Thailand, who collected the same four points with Australia, had to accepted the exit for a poor head-to-head result.

Australian and Thailand played a balanced game in the first half, but the Socceroos grasped one opportunity to score.

Midfielder Michael Beauchamp gave Australia the lead in the 23th minute when he headed the ball home via a freekick.

Australian star Mark Viduka extended the lead in the 80th minute when his powerful shot hit one Thai defender and was deflected into the net. He scored again three minutes later with a header before frustrated Thai defenders.

Harry Kewell sealed the victory in the 89th minute, sending the ball into the left corner of the net.

Source: Xinhua