Australia finishes as group leaders, Iran wins 3rd straight

DOHA - Australia was held to a 1-1 draw with Uzbekistan but still topped Group B with seven points at the AFC Asian Cup here on Tuesday.

The Socceroos broke the deadlock in injury time of the first half, when Martin Boyle converted a penalty after Odiljon Xamrobekov's handball.

Substitute Azizbek Turgenboev leveled the scores with a header in the 78th minute for Uzbekistan, who remained undefeated and sealed second place in the group with five points.

Also in Group B, Omar Khrbin came off the bench to score a 76th-minute winner as Syria edged India 1-0 to advance to the knockout stage for the first time in its seven appearances in the tournament.

The qualification of Syria, who finished as one of the four best third-placed team with four points, also ruled out China's chance to reach the last 16.

Elsewhere, Iran won its third game in a row to top Group C after defeating the United Arab Emirates 2-1, thanks to two goals from Mehdi Taremi.

Despite the loss, the UAE secured its place as the runners-up, ahead of Palestine due to a superior goal difference.

Palestine defeated Hong Kong, China 3-0. Oday Dabbagh scored a brace and Zeid Qunbar also found the net as Palestine clinched its first ever Asian Cup triumph and advanced to the last 16 as well.