Best developments from AFC Asian Cup so far

The 2023 Asian Cup group stage produced its fair share of superb goals, spirited comebacks and compelling highlights as the 24 teams battling for the continental crown were whittled down to 16 for the knockout rounds.

Host Qatar and Iraq emerged with perfect records, while Palestine proudly progressed for the first time and Tajikistan produced a debut to remember. Here, Al Arabiya English rounds up the pick of the group stage engagements in the continental competition.

Palestine progresses Against the backdrop of the daily tragedies unfolding in Gaza, Palestine’s players have been doing their utmost to give their compatriots something to celebrate with a series of hard-fought encounters in the current edition of the Asian Cup in Qatar.

From the moment the anthem was played ahead of the opening match against Iran, it was clear this tournament would be an emotional one for Palestine’s players.

They have found solidarity from their opponents and from the crowds in

Qatar, but on the pitch, they have been competitive enough to prove their mettle.

The 1-1 draw with the UAE was arguably the standout result, though the scenes that met the 3-0 victory over Hong Kong that secured a first-ever qualification for the Asian Cup knockout stages will live long in the memory of Palestine’s supporters and players.

A tough last-16 match awaits Palestine against host Qatar, but with it comes the opportunity to create history. Iraq provides inspiration, having won the 2007 Asian Cup while conflict was raging on home soil. Palestine, though, is still a long way from emulating that success.

The 2007 champion was not included on most experts’ lists of potential Asian Cup winners this year, but the Lions of Mesopotamia have shown they should be taken seriously as continental contenders alongside the likes of Japan, South Korea, Iran, Australia, and Saudi Arabia.

Going into the 2023 tournament, Iraq was on a 14match unbeaten run in competitive fixtures that included an impressive triumph in the Arabian Gulf Cup last January. Iraq beat Qatar and Saudia on the way to that trophy and has continued to impress under Spanish coach Jesus Casas, who has assembled a team that blends domestic Iraqi talent with European and South American players from the Iraqi diaspora.

Casas’ side won all three of their group-stage matches, scoring eight goals in three games to finish top of Group D.