Marcelo Lippi’s China PR and Paulo Bento’s Korea Republic joined Jordan in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Round of 16 after victories over the Philippines and Kyrgyz Republic respectively in Group C. Earlier in the day, holders Australia bounced back after their shock opening 1-0 defeat by Jordan by beating Palestine 3-0 in Group B.

Palestine 0-3 Australia, Group B Rashid Stadium, Dubai

Reigning champions Australia recorded their first three points of their 2019 AFC Asian Cup campaign with a win over Palestine. The Socceroos took the lead on 18 minutes when Jamie MacLaren headed in his first senior international goal.

Awer Mabil doubled the advantage just two minutes later, converting Chris Ikonomidis’s delightful delivery at the back post. Graham Arnold’s men made it three in injury time with Ikonomidis again the provider, his corner meeting the head of Apostolos Giannou, whose goal capped off a commanding victory for his side.

Philippines 0-3 China PR, Group C Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

A second 3-0 victory of the day was recorded by China, who made it two wins from two at the Asian Cup and booked their place in the knockout stage. Wu Lei opened the scoring against the Philippines with a stunning effort which found the top corner shortly before the break.

The Shanghai SIPG man then doubled his side’s lead on 66 minutes with a fabulous volley before Yu Dabao headed home from close range after a corner to give Lippi’s men a comfortable victory against Sven-Goran Eriksson’s charges.

Kyrgyz Republic 0-1 Korea Republic, Group C Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain

By the time the day’s action concluded, China were joined by East Asia neighbours Korea Republic, after the Taeguk Warriors recorded a 1-0 victory in consecutive matches. Centre-back Kim Minjae glanced in a header at the near post from a corner kick just before half-time, and that proved to be the winning goal.

Korea Republic and China will go head-to-head next to determine who will finish as group winners, while the Philippines and Kyrgyz Republic will look to put their first points on the board and hope they can squeeze through to the knockout stage as one of the best third-place sides.