Gethin jones

AFC Asian Cup Qatar: Jackson Irvine scored the only goal as Australia ground out a 1-0 victory over Syria at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Group B on Thursday to all-but confirm their place in the knockout rounds of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023.

Irvine’s 59th minute goal, his second of the tournament so far, saw Graham Arnold’s side back up their opening win over India with another three points to sit on top of the standings with one round remaining.

The top two teams in each group are advance with the four third-placed sides with the best records also progressing and, with India due to face Uzbekistan later in the day, Australia’s hopes of going through have been significantly enhanced.