Son faces Saudis, Palestine make history in Asian Cup last 16
Son Heung-min's stuttering South Korea play Saudi Arabia while Palestine face hosts and holders Qatar as the Asian Cup kicks into high gear with the knockout rounds from Sunday.
The tournament has been whittled down from 24 teams to 16 but trying to predict who lifts the trophy on February 10 looks more difficult than ever.
Japan came to Qatar as favourites and looking to win the title for a record-extending fifth time, but they reached the knockout phase as only runners-up in their group behind Iraq.
Iraq impressed in deservedly beating Japan 2-1 and along with Iran and Qatar were the only teams to win all three games in the first round. Iraq play Jordan and Iran meet Syria next.
Jurgen Klinsmann's South Korea would have faced Japan had they topped their group, but they were held 3-3 by Malaysia in their final game and play Roberto Mancini's Saudis on Tuesday.
South Korea, who are trying to win the Asian Cup for the first time in 64 years, also drew with Jordan and coach Klinsmann is anticipating "a battle".
"You cannot underestimate any team – every team is tactically very smart, they can hurt you even if you have 85 per cent possession," the German legend warned.
"There is no easy team in Asia to play," he added.
Skipper and talisman Son has scored twice at the tournament, both penalties, and called their madcap stalemate with already eliminated Malaysia "a big wake-up call".
Opponents Saudi Arabia topped their group with two wins and a draw, but they have not really fired in attack and made hard work of defeating nine-man Kyrgyzstan 2-0.
"We know it will be a very difficult match, not only for us, but also for them," said Mancini of the looming South Korea clash, which is undoubtedly the game of the last 16.
PALESTINI
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