Soccer-Australia edge Syria 1-0 to reach Asian Cup last 16

Soccer Football - AFC Asian Cup - Group B - Syria v Australia - Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar - January 18, 2024 Syria's Ammar Ramadan in action with Australia's Jordan Bos REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani

AL RAYYAN, Qatar (Reuters) -Australia beat Syria 1-0 in their second Asian Cup match to maintain their perfect record in Group B and qualify for the last 16 on Thursday after midfielder Jackson Irvine came to the rescue once again with his second goal of the tournament.

After a goalless first half, Irvine once again gave Australia the lead, having scored the opening goal in their 2-0 win over India in their first group game.