China stun Uzbekistan to reach quarterfinals

China fought back from a goal down at halftime to stun Uzbekistan 2-1 on Wednesday for a place in the Asian Cup quarterfinals, and Saudi Arabia also came from behind in a 4-1 victory over North Korea.

Uzbekistan were fortunate to see Odil Akhmedov's shot from distance take a wicked deflection and fly into the net midway through the first half in Brisbane.

But China dominated after the interval as Wu Xi struck an equalizer before substitute Sun Ke bagged a dramatic winner shortly after his introduction.

China reached six points in Group B to guarantee a quarterfinal berth while Uzbekistan are level with Saudi Arabia on three ahead of a winner takes all clash on Sunday. North Korea, on zero, are eliminated.

Saudi Arabia triumphed in Melbourne with the help of a quick-fire double in the 53rd and 54th by Mohammed Al Sahlawi for a 3-1 lead.

Earlier Ryang Yong Gi had put North Korea ahead when he clinically finished an 11th minute rebound to net his country's first goal at an Asian Cup finals in 23 years. But Naif Hazazi levelled before the break as Saudi Arabia fought back.

The Saudis missed several chances late on before Nawaf Al Abid completed the scoring by bundling over the rebound from his own missed penalty with 13 minutes remaining. Ri Yong Jik was red carded for handling the ball in conceding the spot kick.

"We did the best for our team and our country ... the most important thing today was the three points, it doesn't matter how many goals we score," Al Sahlawi said.

"We can't tell anything now. We still have one match and that will decide, but we will fight for that."

It was North Korea who made the better start though as Sim Hyon Jin forced Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Waleed Abdullah into two good saves in the opening exchanges.

And moments later they went ahead as Abdullah parried a ferocious volley from Pak Kwang Ryong and Ryang netted the rebound.

Having lost their first game, the Saudis were under pressure and responded brilliantly. Hazai headed just wide but a goal was coming and it was not surprise it arrived before the break.

A fine passing move created space for Al Abid and as the defence closed in, he calmly rolled the ball to Hazai who shot through Ri Myong Guk.

After the break the Saudis dominated and went in front when a deflection presented Al Sahlawi with a simple chance from close range.

Just a minute later Ri Yong Jik and Ri Myong Guk failed to communicate over a clearance and Al Sahlawi took advantage to find the empty net.

At this point the North Korean defence disintegrated and Saudi Arabia missed a string of opportunities. They added only one more goal, scored by Al Abid from his own penalty rebound.

Uzbekistan were the stronger team in the first half but struggled to make clear chances. Akmal Shorakhmedov almost beat Wang with a deflection but the keeper reacted well.

However, in the 22nd minute Wang was left helpless by a massive deflection which sent Akhmedov's shot arcing into the far corner.

China offered little in the first half but emerged re-energized from the break and equalized in 54 minutes.

Uzbek keeper Ignatiy Nesterov failed to deal with a deep cross and Gao Lin's clever flick set up Wu to volley past the defender trying to protect the goalline.

In the 68th minute Sun surged forward and his shot, which took the slightest of deflections, evaded the diving Nesterov to find the net via the post for 2-1.

And it was China who finished the better team with Zhang Linpeng and Wu Lei missing chances to make the points safe.