A late double strike rescued Uzbekistan's Asian Cup campaign and ousted three-time champions Saudi Arabia Sunday as Sun Ke's brace enhanced China's growing reputation. The Uzbeks were headed out at 1-1 in Melbourne before Vokhid Shodiev's header and Sardor Rashidov's second of the night steered them into the quarter-finals with a thrilling win.
The 2011 semi-finalists are now into a quarter-final against South Korea but the result condemns the Saudis, winners in 1984, 1988 and 1996, to a second straight group stage exit.
"I can't say this is a big tragedy," said Saudi caretaker coach Cosmin Olaroiu, pressed to explain the Gulf side's recent fall from grace. "It is a big disappointment, but it's too much to call it a tragedy."
Away from the fireworks in Melbourne, Sun scored in just 45 seconds and then grabbed his third of the tournament as China beat North Korea 2-1 in Canberra to seal their best ever start.
Uzbekistan also made a lightning start and Saudi goalkeeper Waleed Abdullah was left red-faced when Rashidov raced clear and slotted through his legs in only the second minute.
The White Wolves needed a win to qualify behind China in Group B but there was dismay when referee Ben Williams pointed to the spot for a soft penalty on the hour-mark.
The Saudis had already missed twice from the spot but Mohammed Al Sahlawi made no mistake as he fired the equaliser which would have taken his team through.
But Shodiev rose for a brilliant headed goal to restore Uzbekistan's lead, before Rashidov converted a terrific cross 11 minutes from time to secure the 3-1 win.
In Canberra, China were ahead after just 45 seconds - close to Thursday's Asian Cup-record, 14-second goal by UAE's Ali Mabkhout - when Sun raced through a static defence.
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