China ensured they would enter the knockout phases of the Asian Cup full of confidence following a 2-1 victory over DPR Korea in Canberra on Sunday.

Despite having already sealed their place in the quarterfinals, China put in a professional display and went ahead within the first minute through Sun Ke.

He would finish the half with two goals, giving Alain Perrin's side a crucial advantage, before a Gao Lin own goal gave DPR Korea hope.

But, amid an abundance of pressure, China held firm, ending the group stages with three straight wins.

Uzbekistan joined them in the final eight, holding off the challenge of Saudi Arabia and recording a 3-1 win in Melbourne.

Sardor Rashidov notched a brace, while Vokhid Shodiev also found the target as the Uzbeks overcame a poor refereeing decision, which enabled Mohammed Al Sahlawi to score from the penalty spot.

It was a frantic evening of action in the Asian Cup, with early goals in both games.

China, in the midst of a purple patch and with top spot in Group B already secured, took the lead against DPR Korea within a minute.

Sun was the beneficiary of some sloppy defending from Jang Song-Hyok, prodding home from close range to open the scoring.

There was a similar story unfolding in Melbourne.

Uzbekistan, needing a victory to progress to the next round, also got off to the perfect start after just 90 seconds. Rashidov capitalized on a fortuitous break and calmly slid the ball beyond Waleed Abdullah to make it 1-0.

That lead should have been extended just moments later when Uzbekistan's Shukhrat Mukhammadiev took a clever touch past his marker before lashing a volley narrowly wide from a promising position.

In the nation's capital, despite China dominating possession, DPR Korea was slowly starting to work their way back into the contest. Pak Kwang-Ryong shot wide, before Jong Il-Gwan blazed well over the bar when through on goal.

It would prove a costly miss for DPR Korea, with China immediately going up the other end and doubling their advantage. Sun was again the scorer, this time nodding home following Jiang Zhipeng's cross.

It delighted the sell-out crowd in Canberra, packed full of joyful Chinese supporters.

It could, and perhaps should have been 3-0 prior to half time for China. However, Jon Kwang-Ik came to DPR Korea's rescue, clearing Yu Hai's shot off the line.

As it stood at the break, Uzbekistan would join China in progressing through to the quarterfinals in Group B. But Saudi Arabia was desperate to avoid being sent home early.

Naif Hazazi skied a decent chance well over the bar from the edge of the area, before Vitaliy Denisov brought the striker to ground inside the area.

A harsh penalty was awarded, with Al Sahlawi finding the bottom corner, despite the Uzbek keeper diving the right way.

In Canberra, DPR Korea was also hopeful of salvaging something from their match, with Jong forcing Wang Dalei into a good save from 20 yards out.

Eventually, their positive attitude paid dividends. Jong's shot cannoned off Gao and in for an own goal, as the underdogs halved the deficit and ensured an exciting finale.

Jong was wreaking havoc for DPR Korea and nearly inspired an equalizing goal. He headed over with the goal at his mercy, before Ryang Yong-Gi shot over from distance.

Substitute So Hyon-Uk then cannoned a shot against the crossbar, as DPR Korea desperately came again.

But, despite their flurry of late chances, they couldn't find a levelling goal and ended the tournament without a point, as China's winning run continued.

There was also late drama in Melbourne, as Uzbekistan ensured they would not live to rue that earlier error from Australian referee Ben Williams.

Second-half substitute Shodiev came to Uzbekistan's rescue, powerfully heading home from Shavkat Jon Mulladjanov's pinpoint cross to reclaim the lead.

With Saudi Arabia pushing men forward in the knowledge that a draw would guarantee progression, Uzbekistan broke forward and doubled their lead.

Jasur Khasanov led the counter attack, before squaring for Rashidov in space. The winger took one touch and buried his shot into the bottom corner to the glee of the vocal Uzbek supporters.

"As we expected, it was a very tough game. Both teams wanted to qualify," Uzbekistan manager Mirjalol Kasimov told reporters after the match. However, he would not be drawn on the contentious refereeing decision.

"I did not see the penalty decision," he said. "I will make my final decision when I see the video.

"I saw that the Saudis kept asking for a penalty, so maybe it was the mistake of the referee, but I don't know.

"Many times, the Saudi Arabian players dived and they should have had yellow cards. When they dived, they pressured the referee and the referee started to play for them."

Rashidov's second goal would prove enough, as Uzbekistan booked a quarterfinal clash with South Korea in Melbourne, while Saudi Arabia bowed out.

"It's not a tragedy," Saudi Arabian manager Cosmin Olaroiu said after the match. "It's disappointing, but it's not a tragedy.

"People have to see and judge the situation to start to make changes and build something very solid. Many clubs from Saudi Arabia have improved and I hope, in the future, (the country) finds the players they deserve."

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