HANOI, 21 July 2007 — After negotiating a treacherous group phase, the Asian Cup’s eight surviving teams are set to do battle in the quarterfinals. A sequence of surprise results in the first round has produced an unexpected quarterfinal lineup that promises more twists and turns over the concluding week of the competition.

Australia’s shock loss to Iraq means the pre-tournament favorites have the daunting challenge of playing defending champions Japan in the most eagerly-anticipated match of the championship.

Regional powerhouses South Korea and Iran have also been drawn together somewhat prematurely, while three-times champions Saudi Arabia face an unlikely opponent in Uzbekistan, who advanced at the expense of China. Co-hosts Vietnam are the surprise package of the 14th Asian Cup after sneaking through to the last eight where they face Iraq, who endured a haphazard build-up to the tournament due to the security situation back home.

Despite making their first appearance at the Asian Cup, Australia were widely regarded as the early favorites after reaching the second round of last year’s World Cup.

But a sloppy start to Group A in Bangkok saw them finish second behind Iraq, setting up a quarterfinal match with Group B winners Japan in Hanoi today.

“We’re going to have to come up against one of the favorites some time so this is as good a time as any,” Australia coach Graham Arnold said.

“They played better than us during the group matches so at this stage they deserve to be favorites, but in saying that Australians like to be underdogs.” Japan are also relishing the chance to play the Australians after losing to them at last year’s World Cup but remain wary about their opponents.

“Australia struggled at the start of this Asian Cup but that’s what happened to Brazil at the Copa America and they won the tournament. Australia could do the same,” Japan’s Bosnian coach Ivica Osim said.

Iraq play Group B runners-up Vietnam in Bangkok today while the two remaining quarterfinals will both be played tomorrow.

Saudia Arabia tackle Uzbekistan in Jakarta after thrashing Bahrain 4-0 to top the Group D standings while Iran, another three-times Asian Cup champion, play the Koreans in Kuala Lumpur.

Manchester United Crush South Korea’s FC Seoul 4-0 in Friendly

In Seoul, South Korea, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney got on the scoresheet as Manchester United strolled to a 4-0 win over FC Seoul in a friendly yesterday.

Ronaldo opened the scoring in the fifth minute at Seoul World Cup Stadium, where just as many locals were cheering for United as the home team.

Youngster Chris Eagles scored the second in the 18th minute, and just two minutes later, Rooney found the net. FC Seoul made several attempts at the goal, but were unable to get past United’s strong defensive line.

The South Koreans picked up the pace in the second half, but fullback Patrice Evra rounded off the scoring in the 60th minute. The match was part of United’s preseason tour in Asia, which also included a stop in Japan. The team will head to Mongolia today. United has enjoyed huge popularity in South Korea since international midfielder Park Ji-sung joined the club in 2005. Park had to sit out yesterday’s match because he was still recovering from a knee injury.

Totti Retiring From

National Team for Good

In Rome, Francesco Totti has confirmed he is retiring permanently from Italy’s national team. The 30-year-old AS Roma playmaker made the announcement during a news conference yesterday at the club’s training camp, a day after news reports said he was quitting the Azzurri for good.

“Quitting is an ugly word, but yes, I have taken this decision,” Totti said. “I’m closing with the national team for various physical reasons.” Totti had surgery on his left ankle last year, and he indicated that it cannot support playing for both Italy and Roma. “I am sorry but this is the most important thing for myself,” added Totti, who hasn’t played for the Azzurri since the World Cup final against France last year.

He said after the World Cup that he needed to take a break from the national team to let his ankle heal. Totti was apparently willing to return on a part-time basis, but the Italian soccer federation would not accept such a situation.

His retirement comes less than two months before Italy’s European Championship qualifier against France. Italy is second in Group B of qualifying, two points behind France.