Asian Cup Favorites South Korea and Japan Struggle in Group Stage

South Korea salvages draw against Jordan, while Japan suffers shock defeat to Iraq

South Korea and Japan, two of the favorites to win the Asian Cup, have struggled in the group stage, with Japan suffering a shock defeat to Iraq and South Korea managing a draw against Jordan thanks to a last-minute own goal.
Despite the setbacks, both teams are still in a strong position to reach the knockout rounds, needing only draws in their next matches against Malaysia and Indonesia respectively.
South Korea, led by former United States coach Jurgen Klinsmann, is seeking its first Asian Cup title since 1960.
Jordan, ranked 64 places lower than South Korea, nearly secured a historic victory, leading 2-1 in stoppage time before South Korea's equalizer.
The Asian Cup has seen a number of upsets and close matches, suggesting a narrowing gap between the tournament's traditional powerhouses and less-illustrious teams.