Australia had claimed four points from their opening two games while Thailand were on three, meaning both sides only needed a draw to progress to the quarter-finals.

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Thai forward Supachok (center) in the match between Thailand and Iraq 

In early moments of their match against Iraq on January 14, the video assistant referee (VAR) helped Thailand take an early lead.

Thailand was awarded a penalty after the new technology detected a hand ball in the box, which was successfully converted.

Iraq leveled proceedings four minutes into the second half, but that’s the way it stayed, a satisfying result for Thailand.

Australia topped the group also after drawing 1-1 with Bahrain the same day.

Meanwhile, after two goalless draws, Vietnam is third in Group D. They will take on the already-eliminated Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on January 16.

The United Arab Emirates and Jordan will face off in the other fixture.

Source: VNA