Defending champion Qatar claimed top spot of Group D by beating Kuwait 2-0 and the Hong Kong side advanced to the knockout round for the first time after 52-year wait as three soccer pools were concluded on Thursday.

Kuwait had already qualified for the last-16 round by winning their first two games and will now face Group E winner the United Arab Emirates. Qatar will play one of the best four third-placed teams that will be decided on Saturday.

Also in Group D, Singapore crashed out after a surprise defeat 4-1 by India, who had lost both of their previous games. India now have a chance of qualifying as one of the best four third-placed finishers.

Group E was concluded in the afternoon. Two goals from Au Yeung Yiu Chung helped the Hong Kong team beat Bangladesh 4-1 at Huadu Stadium to finish second, also on seven points as the leader UAE.

It was not easy for the underachiever in Asian soccer as it was their first time to enter the second round of the Asiad soccer tournament since 52 years ago.

Oman finished as Group F winner after beating Pakistan 2-0, to set up a last-16 tie with Hong Kong. Thailand settled for second place after being held to a 0-0 draw by the Maldives and they will face the Group B runner-up in the next round.

The other three groups will play in the last round on Saturday.

(CRIENGLISH.com November 12, 2010)