‘Big dream’ as debutant Tajikistan reaches Asian Cup last 16

Tajikistan’s coach said it was “a big dream” after his side marched into the knockout rounds of their first Asian Cup with a battling 2-1 win over 10-man Lebanon on Monday.

China’s 1-0 loss to hosts Qatar meant the debutants — who also had two goals ruled out by VAR — went through in second place from Group A on a night of drama.

Before the third and final round of games, holders Qatar were the only team to have scored a goal in the group, and any of the other three had a shot at finishing behind them in second.