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The group stage of the 2023 AFC U-17 Asian Cup in Thailand drew to a close on Friday as the cast for the quarterfinals was confirmed.
After 24 games across three matchdays, AFC Media takes a look at some of the interesting facts and figures of the thrilling group stage.
Highest scoring game
Japan’s 8-4 win over India is the highest-scoring match ever in tournament history, eclipsing China’s 1994 feat of 11 unanswered goals against Uzbekistan.
Hattrick hero
South Korea captain Kim Myung-jun is the only player to score a hattrick in the group stage. The Gyeongnam FC player completed the feat in their 6-1 win against Qatar on Matchday One.
Double-digit club
South Korea and Japan are the only two teams to reach the 10-goal mark. The Taeguk Warriors achieved the feat following their 4-0 win over Afghanistan on Matchday Two, while the Samurai Blue hit the milestone in their 8-4 victory over India.
Unbeaten record
Five teams – Iran, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and Uzbekistan – advanced to the knockout stage unbeaten.
Clean Sheet
Saudi Arabia are the only team to have not conceded in the group stage. The Green Falcons scored 2-0 victories against Australia and Tajikistan before seeing off China with three unanswered goals.
History maker
Amar Al Yuhabi of Saudi Arabia created history when his 10-metre effort in the 48th minute against China was the 1,500th goal in the tournament’s history.
Goals galore
A total of 81 goals were scored in the group stage with 10 of them coming from outside the six-yard-box.
Pass masters
South Korea were the most fluid team in the group stage, having recorded 87% passing accuracy, followed closely by Japan (84), Vietnam (81) with Thailand and Uzbekistan on 79%.
Busy shotstopper
China goalkeeper Xie Gongbo recorded the most number of saves (15) in the group stage with Farish Farhan (Malaysia), Sunatullo Ismoilov (Uzbekistan) and Soulisak Manpaseuth (Laos) coming in joint second with 13 each.
Quality Cast
Six of the quarterfinalists are former AFC U16 Championship winners, with only Australia and Yemen not having lifted the title before.
