For the first time ever, Syria's football team has reached the knockouts of the Asian Cup.

Syria finished with four points and the AFC later clarified that they are also through to the last 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams across all groups "regardless of final results from other groups," Reuters reported.

It marks the first time Syria have advanced to the knockouts since their Asian Cup debut in 1980.

In the knockout stage, Syria will face one of the most hopefuls in the cup Iran, who have already qualified as the leader of their group.

Palestine was the other Arab country that have made history by qualifying for the next round of 16 of the Asian Cup.