The twelve teams are drawn into four groups of three teams. After playing each other once the group winner advances to the semi-finals.[3] The draw was held on 26 April 2013.[4]
If two or more teams are equal on points on completion of the group matches, the following criteria were applied to determine the rankings.[3]
Greater number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned;
Goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned;
Greater number of goals scored in the group matches between the teams concerned;
Goal difference in all the group matches;
Greater number of goals scored in all the group matches;
Kicks from the penalty mark if only two teams are involved and they are both on the field of play;
Fewer score calculated according to the number of yellow and red cards received in the group matches;
Drawing of lots.
Group stage
All kick-off times are China Standard time (UTC+08:00).