Japan 3-2 Turkmenistan Group Stage - January 9: Al Nahyan Stadium

Japan came from behind and survived a late Turkmenistan rally to seal a 3-2 Group F win over their Central Asian opponents with Ritsu Doan bagging his side’s vital third goal.

Qatar 2-0 Lebanon
Group Stage - January 9: Hazza bin Zayed Stadium

Second-half goals from Bassam Al Rawi and Almoez Ali saw Qatar pick up a 2-0 win over a determined and well-organised Lebanon as they recorded an opening victory in Group E.

With the two teams potentially 90 minutes away from creating history, the-AFC.com breaks down some of the key facts and details ahead of what promises to be a match to remember.

Moriyasu was a member of the Japan side that won the country’s first title in 1992, when Takuya Takagi’s goal sealed victory in the final over Saudi Arabia, and since then the Japanese have gone on to claim the trophy in 2000, 2004 and 2011 to become the AFC Asian Cup’s most successful nation.

Now the 50-year-old, who took over as Japan coach following the country’s run to the Round of 16 at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia last summer, is looking to guide his nation to a record-extending fifth AFC Asian Cup title from the dugout.

The West Asians head into the eagerly anticipated showdown at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Sports City Stadium looking to claim their first-ever AFC Asian Cup title, while their opponents stand on the brink of winning a record-extending fifth Continental crown.

Having seen them shine brightly throughout the competition, Sanchez believes his charges are now ready for one final push as they look to make history for the West Asian nation.

Under head coach Felix Sanchez, Al Annabi have stormed into the decider with six successive wins, and a seventh at Zayed Sports City Stadium will write an unprecedented chapter of success into the football history of a nation that had never previously progressed beyond the quarter-finals.

With 16 goals scored, and none conceded, in the tournament so far, Al Haydos' side enter the decider in rare form, a status further underlined by their stunning 4-0 defeat of hosts the UAE in the semi-final on Tuesday.

Their sudden success has to led enthusiastic celebrations back home, but their on-field leader says his side must remain composed if they are to take the final step to becoming Asian champions.

Yoshida was a member of the side that won the title in Doha in 2011 as Japan claimed their fourth - and most recent - Continental crown and the Southampton defender feels another victory would go a long way towards further enhancing the status of the game in his home country.