The 75th-ranked Malaysians have advanced to the knockout stage for the first time in history, and now stand just two wins away from an unlikely berth at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Paraguay this November.

But standing in their way is an Emirati outfit who were Asian runners-up in 2017, have five FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup appearances under their belt and currently sit 12th in the global rankings.

A hat-trick from Maisara Al Bawwab proved crucial for the Palestinians, who took their group stage tally to a full nine points from three matches, while Malaysia also squeezed through to the last eight thanks to Thailand's later 2-0 win over Afghanistan.

Mohammed Faizal So'od's charges advance due to their superior head-to-head record, with both they and Thailand finishing on three points.

Malaysia will meet Group B winners United Arab Emirates in Thursday's quarter-finals while Palestine will face Lebanon.

Goals from Thakorn Wikayaphan and Tanandon Praracha sealed the win for Abolfazl Khodabandehloo's team, who finished level with Malaysia on three points, but were unable to progress to the last eight by virtue of their inferior head-to-head record.

It was an opportunity missed for Afghanistan, who squandered the chance to reach the knockout stage to finish bottom of the group on two points.

Both sides had already guaranteed progression the last eight prior to the match, but UAE's win means head coach Mohammed Almaazmi's pre-tournament goal of winning the title without defeat remains a possibility.

United Arab Emirates will now meet Malaysia in the quarter-finals on Thursday, while Lebanon will face unbeaten Palestine.

The result means Japan are set for a showdown with defending champions Islamic Republic of Iran in Thursday's quarter-finals, while Bahrain will face unbeaten Group D winners Oman.

Ozu Moreira and Masanori Okuyama scored twice each, with Ozu joining teammate Shusei Yamuichi at the top of the tournament scoring charts with six goals in three matches.

Kuwait's parting victory drags them off the bottom of the group and into a final position of third, while Qatar finished winless for the second edition of the tournament in a row.

Abdulrahman Al Yaqoub was one of the stars of the show for Kuwait, scoring a hat-trick to power his side to a commanding final flourish in Pattaya.

The result means Talib Hilal's side will face Bahrain in Thursday's quarter-finals, while Iran are set for a blockbuster, win-or-go-home clash against FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup regulars Japan.

The tie had been locked at 2-2 deep into the final period, but late goals to Sami Al Bulushi and Yahya Al Arami scored crucial late goals to give Oman what proved an insurmountable lead