Under normal circumstances, completing a hat-trick to put your team 6-1 up is a safe sign that three points have been safely secured, but Qatar's match against the hosts was anything but normal.

Umaru gave Bruno Pinheiro's side a seemingly insurmountable lead when he brought up their half-dozen, but four Indonesian goals in 16 minutes - including a hat-trick from substitute Todd Rivaldo Ferre - created pandemonium among the 38,000-strong crowd.

Four goals within the opening 45 minutes set the tone on a night when Indonesia rallied magnificently late on but were left to rue a fragile defensive display which ultimately proved their undoing.

The result saw Qatar go second in Group A behind the United Arab Emirates - who they lost to on Matchday One - and left them knowing that a win against Chinese Taipei on Wednesday would give them every chance of progressing.

The talented 18-year-old midfielder followed up a consummate performance from Matchday One with yet another fine assist and two well-taken goals to help his side record their second successive victory and put them within touching distance of the next phase.

Having underlined their place at the top of the Group A table, the UAE could go through if host nation Indonesia beat Qatar in the day’s later game, but will definitely guarantee their progress should they get a point from their clash with the Indonesians on Wednesday.

Despite missing a first half penalty, the Al Shabab ace shone brightly against Saudi Arabia’s Southeast Asian opponents, scoring a well-taken opener and being an influential figure throughout the victory which saw the Young Green Falcons fly to the top of the Group D standings.

With the dust settling on his Player of the Match display, Al Ammar was however quick to praise his side’s united approach while promising that he is determined to improve even further in order to help Saudi Arabia’s cause both now and in the future.

The talented 19-year-old’s fearsome drive from fully 30 yards was just one of the highlights as his side beat regional rivals DPR Korea 5-2 to begin the defence of their AFC U-19 Championship crown in some style on Thursday.

The victory took head coach Masanaga Kageyama’s charges to the top of the Group B standings and provided further evidence as to why Ito is held in such high regard by both club and country.

With a second group stage game to come against Thailand on Monday, Ito was however quick to dismiss any sense of personal glory, insisting instead that only one thing mattered – Japan retaining their title.

 

The Croatian head coach was pleased with Harimau Muda's effort in their opening Group D clash, as the Southeast Asians ensured it wasn't only the humid conditions that made the two-time champions sweat.

"We are here as underdogs, playing against Saudi Arabia who are one of Asia's power teams and nobody expects too much, but we gave them a tough time," the former Johor Darul Ta'zim and Kelantan boss explained.

"I told the boys I am proud that they fought for all 90 minutes. I think that they were playing near maximum.

"Overall, I am not disappointed, I am proud. Of course, there are mistakes. There are always mistakes and if there weren't you'd win every game, but we are not at that level yet."