Two goals from the ever-impressive Wu Lei and a late strike from Yu Dabao saw the East Asians maintain their position at the top of Group C, as the result - coupled with Korea Republic's subsequent defeat of Kyrgyz Republic - ensured that Marcello Lippi’s charges cannot finish any lower than second.

While China sealed their progress, the Philippines, following their second successive group stage defeat, now need a win in their final match against Kyrgyz Republic to remain in contention for a place in the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed finishers.

Sunday's defeat to Jordan seemed a distant memory when goals to Jamie Maclaren and Awer Mabil had the Socceroos 2-0 up within 20 minutes, before substitute Apostolos Giannou added a late third.

The result sees Australia leapfrog Palestine and Syria into second place in the group, with Noureddine Ould Ali's side dropping to fourth with one Matchday remaining.

The recently-crowned AFF Cup champions may have among the youngest squads in the AFC Asian Cup but that, promised Park, won't stop them from giving Carlos Queiroz's Iran a tough fight.

And Iran, said Queiroz, expect that from a side the Team Melli head coach is highly impressed with.

Iraq twice trailed in their opener against Vietnam, but produced a late fightback to collect three valuable points in a five-goal thriller at the Zayed Sports City Stadium on Tuesday.

After the win against Vietnam, Katanec believes his team are well prepared to face Yemen.

The Jordanians have impressed in their opening two matches, notching up wins over defending champions Australia and a Syria side that narrowly missed out on booking a berth at last year’s FIFA World Cup Finals.

Al Tamari has been instrumental in his team’s showing, scoring with an instinctive finish to give Jordan the lead on Thursday against Syria while also playing a key role in his side’s other two goals over the first two match days.

The 1996 runners-up were held to a 1-1 draw by Bahrain on Matchday One, a result which raised doubts as to the genuine title credentials of a side which also finished third at the last continental extravaganza in Australia.

However, goals in either half from Khalfan Mubarak and Ali Mabkhout saw the Emiratis overcome a resilient India to go top of Group A and breathe new life into their bid to reach the tournament’s Round of 16.

After a goalless first half, Chanathip Songkrasin fired home a superb shot that eventually sealed Thailand’s 1-0 victory, reviving their AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Group A campaign.

“I felt that we did very well, especially in the second half,” Yodyadthai said.

“The players delivered what I wanted although we had adjusted a few tactical points from the last game. The players kept going and compliments to Bahrain for a strong match. We are very happy with the result and we will come back (better) for the next game.”