The West Asian nation are one of only six Asian teams to have been to FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, in 2006 and 2009, but the lack of a local league and a paucity of recent matches meant they were not initially expected to be among the major contenders in Pattaya.

That suits Al Ghawi perfectly, who said - ahead of his side's Matchday Three clash with Japan - that keeping expectations low prior to the tournament was all part of a strategy.

A 6-3 win over Iraq in their first outing has sealed Oman's progression to the last eight, but they will arrive in the quarter-finals as group winners if they take points against the defending champions and world number two on Tuesday.

Oman are chasing not only the Asian title, but one of three places up for grabs at this year's FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Paraguay; a stage they reached in 2011 and 2015.

Mahmood Al Ghawi's side have now collected the maximum points from their two matches, and with Japan defeating Qatar 7-1 in Group C's late tie, Bahrain were confirmed of their quarter-final spot.

Two goals from Rashed Jamal proved crucial for Bahrain, who emerged from a tense contest with their greater ambitions very much in tact.

Japan started slowly, even falling behind to the unfancied Qataris, but clicked into gear with five goals in the second period to reach the top of the group with one game remaining.

The Ruy Ramos-coached side will meet Bahrain, who have also advanced, on Tuesday to determine the group winners, while Qatar will look to salvage some pride in their final match against Kuwait.

Two goals form Abdullah Salim contributed to a terrific team effort from Talib Hilal's side, who underlined their status as one Asia's beach soccer powers.

The win sends Oman to the top of Group D - and sets up a group-deciding clash with holders Islamic Republic of Iran on Tuesday - while Iraq's Thailand 2019 schedule ends after two losses.

A late free-kick from Mahmoud Al Neirab completed a superb late turnaround for Imadeldeen Hashim's side, after a brace from Afghanistan captain Sami Mohammadi had them 2-1 down with just four minutes remaining.

With six points from two matches in the competition, Palestine are now safely through to the last eight regardless of their result against Malaysia in their final group stage on Monday, while Afghanistan must pick up points against Thailand.

Malaysia were 5-1 up in the dying stages, before Thailand scored thee goals in the blink of an eye in a superb comeback which fell just short of forcing extra-time.

Mohammed Faizal So'od's team have now leap-frogged Afghanistan, who have two points, and Malaysia can confirm their presence in the tournament's last eight with three points against Palestine on Monday.