The 18-year-old forward has found the net three times in two games to help Japan secure successive victories, and guarantee the reigning championship both pole position in Group B and a ticket through to the quarter-finals.

After coming off the bench to score against DPR Korea on Matchday One, Miyashiro bagged two more on Monday’s 3-1 win over Thailand, a well-taken brace that capped a consummate performance from the Tokyo native.

The 2-2 draw at Patriot Chandrabhaga Stadium kept Hodak's charges in contention for the last eight, though only just, with one point from two matches following last Saturday's 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia.

The Southeast Asians now must beat China PR on Friday, and hope Tajikistan suffer defeat against the Saudis, to stay in with a chance of their first quarter-final appearance in 14 years.

The Southeast Asians still stand a chance at reaching the last eight, but they will need to defeat China PR, and hope Tajikistan lose to Saudi Arabia on Friday if they are to stand a chance.

Malaysia led early through Hadi Fayyadh, before goals to Panshanbe Ehsoni and Daler Yodgorov put Tajikistan ahead, with Bojan Hodak's side sharing the spoils when Tajik defender Vahdat Hanonov turned Nabil Hakim Bokhari's second half free kick into his own net.

The match was marred by two late red cards, and a serious leg injury to Tajikistan's Ziyovuddin Fuzaylov which saw the player taken to the hospital.

Abdulmohsen Al Qahtani came off the bench to score an 81st minute winner, taking Saudi Arabia to top spot in Group D with two wins from as many matches following their earlier 2-1 win over Malaysia.

China PR are now eliminated from the competition, after falling to consecutive losses in their opening two matches.

The 18-year-old has been one of the star performers of the opening week of the tournament, producing three goals in two dazzling displays to help the Emiratis register back to back wins over Qatar and Chinese Taipei.

But, not content with his superb start to the campaign, Saleh is still looking for ways to improve.

Having beaten DPR Korea in their opening game, Monday’s comfortable 3-1 win over Thailand in Bogor saw Japan guarantee themselves top spot in Group B and a last eight fixture against Group A’s runners-up.

Japan’s victories have been highly impressive and, with a final group stage game against Iraq to come on Thursday, Kageyama is hoping his young charges can continue an upward trajectory as they look to retain the title they captured in Bahrain two years ago.