The win took Iraq to seven points as the West Asians lead the group after having completed their fixtures with two wins, a draw and a defeat.

They lead the standings on goal difference ahead of Egypt but the Asians semi-final hope depends on Group B's remaining fixtures with Egypt playing Slovakia and Argentina taking on Panama on Saturday.

Egypt only need a draw to win the group while Argentina, who are on four points with a +1 goal difference, will advance if they defeat Panama by seven clear goals as Iraq have a goal difference of +7.

It was Japan's third win on the trot and secured them a place in the last four with a match to spare.

The East Asians play Portugal on Saturday to determine the group winners and they won't be lacking in confidence after having also defeated Cameroon (6-2) and Chile (4-1) in their earlier matches.

Against Dominican Republic, Japan endured a difficult opening period as a brace from Alondra Collado (3rd, 4th) gave Dominican Republic a great start to the match.

Iraq's hopes of advancing to the semi-finals suffered a blow when they fell to a 3-2 defeat against Egypt in a Group A tie.

Iraq went into the match on four points, having opened with a 1-1 draw with Panama and defeating Slovakia 5-0 but Egypt proved to be worthy challengers.

In an exciting match at the Main Futsal Hall, Egypt took a 2-0 lead through Belal Elsayed (7th) and Youssif Mohsen (10th) but Iraq were a changed side in the second half.

Thailand, who had opened their Group C campaign with a 14-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago, held their own against Spain in the opening period but found themselves trailing to Noelia De Las Heras' strike in the eighth minute.

Spain turned on the power after that as three goals in five minutes through Las Heras (13th), Carolina Agulla (16th) and Antonia Martinez (18th) gave the Europeans a commanding lead going into the half time break.