Level on points going into the decisive Matchday, both Uzbekistan and IR Iran took three points from their respective matches, but it was Ilkham Khanjariev’s side who emerged victorious on goal difference.

Some of Asia’s biggest names produced the heroics required to keep their respective nations’ FIFA World Cup dreams alive, and they were joined by new faces eager to leave a mark of their own.

An elite 12 teams remain in contention for a place at next year’s global showpiece, but which player played the biggest role in shaping their side’s destiny? Who was the outstanding player in Asia’s momentous month?

Ratchaburi Mitr Phol from the host country will make their continental debut and they will be joined by Southeast Asian rivals Johor Darul Ta'zim of Malaysia, 2009 winners Pohang Steelers of Korea Republic and Japan's Nagoya Grampus, who return for the first time since 2012.

The COVID-19 pandemic created numerous challenges but Asian football came together to ensure a successful conclusion to the second round of the Asian Qualifiers.

It was a campaign that was filled with thrills, spills and goals galore so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at how it all went down.

The former Saudi Arabia and Australia manager fielded the more defensive minded Majed Hassan in place of Khalfan Mubarak, pushing central midfielder Abdullah Ramadan further upfield in a more creative role, and his changes paid dividends as Ramadan set up Ali Salmeen for the opening goal and supplied the through pass for Khalil Ibrahim to win a penalty that was converted by Ali Mabkhout to make it 2-0 before the break.

Mahmoud Khamis headed from point-blank five minutes after the restart to cement the UAE’s victory, but van Marwijk’s men had to survive a late scare as Nguyen Tien Linh and Tran Minh Vuong reduced the deficit in the final five minutes of the match, with the UAE holding for a 3-2 win at the final whistle.

Sardar Azmoun's first half goal proved enough for Iran to clinch the three points as they completed a remarkable turnaround to emerge group winners and seal a place in the final round of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and confirm their appearance in the AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

Despite the defeat, Iraq also advanced to the final round of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifiers as one of the best runners-up teams but Katanec believes his side should have gotten a better result.

Two first-half goals from skipper Salman Al Faraj established a solid foundation for the Saudis to build on and Renard’s men went on to add a third just before the break, through Fahad Al Muwallad who capitalised on a defensive mistake to round the goalkeeper and put the game to bed.