Goals from Javokhir Sidikov and Jaloliddin Masharipov, as well as a brace from Eldor Shomurodov in the first half, secured the Central Asians a 4-0 win over Turkmenistan on Sunday to send them to the top of the Group F standings on six points.

Up next for Uzbekistan are four-time champions Japan, also on six points, in a top-of the-table clash on Thursday to decide the group winners.

The win, coupled with Japan’s 1-0 triumph over Oman in the day’s earlier match, ensured the Samurai Blue and Uzbekistan the top two spots in the group with six points each, with their clash on Thursday to determine who wins the group.

Turkmenistan, meanwhile, will face Oman with both teams needing the three points to stand a chance of progressing to the knockout stage as one of the four best third-placed teams.

Genki Haraguchi’s first-half penalty helped the Samurai Blue seal a narrow 1-0 win over Oman on Sunday, a result which – along with Uzbekistan’s subsequent defeat of Turkmenistan – saw Japan go through to the Round of 16.

Although happy with his side’s progress thus far, the former Sanfrecce Hiroshima boss was quick to add that there are other nations emerging who he feels also have the potential to become champions of Asia.

Japan's hard-fought victory saw Hajime Moriyasu’s charges record their second win of the campaign and guarantee the four-time champions of Asia a place in the Round of 16 alongside Uzbekistan who beat Turkmenistan to go top of Group F.

The result also meant Japan – excluding penalty shoot-outs – extended their record of only losing once in their last 30 games at the AFC Asian Cup Finals since being beaten by Saudi Arabia in the 2007 semi-finals.

Meanwhile, Oman must now beat Turkmenistan in their final group stage fixture to retain any hope of qualifying for the next round as one of the best third-place finishers.

The AFC presents the possible qualification scenarios based on results in forthcoming Matchday Three fixtures.

GROUP D

Already-qualified Iraq and Islamic Republic of Iran, both on six points, will play for the chance to be group winners, while Vietnam or Yemen could still reach the Round of 16 as one the four highest-ranked third-placed teams

For all possible permutations and outcomes for the teams in Group D, please click here.

Almoez Ali scored four in a comprehensive victory for the West Asians, who moved to the top of Group E ahead of their meeting with Saudi Arabia on Thursday, which will determine who claims pole position in the standings.

Ali put the Qataris in front after just nine minutes and the Al Duhail striker doubled the advantage just two minutes later to effectively end the resistance of DPR Korea. Boualem Khoukhi and Abdelkarim Hassan also put their names on the scoresheet as Sanchez’s side cruised to victory.

The Lions of Mesopotamia produced another excellent display in the 3-0 win over Yemen on Saturday, setting themselves up nicely for a top-of-the-table meeting with Iran on Wednesday.

Goals from Mohanad Ali Kadhim and Resan, who plays his club football for Iranian giants Persepolis, gave the West Asians a 2-0 first half lead with Alaa Abbas’ late strike securing a comprehensive win for Iraq, who joined Iran at the top of the table on six points.