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 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.

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.

The Al Duhail striker, now the tournament’s leading scorer with five goals in two games, shone as his partnership with Akram Afif down the left destroyed the DPR Korean defence repeatedly while Boualem Khoukhi and Abdelkarim Hassan also put their names on the scoresheet.

Victory means Sanchez’s side have secured themselves a top two finish in the group and their win also ensures Saudi Arabia will progress to the last 16. The teams face off on Thursday to determine who will top the group, with Qatar’s huge win meaning a draw in Abu Dhabi will be enough to take pole position.

The hosts endured a shaky start to the competition when they drew 1-1 with Bahrain on the opening night, but a 2-0 win over India last Thursday put the hosts within touching distance of the knockout stage.

Three points against the Southeast Asians will seal top spot in Group A, but regardless of the arithmetic, Zaccheroni - who led Japan to the AFC Asian Cup title in 2011 - wants his side to reach the business end of this year's edition in style at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium.

Bahrain lie bottom of Group A, following their 1-1 draw with the United Arab Emirates in their opener and 1-0 defeat to Thailand on Matchday 2.

The Al-Ahmar will need to win their final game against Stephen Constantine’s side if they are to harbour any hope of progressing into the knockout phase and Soukup wants his players to shine against India.