The 1996 runners-up were held to a 1-1 draw by Bahrain on Matchday One, a result which raised doubts as to the genuine title credentials of a side which also finished third at the last continental extravaganza in Australia.

However, goals in either half from Khalfan Mubarak and Ali Mabkhout saw the Emiratis overcome a resilient India to go top of Group A and breathe new life into their bid to reach the tournament’s Round of 16.

On a night of high-octane entertainment at a wonderfully atmospheric Zayed Sports City Stadium, goals from Khalfan Mubarak and Ali Mabkhout helped secure the vital victory, one which reignites the UAE’s aspirations of reaching the knockout phase following a 1-1 draw with regional rivals Bahrain on Matchday One.

With all still to play for in Monday’s final set of fixtures, the table-topping Emiratis are on four points, one ahead of India in second and third-placed Thailand after the Southeast Asians beat Bahrain 1-0 earlier in the day.

After a goalless first half, Chanathip Songkrasin fired home a superb shot that eventually sealed Thailand’s 1-0 victory, reviving their AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Group A campaign.

“I felt that we did very well, especially in the second half,” Yodyadthai said.

“The players delivered what I wanted although we had adjusted a few tactical points from the last game. The players kept going and compliments to Bahrain for a strong match. We are very happy with the result and we will come back (better) for the next game.”

Chanathip Songkrasin was the hero as the Southeast Asians secured a remarkable result after their 4-1 defeat to India on Matchday One.

For Bahrain, who drew 1-1 with the United Arab Emirates in their opener, the defeat means they will have to beat India in their final match to keep their knockout stage hopes alive.

A shock opening defeat to Jordan has left the holders in a potentially precarious position should they fail to win at Rashid Stadium, and Arnold said it was up to the players here and now to get their campaign back on track.

With Jordan having sealed one Round of 16 spot from the group after defeating Syria 2-0 on Thursday, Friday's match is a tie Australia can't afford to drop points in.

The White Falcons started brightly in their opener against China PR, taking a first-half lead but conceded an own goal at the start of the second half before losing the tie 2-1 but Krestinin remains confident of his team’s abilities against the two-time champions.

“We have had some time to prepare. My team are ready to face the Koreans tomorrow (Friday). It’s going to be a tough contest but an interesting one for sure. China is a different team than Korea, so there will surely be changes in the lineup tomorrow,” said the 40-year-old.

It is a friendship that started in the 1980s but China PR head coach Lippi and his Philippines counterpart Eriksson are both on a mission to ensure their teams enjoy a successful AFC Asian Cup.

China PR are on a better footing, coming from behind to defeat Kyrgyz Republic 2-1 on Matchday One while The Azkals were unfortunate to suffer a 1-0 defeat after a plucky display against Korea Republic.