The East Asians had several moments of brilliance in their opener, with Shusei Yamauchi, Ozu Moreira and Takaaki Oba providing seven goals between them as Kuwait were well beaten.

Despite his side's surge to the top of Group C, Ramos was far from content with what he saw on Friday.

Moghaddam's side took the lead against Team Melli, and made life difficult for the holders, who only pulled away with two late goals to claim a 5-2 win.

Progression to the last eight remains a possibility for Iraq, but only if they they can pick up points against Oman on Sunday, and Moghaddam senses possibility, both in the short and longer term.

Malaysia were 5-1 up in the dying stages, before Thailand scored thee goals in the blink of an eye in a superb comeback which fell just short of forcing extra-time.

Mohammed Faizal So'od's team have now leap-frogged Afghanistan, who have two points, and Malaysia can confirm their presence in the tournament's last eight with three points against Palestine on Monday.

A late free-kick from Mahmoud Al Neirab completed a superb late turnaround for Imadeldeen Hashim's side, after a brace from Afghanistan captain Sami Mohammadi had them 2-1 down with just four minutes remaining.

With six points from two matches in the competition, Palestine are now safely through to the last eight regardless of their result against Malaysia in their final group stage on Monday, while Afghanistan must pick up points against Thailand.

Abbas Ali scored twice for Mohamed Almaazmi's side, who will now face Lebanon to determine the Group B winners on Monday.

The result also means China PR cannot advance to the knockout stage, rendering their final group stage match against also-eliminated Kyrgyz Republic a battle for pride.

A seven-goal final period rampage sealed the win for Lebanon, who are chasing a first appearance in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup by finishing as one of the top three sides in Pattaya.

With six points from two matches, the win takes Lebanon to the top of Group B, while Kyrgyz Republic are eliminated after back to back losses.

The Brazilian-born star has established himself as one of the standout players in Asia and beyond with a long list of achievements at both club and national team level.

Arriving in Japan in 2007, and naturalised five years later, Ozu has been an indispensable part of a national team which has been among the best in Asia, and was voted as one of the world's top five players in 2014.