Qasim had netted against Australia in Iraq’s opening game to secure a draw and he did the same again – but in more dramatic fashion – when he denied Bahrain all three points with an injury time header at Thammasat Stadium.

Mohamed Marhoon looked to have secured Bahrain the win when he put Bahrain in front for the second time in the game three minutes from time with a diving header as the game exploded into life in the dying minutes.

After racing into a two-goal lead within the first 22 minutes of their campaign opener, Qatar were eventually forced to settle for a 2-2 draw after Alaa Aldin Dali struck deep into stoppage time to earn his side a share of the spoils.

Despite the last gasp disappointment, Sanchez believes the result will have little or no bearing on proceedings when they face a Saudi side who began their title bid with a win over Japan.

Having impressed in a 1-1 draw against defending champions Uzbekistan on Thursday, Team Melli Omid can take a major step towards the knockout stage as well as their ultimate goal of a first Olympic football qualification since 1976, with a win against the Koreans.

In stark contrast to Iran’s Olympic drought, Korea Republic haven’t missed out on the Games since 1984, but Estili is confident his staff have pinpointed a path to victory at Tinsulanon Stadium.

The 20-year-old striker contributed to Friday's 2-1 Group D victory by winning the penalty kick which was converted by Mohammed Bani Atieh in the first half, but Al Naimat could have done a lot better when one-on-one against DPR Korea goalkeeper Kang Ju-hyuk on two occasions.

Nguyen Quang Hai came close on a couple of occasions for Vietnam and Nguyen Tien Linh was denied a winner at the death by the Emirati goalkeeper as Park’s side settled for a point at Buriram Stadium.

Syria fought back for a 2-2 draw after Qatar, who finished third in the 2018 edition, had taken a 2-0 lead after just 21 minutes at the Thammasat Stadium. 

Barakat reduced the deficit in the 31st minute and Hakeem’s tweaking and pep talk at half time saw Alaa Aldin Dali equalising for Syria in added time.

The 18-year-old forward was part of an Iranian attacking unit which produced 16 shots on goal but spurned several scoring opportunities as Hamid Estili’s side were forced to settle for a one point instead of three at Tinsulanon Stadium.

With Sayyadmanesh often serving as the creator, Team Melli Omid crafted clear cut chances both before and after Islomjon Kobilov’s penalty gave Uzbekistan a 40th minute lead, but only Reza Dehghani’s equaliser 13 minutes after half time brought reward for their endeavour.