Japan started slowly, even falling behind to the unfancied Qataris, but clicked into gear with five goals in the second period to reach the top of the group with one game remaining.

The Ruy Ramos-coached side will meet Bahrain, who have also advanced, on Tuesday to determine the group winners, while Qatar will look to salvage some pride in their final match against Kuwait.

Mahmood Al Ghawi's side have now collected the maximum points from their two matches, and with Japan defeating Qatar 7-1 in Group C's late tie, Bahrain were confirmed of their quarter-final spot.

Two goals from Rashed Jamal proved crucial for Bahrain, who emerged from a tense contest with their greater ambitions very much in tact.

Two goals form Abdullah Salim contributed to a terrific team effort from Talib Hilal's side, who underlined their status as one Asia's beach soccer powers.

The win sends Oman to the top of Group D - and sets up a group-deciding clash with holders Islamic Republic of Iran on Tuesday - while Iraq's Thailand 2019 schedule ends after two losses.

After two matches for each team, the final complexion of the group remains flexible, with only Palestine safe in the knowledge that will play a quarter-final regardless of what unfolds on the sand on Matchday Three.

Malaysia's match against Palestine could well provide the early answers.

If Mohammed Faizal So'od's side take all three points, they will join Palestine in the last eight, but any other result opens up the possibility of being leapfrogged by Afghanistan, who meet winless Thailand in the last match of the night.

With 16 goals in two games, Lebanon's march to the last eight has been impressive, with Haitham Fattal and Hussein Abdullah finding the net four times each in wins over China PR and Kyrgyz Republic.

The latter, a thumping 11-2 success, included seven final-period goals as Alex Braga's men ran riot over a Central Asian side unaccustomed to Pattaya's afternoon heat.

Braga said his side's late flourish was a chance to build on their confidence ahead of the cutthroat matches to come.

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.

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.