The draw meant Japan finished second in Group B on five points, two behind group winners Italy. Ecuador, meanwhile, defeated Mexico 1-0 to finish third on four points and will be hopeful of advancing to the knockout stage as one of the best four third-placed teams.

Japan will meet the runners-up from Group F, possibly Asian rivals Korea Republic, in the Round of 16 on Tuesday.

Two neat finishes from Taisei Miyashiro and a flicked header from Kyosuke Tagawa helped earn all three points for the East Asians who, following a 1-1 draw with Ecuador in the opening match, are currently second in Group B behind table-topping Italy.

Japan shone brightly throughout the meeting with Mexico, hassling and harrying their Central American counterparts to great effect en route to a famous victory that Kageyama believes was a fine example of lessons well learned.

The Samurai Blue sealed their first win of the tournament, coming after they had fought back to hold Ecuador 1-1 in their opening match on Thursday.

With Italy beating Ecuador 1-0 in the group's second match of the day, Japan's chances of reaching the knockout stage are bright.

Two of the three Asian expressions of interest could see the 2021 edition co-hosted as Bahrain Football Association, Saudi Arabian Football Federation and United Arab Emirates Football Association have indicated theirs will be a joint bid.

The Myanmar Football Federation and Football Association of Thailand are also keen on co-hosting the 2021 edition while Indonesia also expressed their intention to bid before the May 21 closing date.

The Brazilian Football Association and Peruvian Football Association submitted individual expressions of interest.

After a narrow 1-0 defeat to two-time champions Portugal in their opening match, the young Taeguk Warriors revived their hopes of a top two finish in Group F after beating South Africa with the same scoreline on Tuesday.

Kim Hyun-woo's strike in the 69th minute proved to be the difference at the Tychy Stadium.

Argentina lead the standings with six points, followed by Korea Republic in second place, who are level with the Portuguese on three points but ahead on goal difference.

Both Asian teams went into their respective matches needing to win after having lost their opening ties but while Korea Republic held on strongly after Kim Hyun-woo gave them the lead in the 69th minute, Saudi Arabia saw Mali come from behind twice to take all three points deep in added time.

The win sealed Ukraine's place in the knockout phase, with the European side having edged USA 2-1 in their opening tie.

For Qatar, defeated 4-0 by Nigeria in their tournament opener on Friday, defeat means their knockout stage hopes are hanging by a thread.