In the race for places at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023, the Samurai Blue had been perfect going into Monday’s match at Panasonic Stadium Suita, with six wins from six in Group F.

But after going ahead early through Minamino’s former high school classmate Kyogo Furuhashi just six minutes in, Tajikistan quickly drew level through Ehson Panshanbe, ending a run of six straight cleansheets.

Minamino’s record-equalling moment would come just before half-time, when Furuhashi’s cross found the 26-year-old stealing in at the near post to volley home.

Second half goals from Wu Lei, from the penalty spot, and Wu Xinghan earned the Chinese a victory that took them six points clear of the Azkals with two games remaining, and wins over the Maldives and Syria will put Li Tie’s team in a strong position to keep alive hopes of a first FIFA World Cup appearance since 2002.

Syria have already qualified as Group A winners but five runners-up slots are available in the third round after Qatar won Group E. With the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts not playing in the next phase, an additional slot has opened up for the teams who finish second across the eight groups.

Hassan Al Haydos' first half penalty steered Qatar to their seventh win in eight matches as the reigning AFC Asian Cup champions completed their fixtures with a haul of 22 points to finish as Group E winners to seal their place in the China 2023 Finals.

Despite dominating, India were left frustrated by a disciplined Bangladesh and had talisman Sunil Chhetri to thank for the win, with the captain's late brace steering Stimac's side to their first win in seven matches.

The three points saw India move into third place in the standings on six points and a win in their final tie against Afghanistan on June 15 will confirm they finish in that position and advance to the third round of the Asian Qualifiers for the AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

After a relatively even first half, Iran were dominant in the second period with Sardar Azmoun scoring twice in eight minutes, before Mehdi Taremi sealed the win with a strike of his own.

Skocic was ecstatic with the result, which pushed the Central Asians up to second place on 12 points in the standings, ahead of Bahrain on goal difference. Leaders Iraq have 14 points.

Three first half goals and a stoppage time strike from substitute Safaa Hadi steered The Lions of Mesopotamia to their fourth win as they reclaimed top position with 14 points, two ahead of Islamic Republic of Iran and Bahrain.

Two early goals from Mardik Mardikian sent the Syrians on their way to their seventh win in a row in Group A before Mahmoud Al Mawas added a third and that perfect record secured top spot in the standings for Maaloul’s team.

China PR are in second but cannot surpass the Syrians despite their win over the Philippines at Sharjah Stadium later on Monday, leaving Maaloul elated at his team’s progress.