Oto Kanno’s sublime first-half finish and Yuzuki Yamamoto's late strike proved the difference against a Korea Republic side who find themselves still in second spot despite China PR’s 5-1 win over Myanmar earlier in the day.

Reigning champions Japan will now head into Sunday’s meeting with China knowing that a draw would be enough to guarantee them top spot in the group as they seek a sixth Continental crown at this level.

China's last four hopes now depend on their final group tie against Japan on Sunday while Myanmar, who will play Korea Republic next, have no chance of advancing after two defeats.

Australia bounced back from their opening day defeat to DPR Korea to keep their hopes of landing their maiden title alive, with the victory putting them third in the standings behind Vietnam – beaten 3-0 by DPR Korea earlier in the day – on goal difference.

Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession throughout the first period, Son’s charges failed to find the net against a battling Vietnam side at the IPE Stadium.

However, a tweak in approach made all the difference after the break as the 2007 winners went on to score three times and assure themselves a place in the next round after Australia defeated hosts Thailand 3-1 in Group A’s other fixture.

Thet Thet Win’s side held the East Asians at bay for the first 30 minutes but finally succumbed as goals from Yuzuki Yamamoto and Haruka Osawa gave Japan the advantage at half-time.

Myanmar conceded three further goals after the break to eventually lose 5-0 and find themselves at the foot of the group standings, behind third-placed China who also lost their opening encounter.

A Kang Ji-woo brace – the first of which came within the game’s opening minute – ultimately proved China’s undoing as they were beaten 2-1 by their regional rivals despite Han Xuan’s superb first-half equaliser.

Kang pounced to hand Hur Jung-jae’s charges an ideal start to the all-East Asian affair, before going on to seal a vital 2-1 victory with a second-half goal after China had initially drawn level through Han Xuan’s 34th minute effort.