Both sides went into the final matchday of the second round of the Asian Qualifiers in need of a result to seal the top spot of their respective groups.

Saudi Arabia accomplished their task with a 3-0 win over Uzbekistan to top Group D, while Vietnam fell just short with a 3-2 defeat to the UAE, meaning they finished second, but an overall strong run in Group G ensured they progressed as one of the five best runners-up.

Asia's elite national teams booked their spots in the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar after a gruelling and mentally taxing second round heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at players who can change the outcome of matches for their teams in Group A.

Asia's elite national teams booked their spots in the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar after a gruelling and mentally taxing second round heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at players who can change the outcome of matches for their teams in Group B.

There will be 12 teams competing for four direct tickets to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and we present some of the key facts and figures that give further colour and context to the campaigns that are set to play out on the Road to Qatar.

Korea Republic have eased through the AFC Asian Qualifiers so far, winning Group H with five wins and a draw, scoring 22 and conceding just once, but the competition is set to step up a gear in a Group A that features some difficult encounters, not least Thursday's Matchday One opponents Iraq.

Veteran Dutch coach Advocaat, 73, was appointed to the helm at the beginning of August and, as such, will bring with him a wealth of experience and a new-look and approach to a team that is already bristling with talent. Korea Republic coach Paulo Bento is well-aware of the challenge of the unknown that his charges face.

The UAE had passed through the previous stage with flying colours, topping Group G with six wins from eight games while Lebanon just about squeezed through as one of the best runners-up in Group H, having managed a credible draw at home and an unfortunate loss away to Korea Republic on the way, with the two sides facing off once again at this stage of the Qualifiers.

Returning to one of Asia's great footballing venues for the first time since October 2019 gives Team Melli the chance to extend an impressive home record which has seen them go unbeaten in competitive matches in Tehran since 2012.

The venue provided the backdrop for away day disappointment for all of Korea Republic, Uzbekistan, China PR and Qatar during the Final Round of Qualifiers for Russia 2018, with Syria the only team to avoid defeat there thanks to the 2-2 draw they achieved after Iran had already qualified.