Bahrain lie bottom of Group A, following their 1-1 draw with the United Arab Emirates in their opener and 1-0 defeat to Thailand on Matchday 2.

The Al-Ahmar will need to win their final game against Stephen Constantine’s side if they are to harbour any hope of progressing into the knockout phase and Soukup wants his players to shine against India.

The hosts endured a shaky start to the competition when they drew 1-1 with Bahrain on the opening night, but a 2-0 win over India last Thursday put the hosts within touching distance of the knockout stage.

Three points against the Southeast Asians will seal top spot in Group A, but regardless of the arithmetic, Zaccheroni - who led Japan to the AFC Asian Cup title in 2011 - wants his side to reach the business end of this year's edition in style at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium.

Chances came and went for India on a night when goals from Khalfan Mubarak and Ali Mabkhout left a talented Indian side with plenty to ponder following their earlier success against Thailand.

"I am proud of the boys, I don't think people would have expected we could have performed the way we did against the UAE. We were very unlucky and could have scored two or three goals,” declared the JSW Bengaluru custodian.

On a night of high-octane entertainment at a wonderfully atmospheric Zayed Sports City Stadium, goals from Khalfan Mubarak and Ali Mabkhout helped secure the vital victory, one which reignites the UAE’s aspirations of reaching the knockout phase following a 1-1 draw with regional rivals Bahrain on Matchday One.

With all still to play for in Monday’s final set of fixtures, the table-topping Emiratis are on four points, one ahead of India in second and third-placed Thailand after the Southeast Asians beat Bahrain 1-0 earlier in the day.

After a goalless first half, Chanathip Songkrasin fired home a superb shot that eventually sealed Thailand’s 1-0 victory, reviving their AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Group A campaign.

“I felt that we did very well, especially in the second half,” Yodyadthai said.

“The players delivered what I wanted although we had adjusted a few tactical points from the last game. The players kept going and compliments to Bahrain for a strong match. We are very happy with the result and we will come back (better) for the next game.”

Chanathip Songkrasin was the hero as the Southeast Asians secured a remarkable result after their 4-1 defeat to India on Matchday One.

For Bahrain, who drew 1-1 with the United Arab Emirates in their opener, the defeat means they will have to beat India in their final match to keep their knockout stage hopes alive.

The 1996 runners-up were held to a 1-1 draw by Bahrain on Matchday One, a result which raised doubts as to the genuine title credentials of a side which also finished third at the last continental extravaganza in Australia.

However, goals in either half from Khalfan Mubarak and Ali Mabkhout saw the Emiratis overcome a resilient India to go top of Group A and breathe new life into their bid to reach the tournament’s Round of 16.