Having beaten DPR Korea in their opening game, Monday’s comfortable 3-1 win over Thailand in Bogor saw Japan guarantee themselves top spot in Group B and a last eight fixture against Group A’s runners-up.

Japan’s victories have been highly impressive and, with a final group stage game against Iraq to come on Thursday, Kageyama is hoping his young charges can continue an upward trajectory as they look to retain the title they captured in Bahrain two years ago.

Goals to Angus Thurgate and Ben Folami put the Young Socceroos one point away from a first quarter-final appearance since 2012, and their head coach disclosed the adversity they had overcome to achieve the result.

"First and foremost, I just want to say how proud I am of our team today," said the former Australian international.

The East Asians led for 74 minutes after Cho Young-wook's third minute goal, before a defensive mix-up allowed Omar Al Zebdieh to level the tie, but Jeon Se-jin hit back immediately to steer the 12-time champions towards victory, before Choi Jun added a late third.

Having seen his side squander a lead in their Matchday One draw with Australia, Chung, who is taking charge at the Finals of an AFC competition for the first time, said he was pleased with his side's resilience.

A second half Pak Kwang-chon goal proved the difference at Bogor’s Pakansari Stadium, as Iraq failed to add to the point they gained in their opening draw with Thailand.

The result leaves the West Asians’ occupying third spot in Group B and now needing a win against an already qualified Japan in their final group stage game on Thursday to stand any chance of reaching the quarter-finals.

Goals from Turki Al Ammar and Salem Al Saleem helped the Saudis record a 2-1 win in the opening Group D fixture – a game throughout which saw Azri excel, not least when he saved Al Ammar’s second half penalty to keep his side in contention.

However, with a crucial clash against second-placed Tajikistan to come on Tuesday, Azri is adamant that Malaysia must now look forward instead of reflecting on what could have been against the Saudis.

A rampant display which produced three goals in a scintillating first half guaranteed Japan both pole position in Group B and a last eight encounter with the runners-up from Group A, while Thailand can still progress, although they must now beat DPR Korea on Thursday to stand any chance of advancing.

Fresh from their Matchday One victory over DPR Korea, Japan were quick out of the blocks at the Pakansari Stadium in Bogor as Taisei Miyashiro saw his 15th minute effort from 12 yards smartly gathered by Thailand goalkeeper Krisawat Kongkot.

Having opened their campaign with a hefty loss to Japan, Pak Kwang-chon’s second half goal helped Ri Chol’s charges grab a vital victory that leaves them well placed to progress with one group stage game to come against Thailand on Thursday.

DPR Korea’s success saw the East Asians go second in Group B behind table-topping Japan who confirmed their progress with a 3-1 defeat of fourth-placed Thailand in the group’s later game. Iraq, meanwhile, are third on one point, but still in contention.