FIFA U17 Women's World Cup 2024 - Preview

The 2014 champions only need to avoid defeat to advance to the knockout stage, with Poland facing Brazil in the other match, but Shirai said Japan will play to win.

The 2010 champions are tied on one point with Colombia with the Americans a further two in front. Two-time defending champions Spain are already through to the quarter-finals after winning their opening two matches.

The victory moved the 2014 champions to four points and they only need to avoid defeat against Zambia on Wednesday to advance after Poland defeated the African side 2-0 in Group D's second tie on Sunday.

Poland are also on four points and they conclude their group stage campaign against Brazil, who have three points.

The two-time champions confirmed their knockout stage spot after England came from behind to defeat Mexico 4-2 in Group C's other match on Sunday.

DPR Korea and England are both on six points and will meet on Wednesday to decide the group winners.

Wednesday will see the remaining seven groups kicking as the teams look to book their places in the Finals.

The 10 group winners and five best runners-up will join hosts Saudi Arabia at the Finals. Stay updated on all the action with the-AFC.com.

Goals from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Al Dawsari in first half injury time looked to have swung the tie in the Saudi Pro League side’s favour after Soufiane Rahimi had earlier cancelled out Renan Lodi’s 26th minute opener for the visitors.

But a frantic second half sparked to life when Mateo Sanabria pulled one back for Al Ain in the 63rd minute and Al Dawsari’s second less than two minutes later restored the two-goal difference between the teams.

Mateus Uribe’s first half stoppage time goal was enough to seal the three points for the Qatari outfits, who are on seven points, while Persepolis are six adrift.

Al Shorta were left to rue missed chances as they and Pakhtakor remained without a win in the league stage.

Set to shine the light on Asia’s emerging leagues, the revamped third tier men’s club competition comprises 18 teams in its inaugural edition. The Group Stage, featuring three groups of four teams each from the West and two groups involving three teams each from the East, will be played in a centralised league format.

The top two finishers from each group will advance to the Round of 16, setting the stage for another matchday filled with high octane action.