A brace from Saleh Bashir and Ahmed Al Suwaileh and goals from Issa Al Mehyaani, Mohamed Amin and Badr Al-Hagbani lifted Saudi Arabia to the Asian Cup finals.

Saudi Arabia are on top of Group A with 12 points, three ahead of second-placed Japan, who beat Yemen 1-0 thanks to a last-gasp strike by Kazuki Ganaha.

In Group B, South Korea hammered Taiwan 8-0 to maintain their position on top of the group with 10 points while Syria's chances of advancing to the Asian Cup suffered a blow following a 2-0 home defeat to Iran.

The result put Iran in second place with eight points, four ahead of Syria whose hopes became slim to reach the finals.

Elsewhere, UAE snatched their finals' berth after a goalless home draw with Jordan.

UAE ensured their progress as they sit on top of Group C with 10 points, just one ahead of Oman who thrashed Pakistan 5-0.

Jordan, under the guidance of Egyptian coach Mahmoud Al-Gohari, need to win their remaining two games in order to have any chance of qualifying as they lie third with four points.

Qatar completed a successful day for the Arabs after beating Bangladesh 3-0 in Group F, to secure passage to the finals.