Japan and Iran showed great quality as they both moved forward after each qualifying for their places in the quarter-final stages of the AFC Asian Cup.

For the much-fancied Japan, they showed their technical ability in a dominant 3-1 victory over Bahrain in their round of 16 clash after slipping into gear at Al Thumuma stadium, as they dominated possession for most of the first half. Much of the attacking play went through the winger Keito Nakamura in the early exchanges and the Stade Reims winger had two perfect opportunities to open the score – his first, a surging run into the Bahrain box which was halted as he failed to control the ball. He then had a lofted ball from Takehiro Tomiyasu, which was expertly controlled, but Nakamura's touch eluded him in the vital moment. 

For Bahrain, in a rare foray forward, a shot by Ali Madan went goalward, but keeper Zion Suzuki was equal to the effort. But, just after the half-hour mark, Reo Hatate’s 30-yard effort smashed the woodwork, before Ritsu Doan stole in to turn in the rebound.

The Samurai Blue continued to press in the second half and got their second in curious circumstances after a passing move was turned in by Kubo, who initially looked well offside, but VAR showed Bahraini defender Hazza Ali touching the ball – which meant the goal stood. Bahrain did manage to grab a lifeline after a set piece fell to defender Sayed Baqer, whose initial header was well saved, but a defensive mix-up saw the ball roll into the net.

However, Ueda managed to put the game out of Bahrain's reach nine minutes later. The final 3-1 result just left the question as to who will they play in the quarters? The answer to that came after Iran - one of just three nations with at least three AFC Asian Cup crowns to their names – created a feeling amongst themselves that it is now or never for this golden generation to lead Team Melli to a record-equalling fourth title.

Iran came up against a valiant Syria in their round of 16 tie and only managed to come out on top 5-3 on penalties after being held to a 1-1 draw after extra-time. They were the heavy favourites on paper and the fact that they had to play the entire half-hour of extra-time a man down after Mehdi Taremi's dismissal meant it was them who were desperately holding out for the shootout.

For Syria, they deserved plenty of credit and will be better for the experience especially with the knowledge that they were able to match it with one of the continent's best. So, it’s Iran who’ll be in the quarterfinal clash on Saturday against Japan -- a game in which they will be without the services of the now-suspended Taremi, who was in tears of relief at the final whistle.

And if Iran's golden generation want to be remembered for more than just their undoubted talent and the promise of what might have been, they will have to go all the way this time around.