The Japanese failed to get on the score sheet for the first time at the tournament as they were simply outclassed by a rampant Iranian side that marched into the final with a 7-0 win at Uzbekistan Sports Complex.

That result brought Japan crashing back down to earth after having looked strong candidates for a seventh final appearance in eight years prior to the match.

Miguel Rodrigo’s side eased through Group D with three successive victories and scoring 16 goals while conceding just two.

Japan, who won the tournament when it was last held in Uzbekistan in 2006, then despatched of Kyrgyzstan 4-0 before having their run halted by Iran and Rodrigo is keen to forget about that result and ensure they finish the tournament on a high.

“The Iran game was very difficult,” said the Argentine.

“We tried to play well but they were very good at making the most of their chances.”

Japan will likely be confident of their chances of claiming third having already beaten China in the group stage with Takanori Kamisawa - arguably their biggest goal threat with five to his name so far – scoring twice in a 5-1 win.

China, meanwhile, fought hard in the last four against an Uzbekistan side who were backed by some 2500 fans.

After producing something of surprise result in the quarter-finals with a 9-2 win over Thailand, China looked on course for another upset as they led the Uzbeks at half-time.

But, with the aid of a vocal home crowd, a strong second-half performance from the hosts saw them win 4-3 and leave China coach Guilherme Da Silveira to contemplate what might have been.

“I was delighted with the atmosphere throughout the match (against Uzbekistan). I can see how the fans are making an invaluable contribution to their team’s victory,” he said.

A victory for China against Japan would represent their best-ever result at the AFC Futsal Championship with their previous best finish being fourth place at the 2008 edition in Thailand.