Japan took little time to establish a lead in the game as Moreira struck a clever free-kick into the bottom corner in the third minute.

Iraq, however,  bounced back within seconds as Murtadha Qasim replied with a well-taken effort that Japan custodian Takeru Furusato could not keep out.

The West Asians went ahead a minute later from a corner kick routine with Hayder Abbas producing the acrobatics to steer the ball home to give Iraq a 2-1 lead at the end of the first period.

Japan increased their intensity in the second period with Chikara Eguro forcing Imad into a brilliant save low to his right.

The talismanic Moreira pulled Japan level in the 18th minute, converting his penalty attempt straight into the top corner.

Moreira struck again four minutes later, this time producing a powerful hit from inside his own half which saw the ball fly past a stunned Imad.

Iraq showed their fighting spirit in the third period, deservedly drawing level in the 28th minute through captain Sajjad Sahal’s header.

As the teams looked for the winner, it was Japan who found it through Takaaki Oba’s overhead kick with four minutes left to play.

Japan will meet Saudi Arabia on Saturday with Iraq to face China PR.