Except for a few weak charges from Japan, the first few minutes of the high-stakes game saw both former champions adopting a cagey approach.

Oman, champions in 2015, burst into life in the eighth minute when Yahya’s long-range shot from the right flank went past Japan’s Takaaki Oba, Ozu Moreira and goalkeeper Takeru Furusato before settling in the net. 

Teruki Tabata’s charges had a chance to restore parity in the final minute of the first period but Oba’s bicycle kick beat Oman keeper Younis Al Owaisi but not the crossbar.

The first few minutes of the second period saw Oba’s repeated attempts thwarted by the woodwork and the Oman backline, but Japan finally found their equaliser in the 17th minute through Chikara Eguro.

Eguro capitalised on a deflection after Oba’s attempt was blocked and sent a left-footed shot from a difficult angle past the Oman custodian.

Japan took the lead in the 21st minute when captain Ryota Tsuboya received a precise lobbed pass from Kosuke Matsuda and beat Oman’s Mushel Al Araimi to find the back of the net, giving Japan the advantage ahead of the second break.

Three minutes into the final period, it was all square once again as Oman goalkeeper Younis’s throw found Abdullah Salim at the other end, whose acrobatic effort sent the ball into the centre of the Japan net.

The Talib Al Thanawi-led side then regained their lead when Younis' shot from the Oman goal line went unchallenged, sailing straight into the Japan net as they advanced to the final in stunning fashion.