Goals to Angus Thurgate and Ben Folami put the Young Socceroos one point away from a first quarter-final appearance since 2012, and their head coach disclosed the adversity they had overcome to achieve the result.

"First and foremost, I just want to say how proud I am of our team today," said the former Australian international.

Angus Thurgate and Ben Folami scored either side of half-time to give the Young Socceroos a commanding lead, but Vietnam hit back through substitute Le Van Nam to ensure a nail-biting finale at Patrior Chandrabhaga Stadium.

The result temporarily gives Australia top spot in Group C, while Vietnam cannot advance to the quarter-finals, regardless of their result against Korea Republic on Thursday.

The 12-time champions led for the vast majority of the match, but Jordan looked to have salvaged a point with 13 minutes remaining, only for late goals to Jeon Se-jin's and Choi Jun to steer the Koreans to victory.

Anything but defeat against winless Vietnam on Thursday will now confirm Korea Republic's return to the knockout stage, after suffering group stage eliminations in the past two edition's of the competition.

Goals from Turki Al Ammar and Salem Al Saleem helped the Saudis record a 2-1 win in the opening Group D fixture – a game throughout which saw Azri excel, not least when he saved Al Ammar’s second half penalty to keep his side in contention.

However, with a crucial clash against second-placed Tajikistan to come on Tuesday, Azri is adamant that Malaysia must now look forward instead of reflecting on what could have been against the Saudis.

A second half Pak Kwang-chon goal proved the difference at Bogor’s Pakansari Stadium, as Iraq failed to add to the point they gained in their opening draw with Thailand.

The result leaves the West Asians’ occupying third spot in Group B and now needing a win against an already qualified Japan in their final group stage game on Thursday to stand any chance of reaching the quarter-finals.

The Persipura Jayapura livewire scored a hat-trick and earned man of the match honours despite only entering the fray as a 55th-minute substitute, but still found himself on the losing side after a series of Indonesian defensive lapses in Sunday's Group A clash.

The host nation's loss means Wednesday's final opening round game against group leaders United Arab Emirates is one of vital importance, and Rivaldo Ferre said his side remains up for the challenge.