Qatar easily cast aside North Korea while Japan needed a penalty to secure a fortuitous victory over Oman at the Asian Cup.
The Matildas got some revenge for their Asian Cup loss to Japan,but fell short of lifting the trophy after America beat Brazil.
Samurai Blue fans reveal their nation's tidy traits and bring things to a neat ending.
Asia's representatives are once again heading home before the business end of the World Cup gets going.
Keisuke Honda announced his retirement from international football following Japan's elimination from the World Cup.
Belgium rallied to beat Japan 3-2 with an added-time goal from substitute Nacer Chadli.
Japan coach Akira Nishino hopes his gamble of resting players in their previous game against Poland will bear fruit on Monday.
Belgium confident against Japan but wary that relying on individual talent against well-organised but less fancied teams has cost them dear in the past.
The booing from the Volgograd terraces became increasingly vociferous as Japan hogged the ball at the back while the clock kept ticking.
Japan advanced into the knockout phase of the World Cup on Thursday despite losing 1-0 to Poland.
A revived Japan go into Thursday's decisive Group H match against an already-eliminated Poland knowing a draw would be enough.