Needing a win to top Group F and avoid a knockout clash with Australia in the same city, four-time Asian champions Japan came from behind to beat Uzbekistan.
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu had promised changes to his team and didn't disappoint, making 10 alterations from the line-up that beat Oman 1-0 last week.
Uzbekistan also rotated heavily, with coach Hector Cuper making five changes to his team that beat Turkmenistan.
Cuper's men took the lead in the 40th minute when Eldor Shomurodov ran through the Japan defence and deftly chipped the ball past goalkeeper Daniel Schmidt for his fourth goal of the tournament.
Uzbekistan's lead only lasted a matter of minutes however when Yoshinori Muto rose inside the box to head home a cross by fullback Sei Muroya.
A stunning strike from outside the area by Tsukasa Shiotani in the 58th minute put Japan ahead and they held on for the three points despite a late Uzbekistan rally.
