HIROSHIMA. Oct 9: Japan's team of highly paid J-League professionals went on a second-half scoring spree Sunday night as it beat Burma S-’O and grabbed the last quarterfinal spot in the Aslan Games socCer tourna-‘ment. reports AP.

Japan ted only 1-0 at halftime through a goal from midfielder Tetsuji Hashiratani. but local hero Takuya Takagi. Teruo Iwamoto. Tsuyoshi Kitizawa and Masaaki Sawanobari all found the net in the second half as Japan finished on top of Group D.

The Japanese squandered a hatful -to other scoring opportunities in recording their first , win after two draws.

Saudi Arabia scrambled by Hong Kong 2-1 to clinch a quarterfinal spot earlier Sunday. while the United Arab Emirates and Turkmenistan advanced with draws.

The Saudis struggled early against Hong Kong before scoring twice late in the game, while the Emirates drew 2-2 with regional rivals Qatar and finished second behind Japan on goal difference.

Turkmenistan scored two second-half goals to salvage a 2-2 draw with Bahrain that clinched them the second place in Group A behind China and eliminated Bahrain, who needed the win and looked to have it-until two minutes from the end.

China. Kuwait. South Korea and Uzbekistan, all of whom were inactive Sunday, already had clinched their quarterfinal spots.

Tuesday's quarterfinals will see Japan play South Korea in a battle between the two rivals seeking to be named host to . the 2002 World Cup. while unbeaten China play Saudi Arabia and Kuwait face the Emirates.

Uzbekistan, who won all four of their first-round games and topped Group B. will meet Turkmenistan —« another former Soviet republic making their Asian Games debut.

Bahrain, led 2-0 against Turkmenistan on goals from Khalid Al Doseri and Adel Mar qooz. but Turkmenistan got two goals from Amandourdy Annadourdyev in the second half — Including a close-range equaliser in the 89th minute.

The game was a fierce one with Thai referee Russamee

Jindamai handing out nine yellow cards — including five to Turkmenistan — and ejecting Sami Al Haykl of Bahrain late tn the game.

The Emirates got strikes from Nasser Khamis and the prolific Adnan Altalyani against Qatar, who twice led through goals from Juma AJ-MaJid.

in the 75th minute when a corner from Khaljd Alsenhaif was deflected Into his own net by defender Yau Kin Wal — although Alsenhaif was credited with the goal.

The goal galvanised the Saudis, who then sealed the victory when a clever pass frorp Obeid Al-Dossary gave

from the penalty spot, and Mahmoud Soufi. Altalyani got the crucial equalizer from close range with Just 12 minutes left.

Saudi Arabia scored twice in the last 15 minutes to record their unimpressive 2-1 win over Hong Kong, who had taken a . 27th mlhute lead through a goal from Australian -based striker Tim Bredbury.

The experimental Saudi team, comprised of .players under 23 years old, equalised

speedy Saud Al-Qanat the chance to cut into the penalty area and score with a low drive.

In other matches played Sunday that had no bearing on qualification, already-eliminated defending champions Iran beat Yemen 4-0. Thailand drew 1-1 with Malaysia and Oman edged Nepal 1-0.

. In women's soccer action Sunday. Taiwan recorded a 2-0 victory over South Korea, who suffered their third straight loss.