After being comprehensively beaten 7-0 by defending champions Iran in Friday's semi-final, Kensuke Takahashi's first-half brace set Miguel Rodrigo's side on their way as Japan claimed third for a second consecutive tournament after also beating China 5-3 in the 2008 third place play-off.

China, though, failed to bounce back after being edged out 4-3 by hosts Uzbekistan three days earlier and could only muster Jie Hu's goal at the start of the second half.

Takahashi opened the scoring after just four minutes but Japan had to wait 11 minutes for the striker to double the advantage five minutes before half-time.

But just a minute later Tetsuya Murakami struck a third for Japan to establish a commanding lead at the break.

China, who were looking to claim their best ever finish at the AFC Futsal Championship after finishing fourth place two years ago in Thailand, were given a glimmer of hope with Jie’s strike a minute after the break but Japan regained their advantage three minutes later through Nobuya Osodo before substitute Mitsuyoshi Matsumiya stretched the advantage after 27 minutes.

In the last minute Manabu Takita's penalty kick sealed the win for Japan, who won the tournament when it was last held in Uzbekistan in 2006, as Rodrigo's side gained some consolation following their crushing semi-final defeat by Iran.