Still looking to make his mark at the AFC Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates, rising star Takumi Minamino celebrated his 24th birthday Wednesday on the eve of Japan's final Group F clash with Uzbekistan.

With both sides having won their previous two matches, the showdown will determine which nation heads into the last 16 as group winner.

[Getty/Kyodo]

A four-time Austrian Bundesliga winner with Salzburg, Minamino said he was focused on lifting more silverware when the Asian Cup wraps up in Abu Dhabi on Feb. 1.

"Winning this tournament would be the best 24th birthday present possible," said the attacker, who has yet to make the impact at the tournament that many have predicted.

The Cerezo Osaka youth academy product had a number of chances to net his first Asian Cup goal in Japan's 1-0 win over Oman on Sunday, but was repeatedly denied in an inspired performance by goalkeeper Faiyz Al Rusheidi.

But the lack of a breakthrough has not discouraged Minamino, who said he would never hesitate to pull the trigger when presented with a chance on goal.

"Whenever I play, I'm always thinking about scoring," said the Osaka Prefecture native, who plays as a center-forward for Salzburg but has started in an attacking trio behind a lone striker for Japan.

With a knockout-stage berth guaranteed, manager Hajime Moriyasu is expected to make wholesale changes to Japan's starting 11 against Uzbekistan in order to preserve his first-choice players.

Despite starting against Oman on Sunday and in Japan's opening 3-2 win over Turkmenistan, Minamino said he was eager to take the field against Uzbekistan.

"I'm not worried about fatigue. I'm still young," he said.

To top the group, Japan must beat Uzbekistan, who currently lead on goal difference and need only a draw to secure first place.

Defending champions Australia await the runners-up in the last 16, while the winners will play the runners-up from Group E.