Asian Cup 2019 (Preview)

The 18th AFC Asian Cup gets underway on the 5th January in Abu Dhabi, bringing to close an historic four-year cycle for the confederation. The new qualifying format was proven to be a unanimous success, with great strides being achieved at all levels of the international game, most pertinently highlighted by AFC’s record-breaking effort over the summer at the World Cup. The expansion of the continental tournament to 24 teams has its drawbacks, yet we’re still likely to see the most competitive finals competition to date.

We’re regularly reminded of the ills and deficiencies of Asian football, but the revamped qualification phase that came into place over the last four years has been largely an unheralded success. Developing nations were scheduled with proper competitive football to last the duration of the cycle, opposed to small doses of quick fire shootout competition. Instead of grouping minnows together, the two-round group stage split allowed for nations to compete with the elite, whilst offering more realistic preparation to follow.

While some may have expressed concerns over what impact this elongated process would have had on the top tier of Asian football, the World Cup in Russia proved testament that the quality has only seen an improvement over the cycle. Given where we were in 2014, the strides made towards 2018, and looking forward to an Asia hosted World Cup in 2022, the qualification revamp proved more than beneficial.

Heading into January’s Asian Cup should, in theory be considered the closing ceremony of the cycle, yet we’ll likely see a number of sides in transition, some only at the start of their progress towards the next World Cup challenge. The likes of Japan, Australia and South Korea have all appointed new coaches since their showing over the summer, while Uzbekistan, Qatar and Iraq have all expressed their long-term ambitions over an advanced run at the Asian Cup, after poor qualification showings.

Given the way the Asian calendar falls, the Asian Cup is slowly being pushed off the agenda. The Asian Cup is being treated by some as the starting point of World Cup preparation rather than the pinnacle of continental football. The AFC haven’t necessarily helped with this; marketing of the event has been slow on the uptake and the timing regularly draws criticisms. In such a vast and varied continent however, the balance is always going to be difficult to find.

With it comes change; not only a new ball (Molten?) or a new trophy (I know...), but an increase number of participants, from 16 to 24. While the technical quality has increased over the last the last four years, the gap between the elite and the rest continues to widen, which could render many group stage matches irrelevant. As has been seen at regular U20 World Cups and at Euro 2016, an expansion to 24 also opens the back door to failure via the third-place lottery, which is neither clear enough to be useful to spectators or makes for an even comparison.

A less than competitive opening, which alludes to less shocks than normal, has already seen the likes of South Korea willingly sacrifice the inclusion of star striker Son Heung-min, while others look to rest injured or tired options until after the first phase. Already placed in a difficult window for European domestic leagues, the extra fixture pileup, can’t have eased the friction between clubs and countries.

We’ll also have VAR (from the quarter-finals onwards) to tackle, a system that despite a reportedly solid World Cup appearance (which I personally question), has been hit by controversy after controversy in Asian domestic football. Ask any Australian, Chinese or Saudi domestic football fan whether they’re looking forward to seeing it being introduced in the UAE, and I’d guess the response wouldn’t be so warm. The prospect of an entertaining, yet hot tempered matchup, akin to that of Iran v Iraq in 2015, may be slightly tarnished with such an introduction.

Links to Previews

Group A - UAE (Hosts), Thailand, India & Bahrain

Group B - Australia, Syria, Palestine & Jordan

Group C - South Korea, China, Philippines & Kyrgyzstan

Group D - Iran, Iraq, Vietnam & Yemen

Group E - Saudi Arabia, Qatar, North Korea & Lebanon

Group F - Japan, Uzbekistan, Oman & Turkmenistan

Bringing it back round to the football, the best team over the last four years Iran start as sizeable favourites to win their first continental prize since the 1970s. Their showing in Russia was arguably their nation’s greatest footballing performance on the world stage, with an array of talent at their disposal and Carlos Queiroz in the dugout, they look well placed to live up to the expectations.

The usual candidates are their greatest opposition. On the back of making it to the World Cup knockout stages, a reinvigorated and fresh-looking Japan under new coach Hajme Moriyasu look to have the raw enthusiasm to blaze through the tournament, while Australia, despite now being under Graham Arnold can call upon a similar personnel selection that sealed the title four years ago.

South Korea come into it in the greatest form, having tested themselves against the very best in Asia on foreign soil. Another new coach Paulo Bento hasn’t tinkered as much as others and has the luxury of relying on the best player in Asia within his ranks, and arguably the only centre forward in consistent form amongst the big four.

On the fringes, the emergence of Team-2022 for Qatar, makes Felix Sanchez’s young guns a team everyone wants to see tested at competitive level, while eternal bridesmaids Uzbekistan, under Hector Cuper also provide an appetising side show in transition. Given the expansion, the likes of Yemen, Kyrgyzstan and Philippines make their tournament debuts, while Lebanon and Turkmenistan qualify only for their second appearances.

Ahead of the tournament, I’ve profiled each competing nation in some detail, to establish what this competition means to them, both in their footballing development sense and in their individual coach’s ideology, and which players we could be singing the praises of come the grand final in February. Hopefully you’ll find them enjoyable and informative on the run up to the tournament.

With no further ado, utilising the official team bus slogans;

“One Team, One Nation” (Syria), “One Heartbeat” (Iran), with a “Never Say Never” (Bahrain) attitude. Will “Respect All”, but “Fear None” (Japan) and “Never Give Up” (Yemen), to prove their “Time is Now” (UAE).

This is where “We Will Triumph” (Palestine). “Heroes Will Rise” (Australia), upon “The Hope Of A Nation” (India). “Together As One” (Thailand), “Fighting For The Same Dream” (China), “One Dream” (Oman), “To Dream The Impossible” (Philippines), where “Lions Always Prevail” (Iraq).

All roads lead to Abu Dhabi, enjoy!

Asian Cup 2019: Palestine (Preview)

Running up to their second successive Asian Cup campaign, the improvements made by the Palestine national football team have been incredible in their upward trajectory. While qualification was an undoubted success, managerial changes akin to those at this point four years ago threaten to destabilise the side going into an appealing looking group stage for potential progression.

The difference in perceptions and quality at this point compared to four years ago is staggering. Palestine travelled to Australia in 2015 as heavy outsiders, debutants to the competition, basking in the feel-good factor as everyone’s second favourite team, only to come away with three comprehensive losses, conceding 11 goals in the process.

Four years on, the mood has changed, both within the camp and in wider Asian football perceptions. Palestine are tipped by some to unsettle in the Emirates, even challenge for progression to the knockouts, something unheard of prior to this campaign.

The change has come to pass, through a greater quality of players being uncovered, via the vast waves of diaspora, a manager who has bred an attack focussed side, and the fact that the national team has returned home for the first time in nearly five years, to host competitive internationals. All factors adding up, Palestine only succumbed to defeat three times in qualification; considering they faced the likes of Saudi Arabia and UAE early on, the record speaks for itself in its improvement.

So much so, that they were only three points away from qualifying for the latter rounds of World Cup qualification. But for defeat on the second to last matchday, away in the Emirates against Omar Abdulrahman et al, Palestine illustrated their might on the continental stage, a measure of quality that has been honed in the resulting build-up.

A catalyst behind the rise was Abdel Nasser Barakat, a home coach, with the respect of players and fans alike, who guided the squad through qualification expertly, breaking a number of national records along the way. The construction of a winning mentality, on a side that was already hard to beat, with a growing spine, Barakat was seen as the ideal man to lead them into the Asian Cup.

As was the case four years ago however, when former coach Jamal Mahmoud was displaced unceremoniously, Barakat’s tenure was cut short upon qualification. His replacement, the bizarrely appointed Bolivian Julio Cesar Baldivieso lasted only two matches, feeling the axe at the start of the year after great pressure from the fanbase finally swung the FA into making a quick decision.

From then, rookie Algerian coach Noureddine Ould Ali, who initially stepped in as caretaker boss has subsequently fallen into the job on a permanent time basis to lead The Fedayeen into January. Ould Ali, who was assistant under Barakat, has justifiably transferred that relationship to the players, but with anger from the fans, still smarting from the whole Barakat mess with the FA, the build up to the tournament remains simmering hot.

Recent friendly results have been mixed, Palestine still struggle for the razzle dazzle friendlies other nations take for granted, but their preparation has been extensive, often running the rule in friendly tournaments, such as the Bangabandhu Cup held in Bangladesh outside of FIFA approved international windows.

The team on their day are best when attacking the opposition, a trait they illustrated perfectly in qualifying, recording back-to-back 6-0 victories over Malaysia, a 7-0 win over Timor-Leste, an 8-1 victory over Maldives, and an incredible 10-0 effort over Bhutan. These can easily be brushed off as one offs against minnow nations, but it’s easy to forget, Palestine were regularly thought of in the same bracket until very recently.

A reason behind such a varied and potent attack has been built on the success of their diaspora, recruiting players from as far wide as Chile, to Germany and Sweden in Europe. The varied styles of play the squad brings to the plate is a melting pot that can’t be underestimated in its unpredictability. At the heart of the team, the creative ingenuity of Pablo Tamburrini keeps the side ticking on, while the physicality of Mahmoud Eid on one flank, and the young enthusiasm of Oday Dabbagh on the other is a regular handful.

Quite oddly in such a varied attacking lineup, the keeper could become the star of this side’s campaign. One of a handful that still ply their trade in Palestine, Rami Hamadeh looks a prospect that could be considered for a transfer after the competition finishes in February. A modern goalkeeper moulding typical shot stopping abilities as well as those with his feet, Hamadeh is likely to get quite a bit of action at some point in the tournament, especially against Australia in the group stage, so it’ll be an interesting test of his continental pedigree.

Aside from the reigning continental champions, Jordan and Syria complete an intriguing set of fixtures for Palestine, who can go into the tournament in high spirits. The late change of management has tainted their preparations slightly, however with a squad that is starting to blossom at the right time, and with those around them experiencing similar difficulties, Group B looks wide open for the taking.

Key Men

Head Coach - Noureddine Ould Ali (ALG)

Former assistant to the impressive Abdel Nasser Barakat, Ould Ali may have been an underwhelming replacement initially, but he’s starting to bring the fans around in his first head coach position. Has broadly rotated his squad and line-up selections, ever since he took charge but to effect, clinching victory in the friendly Bangabandhu Cup in October.

Star Player - Rami Hamadeh

Stepping into the shoes of Palestine’s all-time record caps holder Ramzi Saleh is by no means the easiest of tasks, yet 24-year-old keeper Hamadi has done so, making a serious impression. An all-round modern keeper, who is confident in the air and in distribution, could well be Palestine’s secret weapon.

Cult Hero - Abdelatif Bahdari

A cult figure in Asian football, not always for the right reasons. An ever present in his side’s rise in prominence but about to enter his final years of his career. The Palestinian captain and central defender has the raw ability to excel at this level, but the positioning and concentration to often concede ground.

Young Prospect - Oday Dabbagh

20-year-old left winger who broke onto the international scene with an impressive goalscoring run at the Under 23s Championships in January. Has continued to impress of late in Palestine’s tune up friendlies, featuring heavily in his side's recent Bangabandhu Cup success.

Asian Cup 2019: Australia (Preview)

Four years is a long time in football, and the distant memory of Australia claiming their debut continental triumph on home turf feels like an eternity ago, given what has followed. While the personnel can still be identified, the changes in managerial structures, with a distinct old vs. new comparison being the hot topic of the day, is this team to be treated as a side in transition, or can it lay claim for successive Asian Cup titles?

The end of the Ange Postecoglou reign upon qualification for the World Cup in Russia brought with it a feeling of emptiness. The progress in style was clear to see, but ultimately the results weren’t in tune. Failing to meet the end of his brief over the summer, Postecoglou robbed himself the chance of putting his tenure to the test. What instead materialised was a watered down after-thought, adequately handled by interim boss Bert van Marwijk, but little more than that. Australia let Asia down, in a tournament where their peers achieved notable gains.

As we enter a new cycle, Graham Arnold, who despite only taking charge of three matches to date, can hardly suggest he’s a fresh face to the role. Into his second spell as Socceroos head coach, his appointment was confirmed at the start of the year. He’s had enough time to ponder and extract the way forward, and to demonstrate this over to the players, in three separate international window training camps.

It remains a question mark however, of what if anything majorly different has Arnold changed from van Marwijk, or Postecoglou before him. He stated upon his appointment, that he’d produce a holistic approach between those before him, seeking to appease both sides of the Ange hero or zero debate. From the first few internationals played, there have been slight differences, but in the main the hallmarks remain as they were.

The criticism from the World Cup surrounded the positivity of the team, something Arnold can quickly change up a gear given the drop in quality of their opponents at the Asian Cup. The personnel question marks have been easily answered too; Mile Jedinak’s retirement, allows Massimo Luongo the chance of starting in the heart of the midfield, which was disappointing not to have been utilised in Russia, while the calls for wonderkid Daniel Arzani to start have been dashed for now due to injury. His ready-made excuses are in, he has little to change in that regard, but is there anything he can truly influence?

One area he, unlike those before him can’t hide from, is the centre forward debate. Tim Cahill’s international retirement was gleefully celebrated by many after Australia’s exit from the World Cup, yet his goals have clearly been the catalyst in keeping the Socceroos ticking along over the last four years. Even the more technical, pace orientated ideology stressed by Postecogloiu, relied upon Cahill to bail them out upon occasion.

In his place, the options remain second rate, a point highlighted by Arnold’s assistant Rene Meulensteen in the build-up; stressing a greater significance on goals scored from across the pitch, rather than signalling out a number 9 for pressure. With Tomi Juric left out altogether, the repositioning of Mat Leckie is probably the most likely selection, given his movement and pace to stretch defences. Alternatively, Andrew Nabbout offers a physical option in counter attacking situations or Jamie Maclaren as a pure penalty box poacher.

A further option, emerging as Arnold’s first “discovery” is Martin Boyle. The Scottish born winger-come-forward, who hadn’t set foot in Australia until his home debut in November, scored twice against Lebanon, illustrating pace, ingenuity and courage to lead the line. While he’ll likely take up a support attacking role, his movement off a static focal point could be the regular way forward under Arnold.

Centre midfield looks to be another area where we’ll see noticeable change. Jedinak’s retirement is a sea change, in Australian football of old, and his direct replacement of Massimo Luongo, looks to come at the right time, given his successful stint at the last Asian Cup. The fitness concerns of Aaron Mooy provides a hammer blow to the style of play they’ve demonstrated recently, the metronomic midfielder may have made the initial squad cut, but initial scans allude to the player’s extended absence for the duration of the tournament.

With that in mind, a new style of play may be introduced, a concept Postecgloiu struggled to implement away from Australia. Regularly through qualification, and at a home Asian Cup, the Socceroos had a clear identity, yet away from home, in qualification and in World & Confederations Cup campaigns, the symbolism felt lost.

Coming up against Jordan (a side they lost to in Amman at the start of qualification) and Syria (the team they only scraped through against in the World Cup playoffs) early at the Asian Cup will give cause for concern. Australia are the side everyone will look to shoot down. Despite being in transition there will be an expectation that they’re the team to beat.

That brings us round to the finer point; what is truly expected of this Australia side? Under Postecoglou, it was criticised that fans desired the unrealistic; to dominate Asia, and to make competing on the World stage their priority. Will such an easy ride be expected in the UAE, or is there a realistic thought, that 2022 is the long-term goal? Arnold, who’s taken up the tandem role of U23 Head Coach along the way to the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 has shouldered a large responsibility within the fabric of Australia’s national football. It will be an interesting moment, if Australia were to perceptibly fail in the Emirates come January, how would the fans and FFA react?

Key Men

Head Coach - Graham Arnold

Former domestic title winning coach of Central Coast Mariners and Sydney FC, with a no-nonsense reputation takes up the role of Australian manager for the second time in his career. Seen as the antithesis of Asian Cup winning coach Ange Postecoglou, “Arnie” is sometimes labelled as a defensively minded coach with little flexibility. Is the father in law to first choice Australian centre back Trent Sainsbury.

Star Player - Mat Leckie

Having gone under the radar for much of his career, Leckie’s place as one of the Socceroos most essential outlets was all to see in Russia. Impressive speed and industry to offer an easy out ball, but also has the tenacity to win possession back, often in the opposition third. After a sluggish start to the season, has been in excellent form for Hertha Berlin on the run up to the Asian Cup.

Under Pressure - Robbie Kruse

Regularly cited as Australia’s weak link yet continues to find favour under every national team coach. An integral team player, who may lack an individual edge or sustained output, but suits the team balance. With Daniel Arzani ruled out through injury, Kruse’s place remains his to lose, but the pressure will undoubtedly remain.

Young Prospect - Chris Ikonomidis

A revelation in Perth Glory’s impressive start to the domestic season, the central or wide forward has finally lived up to the billing after years of failed loan moves whilst on the books of Lazio. Offers industry, speed and artistry in the final third, whilst also demonstrating a perfect foil to a lone front man, with his impressive partnership with Richard Keogh at club level.

Asian Cup 2019: Syria (Preview)

A single goal, that’s all that stood in the way of Syria qualifying for the World Cup over the summer, narrowly missing out on writing one of the most extraordinary tales of underdog achievement in modern day football. The fact that this team qualified for the Asian Cup, should be considered a monumental achievement in its own right, given the civil war that ravages the country at the minute, their forced nomad status alongside their politically split identity. Through the trouble, comes a football team that has illustrated they can compete at the very top of Asia.

To address, or rather avoid the elephant in the room; to whether the national team, does or doesn’t represent the Assad regime that splits Syria daily is a political topic that can be spun and discussed for days. The return of players opposed to the government has done little to remove heat from the country’s hierarchy. However, the underpinning behind many of the statements from those involved, is that the team represents the Syrian people first and foremost over any political allegiance, something that needs to be keenly focussed upon as we approach the Asian Cup.

On a purely footballing basis, the last cycle has been gruelling. Having ground hopped from Oman to Malaysia, in search of a temporary home, whilst failing to secure worthwhile friendlies or training camps, Syria have made the best of the resources they’ve had at their disposal. The dogged, workmanlike side that started qualification has blossomed into a credible attacking line-up that pushed Asian champions Australia into extra-time for a chance to play on the grandest stages of them all.

Back when the initial qualifying draw was made, Syria became the hipster’s choice of many to make the latter rounds, both for a favourable set of opponents, and the prospect of deploying the hottest striker in the Middle East, Omar Al-Somah. While the latter took time to come into force, the former was illustrated immediately; flying by the likes of Singapore, Afghanistan and Cambodia comfortably, while only dropping points to continental heavyweights Japan, Syria stole a march on their equals, qualifying for the Asian Cup at the earliest opportunity.

The formulation of a top Asian footballing side only really started in latter qualification under Ayman Hakeem, as Syria relocated bases to Malaysia. Setting up initially as the typical underdog, fully utilising a cow paddock of a pitch (drawing against Iran and South Korea), Syria built up a much more succinct game plan, going on to win memorably away in China, before clinching the most prized of equalisers on the final day in the Azadi, to nudge them over the line to the final World Cup playoffs.

While the core of the side became the bedrock of their success, from centre back Omar Al-Midani, through busy wide man Mohammed Al-Mawas, to striking revelation Omar Khribin, who went on to score ten in qualifying before being named Asian Player of the Year, the next stage of their progress was sealed upon the players they welcomed back. National team captain Faris Al-Khattib, a player who had been in self-imposed exile from the national team given his opposition to the Syrian government, put political difference aside for his nation’s hope of qualifying for the World Cup. While his impact on play wasn’t as great as some could’ve hoped for, the moral boost throughout the squad took flight.

In terms of demonstrable aid, the key was enticing Omar Al-Somah back to international football. The physical striker, who has recorded an unrivalled goal-to-game ratio over the last few seasons for Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, was reportedly interesting his employer’s nation, before Syria were able to snare his choice. While injury set back his return, the equaliser away in Iran, followed by both goals against Australia in the playoffs, illustrates what a key focal point he is to this side.

Combination play between him and Khribin, now at Saudi domestic rivals Al-Hilal has the potential to create havoc for any Asian defence. While Al-Somah’s form has remained constant, Khribin’s stock has stuttered somewhat since winning his AFC gong in 2017; suffering from several injuries, lacking minutes and eventual poor form. His use, as a support striker to Al-Somah has also damaged his output for the national team, an area of the squad’s tactical vision that needs to be honed ahead of the Asian Cup.

That tactical vision, is now in the hands of German coach Bernd Stange, who remarkably came out of retirement to take the reins of Syria on the run up to January. Having carved out a varied career, that included spells with another war-torn nation Iraq, and most recently with Singapore, Stange is both experienced at continental level and knows how to get the best out of limited resources.

Prospects are difficult to assess after a year of transition, but the target of making it out of the group stage for the first time in their history will be their main ambition. In an even group alongside Jordan and Palestine, tactical tweaking on the run up may be what it takes to see them edge over the line. Mixed friendly results since World Cup heartbreak, tell only half a story, given Syria usually bring their A-game to the biggest stage. No bigger of course than that tie against Australia. Come the final game of the group, Syria set up a rematch of their blockbuster Sydney playoff of last year, which’ll no doubt send a shiver down the spine of the reigning Asian champions.

While it’s been over two years since Syria ensured qualification for the UAE, expectations also need to be put into perspective. A nation that has gone through such turmoil for years, without a successful footballing heritage as a base, let alone the resources to create one, should be celebrated in what it’s achieved thus far, even if their final result, goes someway to exceeding their underdog tag.

Key Men

Head Coach - Bernd Stange (GER)

Former head coach of Iraq, whilst the nation was at war, Stange became Syria’s first foreign coach in 7 years, succeeding the successful and well liked Ayman Hakeem at the end of qualification. An eccentric character, who has coaching experience in Oman and Australia, Stange has made a solid start to his spell in charge of Syria but has yet to be tested in competitive play.

Star Player - Omar Al-Somah

Imperious striker, who’s long overdue call up nearly pushed Syria over the line in World Cup qualification. Boasts an incredible scoring record in Saudi Arabia for Al-Ahli, a country that tried to lure him to their national side two years ago; the physical striker, likened to Zlatan Ibrahimovic is most dangerous in the air and from direct set-pieces. Could’ve joined Nottingham Forest in 2012, but for work permit difficulties.

Cult Favourite - Mahmoud Al Mawas

A busy winger, who’s displays in qualification epitomised the successful nature of Syria’s run to the World Cup qualification playoffs. Diminutive in stature and adept at the late run, who’s played much of his career in Kuwait and Bahrain, Al-Mawas was the scorer of their memorable winning goal away in China, to swing the group in their favour.

Young Prospect - Ahmed Ashkar 

One of only a few younger players to break through during qualification. An integral figure for Syria at the recent U23 Asian Cup and Asian Games campaigns. A box-to-box midfielder who particularly caught the eye in Al-Jaish’s impressive AFC Cup campaign earlier this year, Ashkar made his first senior start for Syria in October.

Asian Cup 2019: Jordan (Preview)

Running through six coaches since qualification began less than four years ago, Jordan paint the picture of a side in crisis. While management has consistently changed hands however, performances on the pitch suggest a different state, cruising through latter qualification with a bright and exciting attacking squad to hand. The concern remains that of continuity, something that’ll likely not go away as they travel to the UAE with yet another new head coach in position.

From Paul Put, through two caretaker spells for Abdullah Abu Zema, a brief rollercoaster with Harry Redknapp, followed by qualification consolidation under Jamal Abu-Abed, an endless managerial list highlights the journey that Jordan have gone on through qualification for a third successive Asian Cup campaign. On paper, it was a solid campaign, narrowly missing out in the second round (when few gave them much hope in), followed by an unbeaten third round, it’s difficult to see where the friction lay.

But of course, this is endemic of Jordanian football, and their pursuit to reach the top table of the Asian game. Despite a lack of resources, options for players to play outside the country and the structure in place to truly succeed, the blind hope of chopping and changing in the dugout has yet to be proven beneficial.

At key moments we’ve seen erratic firing when a measure of restraint might have been proven to be more prudent. A well fought World Cup qualification campaign came to an end prematurely when Belgian Paul Put lost his job upon defeat to Kyrgyzstan, away in Bishkek. In a severe case of firefighting, Harry Redknapp stood up, aiming for two wins from two (at home to Bangladesh and away to Australia) to force the nation over the line, in their unlikely chance of chasing a lucky loser runners up spot.

In farcical circumstances, Redknapp exited in a negative tailwind, which had started so positive, singing the praises of his employers, the national team standard and Asian football as a whole, ahead of and after a convincing yet unsurprising 8-0 battering of Bangladesh. The mood couldn’t have been starker upon retreat from Sydney, losing 5-1 to the Asian Cup champions, taking a swipe at the same employers, national team standard and Asian football that he'd unanimously praised days before. Who could’ve foreseen this?

Emirati Abdullah Mesfer felt a similar axe to that of Put, after dropping points “away” to Afghanistan. With Asian Cup qualification still in full control, expectations seemed excessively lofty, leading Jamal Abu-Abed to coast home to finish the campaign, without any real improvement, but the job was done.

Consistency was thrown away once more, as another Belgian Vital Borkelmans takes the hot seat, after Abu-Abed’s expiry date hit. The former Belgium national team assistant during an infamous spell under Marc Wilmots, is incredibly short on managerial experience, only ever managing in the second tier in his homeland, some six years ago. Jordan, a team who are often swayed by personality over credibility have gone one step further this time around.

Whatever’s in play now, the responsibility will undoubtedly come down on the players, and this is one calling card Jordan have seen considerable improvement in over the last cycle. Alongside a cluster of veterans, headlined by iconic keeper Amer Shafi, Jordan are starting to produce some young players that are contributing outside their country’s modest standards. Yasen Al-Bakhit has been in good form in the Arabian Gulf League, while Swedish born Jonathan Tamimi and American based Jaime Siaj look to give the squad a little more depth with outside experience.

The standout however has been Musa Al-Taamari, who’s form for Al-Jazeera both domestically and on the continental stage earlier this year saw him make arguably the biggest move in Jordanian football history, to Cypriot champions APOEL Nicosia. The 21-year-old flying winger has already established himself in the starting line-up, averaging a goal every other game, whilst experiencing European football in both Champions and Europa League preliminaries.

His quick escalation in form and prestige, will undoubtedly have balanced well with the reliability of Hamza Al-Dardour in attack. January’s Asian Cup will mark the four-year anniversary of his explosion onto international scene, with his four-goal haul against Palestine living long in many observer’s memory. Throughout the instability in coaching staff, Al-Dardour has been the man to keep the ship sailing in the right direction; 10 goals over the course of qualification was the foundation stone to their progression. Borkelmans shock exclusion of their top scorer looks to be an oversight that might cost them dearly in the UAE.

Putting their exploits into practice generally is questionable, given the short lead up Borkelmans has to rubber stamp any of his ideas on the squad. He can point to isolated performances to garner hope however; the 2-0 win over Australia early in the cycle was an early benchmark that they’ll be particularly keen on replicating, given they’ve drawn the Socceroos in their opening match in UAE. While draws, home and away against a decent Vietnam side, alongside encouraging draws in Europe to the likes of Albania and Croatia will also generate confidence.

The group stage draw leaves things slightly open. Alongside unequivocal favourites for progression Australia, Jordan will be confident of contesting with two other unpredictable sides in Syria and Palestine, who have similar inconsistencies in coaching staff. On paper the group is intriguingly poised, with a young starlet of the tournament in the making and a wealth of defensive experience to depend on, Jordan look to be considered contenders.

Key Men

Head Coach - Vital Borkelmans (BEL) 

Former assistant of his homeland’s national side under Marc Wilmots, this is the Belgian’s first head coaching role in six years. Follows a number of high profile foreign managers who have rarely lasted longer than two years.

Young Prospect - Musa Al-Taamari

Capping a fantastic year with Al-Jazeera, scoring 6 goals in 7 games to reach the AFC Cup Zonal Finals, the 21-year-old winger made his big European move to APOEL over the summer. Despite his age and only a handful of international caps, his immediate success in Cyprus and his sheer pace makes him one of the most dangerous attacking options in Jordan’s armoury, especially given Al-Dardour's exclusion.

Cult Hero - Amer Shafi

A goalkeeper with the reputation for the exuberant, is likely to captain the squad in his final national team appearances in January. One of the most experienced players in Asian football, amassing nearly 150 caps, he scored his first career goal from his own penalty area in November's friendly victory over India.

Young Prospect - Baha' Faisal

23-year-old striker who to date has failed to really get going under previous coaches despite being highly regarded after an imperious youth international record. Given heavy responsibility in the Asian Cup squad to replace the goals of club mate Hamza Al-Dardour, Faisal will likely lead the line in the UAE. Scored Jordan's only goal against recent World Cup finalists Croatia in Rijeka in October.