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: Vietnam (Preview)

Vietnam’s monumental leap into the higher reaches of Asian football, has been one of the standout stories of the last twelve months. From a promising contingent of youth players to regional champions, their return to the Asian Cup for the first time on foreign soil since 1960 marks the cherry on their cake. With justifiable hype swirling around their players and coach, can they go one step further and provide an upset in January?

The early signs were there back in 2016, with a strong run to the semi-finals of the U19 Championships, followed by their debut U20 World Cup campaign the summer after, Vietnam were building a strong youth presence ready to make the transition to the full international stage. This year’s accolades, from their run to the final of the U23 Championships at the start of the year, to their semi-final appearance at the Asian Games (first time in over 50 years), their crowning glory saw them fully transition to the seniors, clinching their first Suzuki Cup in a decade.

Their ambition is clear, but realistic. World Cup qualification is a long-term goal, to qualify for 2030, bypassing this current generation and laying down the gauntlet to the next production line, tipped to surpass the current crop. That would be some going given the pedestal this side is now placed, engulfing Vietnam into national celebration over the last few weeks upon their AFF triumph, the country is currently riding a tidal wave of emotion, perfectly placed for their trip to the Emirates.

Qualification in itself was much less of a fairy-tale. The second round, they illustrated an upturn in quality, pushing Iraq and regional rivals Thailand hard in the group stage, but plenty had to do with the opposition’s deficiencies. The third round was similarly poised, and while Vietnam finished unbeaten over the stage, back-to-back draws against both Jordan and Afghanistan, should be noted to suppress expectations that Vietnam will ease into things next month.

Qualification of course was more than a year ago now, a long time in much of these Vietnamese players’ careers, given the squad averages out at 24 years of age. Also, it forgets the impact new South Korean coach Park Hang-seo has had on the current crop and the wider footballing landscape.

Far from being a household name in Korean football, Park’s influence since moving to Vietnam last year has been outstanding, not just in the success he’s brought but the changes he’s made in such a short space of time. The team has developed a style of play, now symbolic with this current crop, trusting young players in big match situations but in tandem pleasing those veterans that continue to add stardust and experience to the squad harmony.

While their Suzuki Cup victory owed plenty to the sheer talent of the younger generation, the likes of striker Nguyen Anh Duc, keeper Dang Van Lam and skipper Nguyen Van Quyet added the spine to their creation. The former topped the goal scoring charts, while the shot stopper (currently edging out the highly thought of Bui Tien Dung) reaffirmed his spot as the number one choice going into the Asian Cup after scepticism from some.

The undoubted focus will however be on the younger, more eye-catching options in the starting picture. For what it’s worth, that is clearly understandable, with such a raft of options that look set for promising careers outside of Vietnam, which for so long hasn’t looked to be a possibility for previous generations.

Central midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai headlines the bill. Despite only being 21, Quang Hai is the side’s clear star man, taking on responsibility for attack initiation, and with ever more regularity finishing the play off. His influence in a midfield, that could be overloaded against a typically midfield hungry set up, is astounding, taking up the role of sitter, box-to-box engine and creator all in his stride.

Quang Hai has personified the new attitude spurred on by Park, one of release, freedom and confidence to express themselves on the counter. Pigeon holing any player in this squad otherwise is difficult, even the central defensive trio have demonstrated their ability for quick possession, even in dangerous situations and their willingness to play their part in transition play. With the success, and relative ease in which it has been achieved, it leaves them however with the challenge of bringing this to senior continental level competition.

Park’s initial squad selection paints a worrying development in this regard. Two of the “older” guard (Nguyen’s Anh Duc & Van Quyet) have been deselected through fatigue, off the back of a heavy going Suzuki Cup campaig. Injuries to two further starters in Vu Van Thanh and Tran Dinh Trong means a second-rate inexperienced squad will be rolled out in the Emirates.

Given the group stage draw, that pits them against two of the more street wise and experienced Asian nations in Iran and Iraq, the potential to be stopped dead in their tracks is one that Park will have to predict. Another concern is goals, and the exclusions of the two more experienced players in the line-up emphasises this point. The team for all their positives, create little in the way of opportunities, relying mainly on catching out defences on the counter. Consequently, they’ve regularly shared the goals around, with Quang Hai leading the charge, more often than not with individually brilliant efforts over anything sustainable.

This makes Vietnam’s return to the Asian Cup so interesting to assess from outside. The focus from the outset isn’t on winning the competition, or even progressing to the latter stages, but instead to test this generation out against the top teams in the business. Whether this sees them come out fighting or shrink from the limelight may force a knock-on effect that’ll roll on into a new World Cup qualifying campaign.

Key Men

Head Coach - Park Hang-Seo (KOR)

Former South Korean youth coach, who joined Vietnam with a relatively subdued reputation. His ascension as coach of the seniors and U23 sides in Vietnam could be considered convenient timing, yet his team has quickly taken on the manager’s mould of reactive, counter attacking football which has received notable plaudits.

Star Player - Nguyen Quang Hai

The star of this promising Vietnamese crop, Quang Hai is now attracting interest regionally ahead of a coming of age tournament in January. The central midfielder offers tactical foresight, speed in transition and a credible scoring touch, to a side that excels on quick counters. After man of the tournament displays at the last U23s Asian Games and Suzuki Cup tournaments, the senior Asian Cup looks a perfect testing ground.

Rising To The Occasion - Dang Van Lam

One of the few areas of doubt surrounding this Vietnam side going into the Suzuki Cup was in net, with Moscow born Van Lam taking the lead of late. Only brought into the fold towards the end of qualification, Van Lam had a standout performance in their AFF success, yet is likely to be the player under the microscope the most on the run up to flying out to the Emirates.

Young Prospect - Doan Van Hau

19-year-old left wing back who is rising quickly to promise after cementing a starting position with Vietnamese champions Hanoi over the last season. Having starred recently in Vietnam’s run to the semi-finals of the Asian Games earlier this year, Van Hau transitioned straight through to the seniors at the Suzuki Cup with compatriot Vu Van Thanh missing out through injury.

Asian Cup 2019: Yemen (Preview)

Through civil war, disease and famine, the reality of the Yemeni crisis has dominated the news headlines over the last five years. Throughout it all, the meagre sideshow of football gives a small distraction to those in the country, qualifying for their first Asian Cup in their nation’s history. While expectations of achieving anything on the pitch in the UAE start from a very low point, Yemen's success story amidst adversity is one to be celebrated across the whole continent.

It’s regrettably becoming a theme in Asian football, but that of countries going above and beyond their expectation under extreme hardship is a common occurrence. Alongside Iraq’s underdog Asian Cup triumph in 2007 and Syria’s run to near World Cup qualification last year, Yemen’s passage to January’s continental showpiece whilst experiencing national conflict will go down as one of the more incredible feats in recent footballing history.

While everyday life occurs in pockets amongst the fighting of civil war, football is quite necessarily and severely on the back burner, with the national league having to suspend since the conflict began. While Yemen has players displaced across the region playing professional football, a regular route throughout qualification for those home-based players left at home, was to travel by boat and armoured vehicles, through check points and across boarders to Qatar, to take up their adopted home-from-home in Doha.

In Qatar, there was solace, a starting block to build a sort of progress upon. Yemen started their qualification campaign earlier than most set to play in the UAE, way back in March 2015, with a 3-1 victory at their make do home against Pakistan. The long arduous journey to the Asian Cup that followed, which experienced its fair share of on the pitch scares, heavy defeats and nervy wobbles, was emblematic of the country’s struggles over this time. A period in which they will always have their monumental qualification to savour from.

The turning point came via the appointment of Abraham Mebratu, who gave life to a campaign, which had initially saw them lose seven of their eight first stage matches. The Ethiopian coach had already achieved plenty with the Yemeni youth ranks and had been tasked with overseeing the progress of national football as a whole, as technical director at the YFA, was rushed in to save the seniors going into the final round of Asian Cup qualification.

Somehow, given the imbalance of the squad, the results that preceded his reign and the constraints the team had to deal with, Mebratu led Yemen to an unbeaten final stage, including draws against Philippines and an unbeaten record against an impressively attacking Tajikistan. It wasn’t the most dominant of phases, drawing more than they'd won, yet the unimaginable was achieved, using a core of players that had something to fight for.

Going into the Asian Cup, the true state of the team is a relative unknown. Yemen played only their first matches since qualification in November, selecting a broadly U23 squad, with several unfamiliar faces. Without a domestic league to fully run the rule over new squad inclusions, the trip to neighbouring Saudi Arabia and UAE in the last month has undoubtedly proven useful in their modest preparation period.

While progress has been achieved on the pitch, the ongoing conflict has seen Yemen live merely off the handouts of its neighbours, ironically the same nations who to this day are heavily involved in the conflict. With Asian football, politics is regularly intertwined, and the struggles to organise any sort of preparatory friendlies or training camps has been balanced hand-in-hand with the ongoing civil unrest.

So much so, when Mebratu announced his resignation upon qualification, observers couldn’t have blamed him. With a lack of resources, continuity nor a solid foundation on which to prepare, the chance to jump ship back home to Ethiopia was an obvious alternative. His replacement, Slovak Jan Kocian, who was only sworn in in October, couldn’t have been left in a more tenuous position, given the lack of domestic action to survey and regular internationals to dissect, the fact the manager doesn’t reside in the nation is going to further disperse the preparation.

What he has got however, is willing talent, that come January has very little to lose on the pitch. Much of the squad has been brought through together from the U23 ranks that Mebratu put together over the last five years. Their brightest of which, attacking duo Abdulwasea Al-Matari and youngster Ahmed Al-Sarori have secured regular playing time abroad, Al-Sarori most bizarrely in Brazil of all places, whilst their defensive record, but for poor results, has been relatively strong of late.

While Yemen have only recorded two wins over the last two and half years of play, Kocian can grasp to solid enough friendly performances in November, and a decent unbeaten streak of four draws that occurred at the latter end of last year. Counting on the experience of skipper and keeper Mohammed Ayash, one of only a couple of players within the squad over 30, this campaign could prove more than being an ending of a historic four years, rather a start of something to rally support behind going forward.

When it comes to stability, this Yemeni side couldn’t be further a distant from the country it represents. While they prepare for daunting tasks against Iran, Iraq and Vietnam in the group phase, chances of securing any points might be sender, yet they’ll for sure be a tough nut to crack. With much more to play for than mere points, the Yemen national team have already succeeded in shedding light onto the grave plight of their homeland that continues to this day.

Key Men

Head Coach - Jan Kocian (SVK)

Slovak coach, who was appointed Yemen head coach only in October, after nearly half a year without a manager. Having most recently coached in Poland, Kocian has experience in Asia, managing Jiangsu Sainty in China and South China in Hong Kong, while also coaching his home national side over a decade ago. Left with a mountain to climb, he lives permanently outside the country on the lead up to the Asian Cup.

Star Player - Abdulwasea Al-Matari

Top marksman in qualification, scoring key goals in both their passages through the playoff rounds. A wide left midfielder, who tends to cut inside and shoot from distance, his link up play with teammates blooded through the youth generation by previous coach Abraham Mebratu has been their most successful route to success of late. His winning penalty against Nepal sealed qualification in March.

Cult Hero - Aiman Al-Hagri

One of the more well-known faces of Yemeni football, Al-Hagri has been a regular feature on the national scene since he was an 18-year-old, some seven years ago. Has bounced around Asia in search of regular football, including spells with Tractor Sazi in Iran, Al-Riffa in Bahrain, and most recently for Shillong Lajong in India.

Young Starlet - Ahmed Al-Sarori

20-year-old wide man or lone front man who rose to prominence in early World Cup qualification, scoring both of Yemen’s early efforts, including the winner over the Philippines. Moved from his home nation to the Brazilian fourth tier, with Central Sport Club over the summer. A promising player, who’ll pose a threat to slower defences.

Asian Cup 2019: Iraq (Preview)

Four years of favour, misfortune, controversy and frequent managerial change. Through the usual chaos of Iraqi football, develops a national team squad of talented players ready to make a sustained challenge on the Asian Cup, a competition they regularly over-performed in. As we near January however, the usual ills of Iraqi football; politics, squabbles and corruption do their worst to subdue expectations.

When dissecting the state of the Iraq national team, it’s often difficult to distinguish fact from fiction, or even to separate off the field matters with those on it. The last four years of qualification have only emphasised the mess the IFA and the national team set-up has been in for generations, but crucially despite this the performances on the pitch usually come out fighting.

The current incumbent of the hottest of managerial hot seats going, Slovenian Srecko Katanec, after promising sound bites to the media upon arrival, could be heading down a similarly destructive route. While preparations have been far from ideal, the raw product at his disposal is enviable to say the least. But of course, talent is very much only a starting block in Iraqi football, that rarely correlates with its achievements.

Through qualification, talent and performance apart, their campaign relied a whole lot on luck. Good luck, in the way they scraped through a rather middling Round 2 group phase, where they entered the cycle as the seeded nation, only to see their fortune reverse in Round 3, leaving them in arguably an undeserved lowly position.

Running through six managers since the last Asian Cup can’t have helped matters either, very few of whom exited with any sense of achievement. Yahya Alwan, while forcing the results on the board, couldn’t get the very best out of a transitioning squad, while Radhi Shenaishil, despite overseeing an upturn in performances, couldn’t achieve the type of results he forged in his last spell, leading Iraq to the semi finals of the Asian Cup in 2015. 

The transition has been arduous, but the semblance of youth that runs through the current squad is testament to the persistence of all coaches through this spell. Out has gone the highly influential captain and striker Younes Mahmoud, in came the heir in waiting Mohanad Abdulraheem who starred in front of goal throughout qualification. Out went the volatile talent of Yaser Kasim, in came the youthful exuberance of Bashar Resan.

The squad on paper is demonstrably fresher for it; nearly a dozen of the current squad are under 23, a cohort of young players who have developed together through Iraqi youth team successes, including fourth place at the 2013 U20 World Cup, two medal winning campaigns at their last two Asian Games, an unbeaten Olympic campaign in 2016 and an Asian U16 title. A nucleus of players, developed together to succeed at knockout tournaments, indicates the perfect breeding ground to dominate regional football over the next 10 years, surely? Or so it was believed.

An internal investigation earlier this year dug up a number of falsified documents, casting doubt on several of Iraq’s most talented young players’ ages, thus tarnishing their recent youth successes, to the extent that Iraqi youth football has been thrown into the abyss. One pertinent example, that of Mohammed Dawood, the top scorer at the U16 Championships two years ago, is set to be selected at the upcoming Asian Cup, reportedly playing under a date of birth three years younger than his real age.

While youth football has been hit hard, with the players involved potentially skewing the age profile of the squad heading to the Emirates, the fact remains that they do possess the same talent potential, never mind their age. Centre midfield duo, Basher Resan and Amjad Attwan (both “officially” 21) are two players to watch out for in January. The former has arguably been the form player in his position over the Asian club season, featuring in Iranian champions Persepolis’ run to the Champions League final.

While there’s a lot of buzz around the squad’s personnel, if not just speculation over their ages, it’s undoubtedly a concern that this side lacks experience. Along with their key retirements, Katanec’s injury list continues to grow on the eve of the tournament; snaring another two key starters in Saad Abdul Amir and Justin Meram in the last month, leaving the side’s spine in an uncomfortable position.

Another issue that has regularly thrown a spanner in the works on in the build up to a tournament is that of squad harmony. The soap opera that pitted home based players against European based Iraqis on the run up to Australia, in the end saw the friction unify on the pitch, while this time the concern may instead be between the coach and his players. Outspoken and tactically erratic, Katanec has a reputation for rubbing up his playing staff in the wrong way, something that is noticeably simmering after recent poor performances 

A lack of a clear vision may consequently be his side’s undoing. Katanec has regularly tinkered between a 352 and a more typical 4231, with similarly poor friendly results. Being pitted against Iran and Vietnam in the group phase, will bring back positive recent memories, yet both sides are more than a match for a tactically transitioning Iraq at present. Structure and unity is paramount for any hopes of early progression.

Painting a picture of a unified Iraqi national team remains a difficult ask. However smooth the lead-up is, someone, be it from the media, the IFA or within the camp itself, will do their best to create tension. We’ve all seen before how little this can affect their performances however, this is a side that went on to win the 2007 Asian Cup whilst their home nation was ravaged by war. As always with Iraqi football, expect controversy but also expect a noble performance.

Key Men

Head Coach - Srecko Katanec (SLV)

Former UAE and Slovenia boss, who talks a good game but has struggled to date to get the very best out of this Iraqi squad. Has a reputation for fractured relationships with the team’s star players, which saw his time with Slovenia and Macedonia cut short. Has shown tactical flexibility in his early days in charge, switching between a back three and four in recent friendlies.

Star Player - Hussein Ali

Diminutive playmaker, who is crucial in dictating play if we are ever able to see a successfully functioning Iraqi side. Can play on either side of the front attacker but is likely to play the number 10 role under Katanec. Has become ever more valuable, with the withdrawal through injury of Justin Meram on the eve of the tournament.

Point To Prove - Mohanad Abdulrahman

Striker who showed so much promise in his early career, excelling at U20 and U23 level for his country, has failed to kick on after unsuccessful spells in the UAE. Finished qualification strongly, scoring five goals in the latter World Cup rounds, yet has recently fell out of favour for the starting striker spot since returning to Iraq.

Young Prospect - Mohanad Ali

Physically strong leading striker, who offers pace, touch and a goalscoring eye to the Iraqi strike force. A revelation domestically and in youth competitions, his age has come under heavy scrutiny of late, having reportedly been playing at three years younger than his actual date of birth. Even at his older age of 21, increasingly looks a continental star in the making.

Asian Cup 2019: Iran (Preview)

By far and away the strongest team in Asia over the last four years, Iran illustrated perfectly their combination of tactical discipline and attacking talent on the world stage in Russia earlier this year. With the pressure off, they defied the odds and won around the neutrals, but now that they enter the tournament arena in high regard and under increasing pressure, can they lead the pack as Asian Cup favourites?

Times have changed in Iranian football. Up until recently, a tight defence, and an organised but unspectacular attacking game was a given from the national side. While we saw green shoots appearing four years ago at the Asian Cup in Australia, nothing could have prepared us for the depth in quality Iran took to Russia over the summer. Only a goal or a stroke of luck stood in their way of making history in progressing out of the group phase at the World Cup, in a section that included former champions Spain and current European champions Portugal no less.

The performances in themselves, balanced alongside Asia’s best performing World Cup to date, were at a level above what we’d ever seen before. A side, out thinking, out running and at times out playing top quality European players was a delight to have witnessed. From the highest peak of this current generation’s playing days, an Asian Cup falls straight off the back of their World Cup adventure, a tournament lead-up that has dubbed them as kings in waiting before a ball has even been kicked.

Throughout qualification, it’s to be said, they lived up to the expectation and their considerable favourites tag. Iran went 18 matches unbeaten, keeping 12 clean sheets in a row, to qualify seven points clear of second placed South Korea. Put simply, they obliterated the opposition, only dropping points on four occasions, finishing with a total of 40 points from a possible 48, as they sealed qualification with two games to spare.

Their success owed to both their past and future styles of play. Defensively they were incredible, organised perfectly in the mould of their manager Carlos Queiroz. As the World Cup demonstrated, irrespective of their personnel, the Team Melli defensive stamp is clear and unassuming. The key development however was linking this with their attack; the consistency of Sardar Azmoun, leading the line, the direct running of Alireza Jahanbakhsh, and the flexibility of Mahdi Taremi, all making for a multi-faceted front three, that sparked fear into any opposition they faced.

Over the last year, the additions of Saman Ghoddos, who’s started on top form since moving to France, Ali Gholizadah, a player already recording a goal every other game for his country and Kaveh Rezaei, now competing regularly in the European Champions League, illustrates the strength in depth Queiroz has to play with, and what firepower is set to be unleashed at the Asian Cup.

Picking holes in Iran’s on the pitch displays, is a difficult ask, any side that has only tasted defeat once (to Spain, of all teams) in a competitive environment since the last Asian Cup, is a side showing little weakness continentally. The concerns, as has regularly been the case, is in their off the field matters. The IFF had shown signs of change during qualification, only for it to be thrown back up for debate, upon their run up to the World Cup.

National team camps are regularly a mess in their organisation, friendlies treated as an afterthought (behind closed doors matchups and facing off against Sierra Leone ‘B’ for example), while their ongoing public war of words with manager Carlos Queiroz (who incidentally said he was leaving the managerial hot seat upon conclusion of the World Cup, for the nth time) is constantly burning a wedge at the heart of Iranian football. Captain Masoud Shojaei’s comments in November, calling out the ineptitude of the powers that be, was another nail in the coffin of the already unpopular Iranian hierarchy.

On the eve of this continental showpiece, with a squad that has the best opportunity of clinching their first final appearance since their home victory in 1976, a unified force from the top down would have seemed the logical starting point, but with Iranian football when is it ever that simple? 

A smooth run in has rarely been necessary however, cases such as Sardar Azmoun’s return from early retirement, seen as the norm, and that signifies an important point; Iran succeed when they are forced into a corner.

How the game pans out on the pitch, will see them have to adjust accordingly. Once we enter the knockouts, teams will adapt and look to draw out Iran’s underdog spirit, which could prove to be a deficiency, given the array of talent they have to offer. Tactically Queiroz has continually shown that he’s able to strike the right balance on the big occasion, yet their quarter final exit to Iraq in 2015 will still weigh heavily in his mind, as a case of what could’ve been.

Destiny is set to be retold, as Iran face Iraq in their final group stage encounter in the UAE. By that point, it could prove irrelevant for both sides, but may offer the earliest of indications of how this Iranian side sets itself apart from the higher quality sides in the competition. Tasked with overthrowing the likes of Australia, Japan and South Korea, it might come down to the mood of the squad, rather than the impressive form. An emotional task, to pin to an already emotional coach, leading to the pinnacle of what has been a quite scintillating four years.

Key Men

Head Coach - Carlos Queiroz (POR)

Outspoken, tactical expert who has been at the forefront of Iran’s rise over the last 5 years. Initially formed a technically deficient side, into a team that was incredibly hard to beat. With the emergence of attacking talent, Queiroz has maximised their impact at both ends of the pitch. Infamous for handing in his resignation, only to go back on his word on several occasions.

Star Player - Morteza Pouraliganji

After an imperious World Cup, the central defender aims to do what few have done before him, in having three stand out tournaments in a row. The move to Europe for the first time in his career can only assist his already varied game, the 26-year-old alongside his younger colleague Majid Hosseini, look to have established the centre back partnership for the future of the national team.

Under Pressure - Ramin Rezaeian

A revelation in World Cup qualification, followed by stalled domestic transfer to Europe and a limp return to Asia has left him a divisive figure in terms of the Team Melli reckoning. Often unpredictable and capable of the brilliant in attacking areas but can be caught out defensively. Competition at full back, looks to have displaced him as a back four regular ahead of the Asian Cup.

Young Prospect - Ali Gholizadeh

In hindsight, he would’ve been a useful substitute option in Russia, but the 22-year-old has raised his game further than anyone in Iranian squad since the summer. Quick and direct, the Charleroi man can feature anywhere down the left flank, being used in a more attacking capacity most recently by Queiroz, opening his Team Melli account officially in November.