Two teams at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of Asian Cup royalty meet in Dubai on Tuesday, as three-time winners Saudi Arabia take on North Korea, who finished fourth in 1980.
The Saudis are coming into the tournament on the back of a disappointing 2018 World Cup, while a youthful-looking Korean side appointed a 35-year-old new manager just last month.
Here, we look ahead to the game.
TALKING POINT
Can Saudi recover their reputation?
Juan Antonio Pizzi has work to do to restore faith in Saudi football after a woeful World Cup.
Heavyweights of Asia, there can be no doubt, but the Green Falcons are coming into the Asian Cup with their wings certainly clipped following a group stage exit at last summer’s World Cup.
Saudi are the joint-second most-successful nation at Asian Cups, having lifted three crowns, and they will have fond memories of the UAE, having hoisted their last title in the Emirates 23 years ago.
They are one of the favourites for the trophy and are the fourth highest ranked Asian nation in FIFA (69th, Iran are 29th, Japan 50th and South Korea 53rd).
Yet, there is can be no doubt Juan Antonio Pizzi’s men have something to prove. They left Russia with a morale-boosting 2-1 win over Mohamed Salah’s Egypt, but the 5-0 pummelling on opening night by the hosts will still be ringing in their ears.
Results since that fine victory over the Pharaohs have been decent, one defeat to the mighty Brazil punctuating an otherwise unbeaten five-game run. Stalwarts Osama Hawsawi and Taisir Al Jassim (138 and 134 caps respectively) have gone, ushering in a new era. Fahad Al Muwallad, who spent time on loan at La Liga’s Levante last season, leads the new wave. And they will know reputation needs to be restored.
Giving youth a chance
Naming former players as coaches is nothing new – but not many get the top job aged just 35.
Former Norway striker Jorn Andersen declined to extend his two-year contract with Chollima just last month, resulting in national team selectors turning to a tenacious former midfielder who helped his nation qualify for just a second-ever World Cup in 2010 – Kim Yong-jun.
Despite his youthful years, Kim is no stranger to management, having taken charge of Pyongyang City, where he started his playing career, as long ago as 2010.
After leaving the post in 2013 he spent the next four years rising through the national ranks, acting as assistant of the under-16s, 17s and U-23 North Korea teams, although his selection to lead his country into the Asian Cup will have raised some eyebrows.
He has selected a young squad for the continental competition – only goalkeeper and captain Ri Myong-guk and defender Kim Song-gi are above 30.
Kim will be hoping for a better result from the last meeting between the two sides in the competition, when Saudi mauled Korea 4-1 in Melbourne in 2015.
QUOTES
Saudi Arabia
Pizzi feels the Green Falcons’ rich history at the tournament will count for nothing in their opening clash with Korea.
“Previous results in this competition aren’t something we can depend on in tomorrow’s game,” said the 50-year-old, who won the Copa America with Chile in 2016. “I think history doesn’t count in this situation because you have to prove you are better than the opponent.”
North Korea
The Koreans have not won a match at the Asian Cup since 1980 and boss Kim is expecting that to change in the UAE.
“Of course I am expecting us to have a better result than in our tournament history and I have told the players that every player has to be together and play with team spirit for all 90 minutes,” he said. “Everyone has to do their job.”
PLAYER TO WATCH
Saudi Arabia
Abdulrahman Ghareeb
Saudi have been blessed with wiry, wafer-thin wizards in recent years, and 21-year-old Ghareeb looks like he could be the latest off the production line. With the likes of Fahad Al Muwallad, Yahya Al Shehri and Salem Al Dawsari pulling the attacking strings, watch out for the Al Ahli Jeddah product should he get his chance.
The 5ft 5in forward has three goals in 13 games for Ahli this season and already has a goal at senior international level after earning five caps, having been rushed through the youth ranks.
North Korea
Han Kwang-son
Plenty of South Koreans have starred in European football, but stars from the north are few and far between. That might be about to change with 20-year-old forward Han, who joined Serie A side Cagliari’s academy in 2015 and has made a handful of league appearances while spending the last two seasons on loan at Perugia in the league below.
His agent Sandro Stemperini revealed in October that Italian behemoths Juventus allegedly tried to sign him last January. With just two caps to his name, can Han become an Asian Cup hero?