A landmark 24 teams will compete in the biggest-ever Asian Cup from January 5-February 1.
The tournament in the UAE brings together a diverse collection of nations, from the giants of champions Australia to little-known competitors from the likes of India and Palestine.
Here are the profiles of the sides from Groups A and B:
GROUP A
UAE
Star player: Ali Mabkhout (Al Jazira)
Coach: Alberto Zaccheroni
A truly ‘Golden Generation’ should be entering its prime. Instead, worries abound for the hosts. World Cup 2018 was missed, current boss Zaccheroni boasts a win percentage of 33.3 per cent and superstar Omar Abdulrahman is injured. Still, there is distinct quality within the ranks. Although 2015’s third-placed finish now, sadly, appears to be this group’s high-water mark.
Best result: Runners-up (1996)
Verdict: Quarter-finals
Thailand
Star player: Chanathip Songkrasin (Consadole Sapporo)
Coach: Milovan Rajevac
The time has come to discover whether Thailand’s greatest squad is in safe hands, or is being mismanaged. J-League star Chanathip Songkrasin headlines a burgeoning pool, ready to burst out of East Asia. However, semi-final defeat at the Suzuki Cup points to problems under defensively minded Rajevac. The reins need to be taken off.
Best result: Third place (1972)
Verdict: Quarter-finals
India
Star player: Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru)
Coach: Stephen Constantine
It is fair to say that India comes into its fourth Asian Cup in a perplexing state.
Constantine is at loggerheads with iconic striker Chhetri about the captaincy, plus September’s SAFF Championships – albeit with Under-23s – featured a humiliating final loss to Maldives. Wounds must be healed with Chhetri, or struggles await.
Best result: Runners-up (1964)
Verdict: Group stage
Bahrain
Star player: Abdulla Yusuf Helal (Bohemians)
Coach: Miroslav Soukup
The Asian Cup, probably, has come too soon for this Bahrain. The ‘Golden Generation’ that went within a goal of qualification to World Cup 2006 are a faded memory. Youth expert Miroslav Soukup leads a regenerated squad, headlined by Bohemians loanee Abdulla Yusuf Helal. Whether such youngsters can advance, requires a leap of faith.
Best result: Fourth place (2004)
Verdict: Group stage
GROUP B
Australia
Star player: Tom Rogic (Celtic)
Coach: Graham Arnold
From the embers of a trying World Cup, a bright future, surely, awaited the Socceroos. Arnold was back at the helm, while Aaron Mooy and Daniel Arzani were ready to explode. Injuries, however, mean both players miss out in the UAE. The defending champions are now lower on quality, but higher in spirit. Will this be enough to navigate a likely last-eight clash with Japan?
Best result: Champions (2015)
Verdict: Quarter-finals
Syria
Star player: Omar Al Somah (Al Ahli Jeddah)
Coach: Bernd Strange
For war-torn Syria to be considered as dark horses represents a triumph against unfathomable adversity.A divided nation came together in World Cup qualification. Now, the likes of prolific skipper Al Somah will attempt to make good on the squad’s promise.
Best result: Group stage (1980-88, 1996, 2011)
Verdict: Quarter-finals
Palestine
Star player: Oday Dabbagh (Hilal Al Quds)
Coach: Noureddine Ould Ali
Palestine travelled to Australia four years ago with hope, rather than expectation. Steady progress in the intervening years, plus a plundering of the vast diaspora, means the picture has shifted. A wide-open Group B offers opportunity. Their churn of coaches has not helped, but Palestine can dream of progress.
Best result: Group stage (2015)
Verdict: Round of 16
Jordan
Star player: Musa Al-Taamari
Coach: Vital Borkelmans
The signs don’t look good for The Chivalrous. Under inexperienced ex-Belgium assistant Borkelmans, a sixth coach in less than four years, they’ve won one of nine fixtures. Striker Hamza Al-Dardour remains, perplexingly, at home. On the plus side, APOEL winger Al-Taamari is a rising star and Australia were beaten once in World Cup 2018 qualification. Will this be enough?
Best result: Quarter-finals (2004, 2011)
Verdict: Group stage