The Socceroos have witnessed a period of transition over the last four years after the retirement of arguably one of the country’s greatest-ever players in Tim Cahill and have since appointed a new coach in Graham Arnold.

Despite taking over the reins after the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, Arnold is no stranger to the hot seat or the AFC Asian Cup, having been at helm during Australia’s first-ever foray in the Continental showpiece at the 2007 edition.

The West Asians announced their final squad of 23 for the Continental showpiece which kicks off in 10 days with Al-Taamari, who plays for APOEL, leading a well experienced squad.

Striker Khribin, the 2017 AFC Player of the Year, will be expected to lead from the the front while Al Somah has been captain, replacing the injured Firas Al Khatib.

Syria have never advanced beyond the group phase of the AFC Asian Cup, having narrowly missed out on a place in the quarter-finals in 1996 when the tournament was last held in the United Arab Emirates.

However, Stange, who came out of retirement to lead the Qasioun Eagles, has set his sights on the knockout stage despite being drawn with defending champions Australia, Palestine and Jordan in Group B.

Odiljon Xamrobekov, who is tipped to shine, made the cut but players such as Dilshod Rakhmatullaev and Ivan Nagaev, who suffered an injury during training, missed out.

Marat Bikmaev and Sardor Rashidov will lead the charge for goals as Cuper selected only two out and out forwards.

The 28-year-old forward has a key role to play in the team and is aware of his responsibilities as Kyrgyz football fans warm up to the game of football, which didn’t enjoy much traction in the country until a few years ago.

Kyrgyz Republic became independent after the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991 and played their first international match in history against Uzbekistan a year later, losing 3-0.

They did not qualify for the AFC Asian Cup in five previous attempts, eventually breaking the jinx this time and raising expectations in his country.

Against all odds, and with a difficult security situation at home, Yemen made it to the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 relying largely on a crop of Qatar-based players. The most talented and experienced among them is Al Sailiya midfielder Al Sasi, who has over a decade of international experience behind him.

Nationality: Yemen
Date of birth: 02/07/1987
Position: Midfielder
Current club: Al Sailiya (Qatar)
Previous clubs: Al Ahli Sana’a, Al Hilal (Yemen), Al Minaa (Iraq)

The teams are preparing for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 and the matches allowed the coaches of all the sides to have an in depth look at their respective squads before the Continental showpiece kicks off on January 5.

VIETNAM 1-1 DPR KOREA

Vietnam, fresh from winning the 2018 AFF Championship, took the lead in the 54th minute through Nguyen Tien Linh.

DPR Korea, however, fought back to equalise through Jong Il-Gwan in the 81st minute.