Swede Eriksson will work alongside Scott Cooper, who handled the Azkals in their previous two matches. Eriksson and Cooper worked together at English club Leicester City in 2010-2011.

Azkals manager Dan Palami told Philippines media that Eriksson, who managed England in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, has signed a six-month contract with the PFF.

Now that voting for the best ever AFC Asian Cup XI is complete, you chose your favourite forwards, midfielders, defenders and goalkeeper, it's time to choose one iconic coach to lead the team.

So, here are six AFC Asian Cup-winning candidates for a place on the dugout. Review the nominees and then choose your favourite coach for this all-star XI in the poll below.

Australia’s 4-0 win over Kuwait during the international break pushed the Socceroos one position up to 42nd, while Japan were the Continent’s best movers, moving four spots up to 50th, courtesy of their wins against Panama and Uruguay earlier this month.

Korea Republic, who also beat Uruguay and drew against Panama, improved by two positions to 53rd, followed by Saudi Arabia who dropped a spot to 72nd to complete Asia’s top five teams.

The top five, along with 19 other teams from across the Continent, will meet in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 from January 5 to February 1.

Asia’s Top 10 Iran (30th)
Australia (42nd)
Japan (50th)
Korea Republic (53rd)
Saudi Arabia (72nd)
Syria (74th)
China PR (75th)
United Arab Emirates (81st)
Lebanon (82nd)
Oman (84th)

UAE national players Mohanad Salem and Rayan Yaslam, along with AFC Asian Cup ambassadors Zuhair Bakheet and Majed Abdullah were welcomed to an action-packed day with young football fans at the Hazza Bin Zayed stadium in Al-Ain, as part of a football-led educational event. The school festival in Al Ain is being held on Monday and Tuesday and is open for the general public from 4pm-10pm.

In the leadup to the biggest and best AFC Asian Cup in history, children across the country are honing their skills in areas such as leadership and problem-solving through football. They are also being exposed to a new culture as each school prepares to offer a warm welcome and cheer on their adopted visiting teams throughout the tournament in January.

Alireza Jahanbakhsh gave Iran the lead in the 17th minute and Mehdi Torabi cancelled out Rudy Cardozo's equaliser in the 51st with his strike in the 63rd as the Central Asians look towards a fourth AFC Asian Cup title in the United Arab Emirates on January 5-February 1.

The Green Falcons salvaged a 1-1 draw with Iraq on Tuesday, thanks to Abdulaziz Al-Bishi's strike in added time after Muhanad Ali had put the visitors ahead - against the run of play - after 71 minutes.

Saudi Arabia head coach Juan Antonio Pizzi said the result was caused by his team making mistakes.

“We did not meet the level we have set for ourselves (against Iraq),” Pizzi said. “We were not at the level that we saw against Brazil. Iraq played well in defence and were well-organised. Iraq also took advantage of our mistakes during the game,” the Chilean told local media.

The 3-0 win over Panama last Friday was followed by a hugely impressive 4-3 defeat of World Number 5 Uruguay on Tuesday as Japan's preparations for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 continued smoothly.

Tuesday's victory in Saitama was the third in three matches under new boss Moriyasu and the first combining established players from the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia with newer members who have quickly made their mark on the international stage.