The 34-year-old netted either side of the break to help guide his side to their first Finals win in 55 years and pole position in the group standings following Saturday’s 1-1 draw between Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

The 30-year-old defender’s first-half header earned Vital Borkelmans’ side all three points against an Australia team that dominated possession throughout the 90 minutes but was unable to find a way past goalkeeper Amer Shafi.

Graham Arnold’s side spent much of the game camped in the Jordanian half, only for the West Asian nation to take a hard-earned win that will set them up perfectly for their next meeting with neighbours Syria on January 11.

“Of course we don’t have the easiest of opponents in this tournament, we’re meeting one of the favourites to win the Asian Cup but there are always, now and then, surprises in football,” expressed Eriksson. “So why not even tomorrow?”

Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Dubai, Eriksson wasn’t shy to show his excitement in leading the Azkals to their opening match of the Continental showpiece, declaring: “We are, of course, excited as most teams are because you’re about to play the first game in such a big tournament.

“We have a team that has never been on this stage before, so that is very good for the whole country, the squad and everybody.”

The richly-experienced boss, who guided his native Italy to FIFA World Cup glory in 2006, acknowledged his side sits outside the group of pre-tournament favourites, but believes they are fully capable of a campaign to remember.

"It's very simple. Our target is to do our best and achieve a good result," said the 70-year-old, who also claimed the AFC Champions League with Guangzhou Evergrande in 2013.

Iran are chasing a fourth AFC Asian Cup title, but their first since 1976, while Yemen are determined to make their qualification for the tournament for the first time since unification one to remember.

Iran head coach Carlos Queiroz showed a glimpse of what Iran's approach will be in the tournament when he said that for the moment, the only match that matters is against Yemen.

It is a sensible approach as the largest and best ever AFC Asian Cup has already seen its first major upset with Jordan stunning defending champions Australia 1-0 in their Group B opener on Sunday.

On a night of high drama, Bahrain had taken a late lead through Mohamed Al Rohaimi only for substitute Ahmed Khalil to salvage a point for the host nation with an 88th minute penalty at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Despite the UAE’s late equaliser, Al Hayam believes it was a case of a job well done for Miroslav Soukup’s charges who are looking to better Bahrain’s fourth-place finish at the AFC Asian Cup in 2004.

Khalil struck with just two minutes remaining in regulation time to secure a 1-1 tie with Miroslav Soukup’s side in their Group A meeting and ease some of the pressure on Alberto Zaccheroni and his team.