To reach Tokyo 2020, Skorza’s men have to better their performances at the two previous appearances in the competition, which both ended at the quarter-finals. In 2013 they were eliminated by Jordan and three years later, it was Iraq that knocked them out at the same stage.

The first obstacle on their way are 2018 runners-up Vietnam. The two sides had faced-off in the group stage of the 2016 edition, with the UAE emerging 3-2 winners to top the group, while Vietnam finished bottom at the time.

One player who can’t wait to make amends is defender Khalifa Al Hammadi. The Al Jazira centre-back was on the receiving end of a red card minutes before Nguyen Tien Linh’s thunderous strike gave Vietnam a first-half lead that would prove to be the difference at the final whistle.

At Buriram Stadium, Al Hammadi will look to muster the experiences gained, not only in that match, but throughout a 2019 which saw him make his senior international debut in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 and go on to establish himself as a key member of the UAE national team at the age of 21.

Back in January 2018, the Golden Stars were within seconds of a penalty shootout against Uzbekistan when Andrey Sodorov struck late in extra time to end the Vietnamese dreams of continental glory.

In the two years since, Vietnam lifted the 2018 AFF Cup, reached the quarter-finals of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, won the 2019 SEA Games gold and added more talents to their ranks including 22-year-old Tien Linh.

Two disappointing group stage exits in 2013 and 2018 were separated by a run into the final eight that was ended by an extra-time defeat at the hands of 2016 hosts Qatar.

Kim Kum-chul spearheads a new generation of players aiming to take DPR Korea into the Olympics for the first time since Montreal 1976.

Jordan’s best performance at the competition came in 2013 when they navigated a group featuring hosts Oman alongside Korea Republic and Myanmar, before overcoming the United Arab Emirates in the quarter-finals en route to a semi-final defeat to Saudi Arabia and a shoot-out victory over Korea Republic that handed Al Nashama the bronze medal.

Since then, performances have been mixed and results unsatisfactory, but in 2020, and with several players boasting prior experience in the tournament and in other AFC competitions, Jordan are better placed than ever to go far.

A brace apiece from Suphanat Mueanta and substitute Jaroensak Wonggorn helped secure the Matchday One victory at Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium, success which saw Thailand go two points clear at the top of the standings.

The resounding performance has left Thailand well placed to reach the competition’s knockout phase for the first time in three attempts – and Nishino full of praise for his young charges.

Mohamed Qasim scored with 13 minutes remaining to cancel out Reno Piscopo’s opener for the Olyroos as both teams picked up a point in their first Group A game at Thammasat Stadium.