Every cloud has a silver lining, and that is certainly the case for Australian defender Matthew Jurman.

When the Socceroos failed to qualify directly for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, there was a palpable sense of disappointment right across the country and, although he was living in Korea Republic at the time, Jurman felt that as much as anyone.

But from adversity comes opportunity. Jurman, who had watched on from the sidelines as Australia battled their way through qualifying, was handed a first call-up by then coach Ange Postecoglou for the two play-off matches against Syria in October 2017.

And it was an opportunity he grasped with both hands after being given a starting berth for both legs, not putting a foot wrong alongside Trent Sainsbury in defence. 

Possession, they say, is nine tenths of the law. After two composed performances, suddenly that left-sided central defender role was his and his to lose.

“The AFC Quarterly is the confederation's latest effort to reach out to the millions of passionate fans of Asian football and put on splendid display the game’s glorious achievements,” said AFC Acting President Zhang Jilong. “The biggest endeavour of this magazine is to make household names of our players and put the spotlight on our many competitions, which produce countless moments of top-notch football entertainment.”AFC Player of the Year Lee Keun-ho from Korea Republic is the cover star of the inaugural edition, which also features interviews with 2007 AFC Asian Cup winning striker Younus Mahmood, Olympic bronze medal-winning coach Hong Myung-bo, and Uzbek legend Mirdjalal Kasimov.

The Australian international will join the two-time AFC Champions League winners as they prepare for the Saudi Pro League 2018-19 season which begins in late August, and aim to return to the club Continental stage having missed the 2016 and 2017 editions.

Jurman began his senior professional career in Australia, playing for Sydney FC and Brisbane Roar, before moving to Korea Republic for a stint with the Suwon-based club, where he made three appearances in their 2018 AFC Champions League campaign.

The move means the 28-year-old will be passing up on the 2018 AFC Champions League quarter-finals first leg tie with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.

Asia's champions will have been disappointed with their showing at Russia 2018, with just one point from the three Group Stage ties and no goals scored from open play.

There were many who felt the Socceroos would be among the continent's favourites to progress to the knockout stage under coach Bert van Marwijk, but it proved to be a challenge too far. 

With a new man at the helm coming in for the build-up to AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, there will be much work needed to ensure they can successfully defend their title.

After 107 national team appearances and 50 goals, Cahill confirmed on social media his appearance off the bench against Peru at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia was his final for his country.

"Today’s the day that I’m officially hanging up my boots on my international career with the Socceroos," Cahill wrote.

"No words can describe what it has meant to represent my country. Massive thank you to everyone for the support throughout all my years wearing the Australian badge."

Football Federation Australia Chairman Steven Lowy praised Cahill’s immense contribution to football. 

“Tim Cahill is a football great in Australia. As a player and as a person he has had an enormous impact on the game,” said Lowy.

“Tim’s performances on and off the pitch and his feats at FIFA World Cups and AFC Asian Cups have inspired millions across the globe, but it is in Australia, where Tim is a household name, that his influence is most profound. He has our very best wishes for whatever new challenges he takes on. We hope to continue to work with Tim to promote football in Australia.”

An Islamic Republic of Iran side featuring seven players plying their trade at Esteghlal, Persepolis and Al Sadd impressed in the World Cup despite exiting at the group stage. Korea Republic stunned reigning champions Germany with two Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors players on the pitch and a third on the bench.

Kashima Antlers’ pair Gen Shoji and Naomichi Ueda reached the Round of 16 with Japan, but Tianjin Quanjian’s Axel Witsel was the AFC Champions League quarter-finalist to go furthest in Russia, helping his Belgium side to a historic third-place finish. Samsung Suwon Bluewings' Matthew Jurman wasn’t as fortunate as his Australia team were eliminated at the group stage.

Our five-man panel had shared their pre-tournament thoughts on their countries’ chances and how they saw things potentially playing out. Now they reflect on those performances and look ahead to the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

The Panel members are Sebastian Hasset from Australia, Pejman Rahbar from IR Iran, Etsuko Motokawa from Japan, Seo Ho-jung from Korea Republic and Atef Nahass from Saudi Arabia.