Group B: Uzbekistan 0-0 Syria

The dropped points would have disappointed a dominant Uzbekistan side, with Australia the early pacesetters in the group following their 2-0 win over India earlier on Saturday.

Having been frustrated in the opening period, goals from Jackson Irvine and Jordan Bos secured the points for an Australian side seeking to win the continental title for a second time.

With Qatar having beaten Lebanon 3-0 in the opening match, the hosts now top Group A, while the debutants from central Asia will be encouraged by their spirited performance against Team Dragon.

The 60-year-old IR Iran boss had previously managed Team Melli in the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals, but he believes the game in Asia has made huge leaps since the tournament held in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

The East Asian team are the lowest ranked side in the competition but Bento said his players must be cautious in their approach.

The Frenchman led the Japanese to the AFC Asian Cup title in Lebanon in 2000 but will go head-to-head against the Samurai Blue for the first time at Al Thumama Stadium aiming to do to what Hajime Moriyasu’s side did against Germany and Spain a little over a year ago.

Liverpool boss Klopp last week declared his desire for the Samurai Blue to exit the competition as early as possible so Endo would return to help the Anfield club’s push for the Premier League title.

Battat and company start their journey in Group C with a tough clash against the three-time champions, but despite the level of the opponents and the difficult situation back at home, the Palestine captain insisted he and his teammates are raring to go in Qatar 2023.