After finishing their first training at their pre-FIFA World Cup camp in Leogang, Austria, on Monday, the Korea Republic  players gathered in a circle with no coaches present.

Ki reportedly told his teammates to get the right mindset for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, where they have to face Sweden, Mexico and Germany in Group F.

Ki, who is with Swansea City in the English Premier League, was seen speaking to his teammates for several minutes. FC Augsburg's Koo Ja-cheol was next to deliver some words of advice.

The player meeting took 15 minutes, triple the length of time head coach Shin Tae-yong spoke to his players after training.

"I just told our players about our mindset preparing for this World Cup," Ki said of the players' gathering.

A turbulent nine-month spell since they secured FIFA World Cup qualification in September saw Saudi Arabia part ways with Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk, appoint former UAE boss Edgardo Bauza, only to dismiss him only two month later and bring Juan Antonio Pizzi.

Pizzi has since gone on to establish a new tactical identity for the team; one that emphasises the value of pressing high up the pitch and retaining possession for extended period. Whether the six months period since he effectively took over is enough for the players to fully adapt to his ways is arguably the biggest question for the Green Falcons ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

Nevertheless, with Son Heung-min – arguably Asia's finest footballer currently playing – and several other young attacking talents in the ranks, the Taeguk Warriors have the potential to excite.

Overview

Set for their ninth consecutive FIFA World Cup, Korea Republic have had a number of pre-Russia 2018 warm-up matches over the last six months with a wide variety of opponents and a series of mixed results. Wins over Moldova, Latvia and Honduras; a draw with Jamaica; losses to Northern Ireland, Poland and Bosnia and Herezegovina.

At the time of writing, Shin Tae-yong's side are yet to face Bolivia and Senegal in their final ties before they kick off their World Cup campaign against Sweden on June 18, but it seems the side are yet to settle on a line-up with a 3-5-2 formation the latest experiment in the defeat to Bosnia.

Overview

With three of their six planned pre-World Cup friendlies cancelled, IR Iran’s preparations have been less than ideal. But with an abundance of talent across the squad, Queiroz will still be confident of a strong showing in Russia.

Drawn in the so-called “Group of Death” alongside the last two European champions; Spain and Portugal as well as Morocco, many believe Team Melli have their work cut out for them.

However, a defence that conceded just five goals in their 18 qualifiers’ games and an attack line boasting some of the continent’s finest forwards could cause upsets if the Portuguese coach gets his tactics right.

Team Melli begin their campaign against Morocco in St. Petersburg on June 15 as Queiroz attempts to steer the country to their first-ever appearance in the knockout rounds after four group stage exits.

But with games against 2010 FIFA World Cup winners Spain and reigning European champions Portugal to come after the opener against the North African nation, Daei stresses the task that lies ahead will be a major challenge.

As a 21-year-old who had enjoyed a breakout A-League season with Melbourne Victory, the winger missed out on selection for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Then, in 2014 having broken into the national team set up and establishing himself as a key cog in the attack, a cruciate ligament injury meant he missed the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Now, in 2018, the 29-year-old feels like it’s his time to shine and that the new system implemented by head coach Bert van Marwijk suits his game style perfectly.

“I’ve had to overcome a lot of mental barriers through my rehab with a lot of serious injuries,” said Kruse, who has 63 caps to his name.

“I’m really close now so it’s a little bit surreal but a lot of hard work has been put in and I’m just really excited to get there and hopefully contribute to the team.”

A record 15 match officials and one VAR official will represent the Continent and we kick off the series by profiling the Asian assistant referees who will be on duty in Russia 2018.