Mitch Freeley

Ahead of the 2019 Asian Cup in the UAE we have decided to break down the teams in each group to see who could come away with the famous trophy on the 1st of February. You can subscribe now to our 2019 AFC Asian Cup UAE package now. Can Iran build on their impressive showing at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and go one step further to be crowned Asia's top side? Team Melli will have to navigate Group C taking on the likes of 2007 winners Iraq, AFF Suzuki Cup winners Vietnam & debutants Yemen. 

Iran
Coach – Carlos Queiroz

After coming so close to getting out of the group stages in Russia, can Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz get the most out of this exciting generation of Iranian players at the Asian Cup? Queiroz has had a tempestuous relationship with Iranian FA down the years, but has galvanized the squad during his five years in charge. This seems to be the final chance for this group of Iranian players, and after their exploits in Russia, Team Melli will be confident of making the latter stages of the AFC Asian Cup. 

Key Man – Mehdi Tarmei

Al Gharafa striker Mehdi Tarmei will be looking for redemption in the UAE as his represents his country at the Asian cup for the first time. The 26 year old spurned a golden chance against Portugal in the World Cup to seal progression from the group stages only to miss the chance in the final seconds of the contest. Leaving the striker in tears at the full time whistle. Tarmei has recovered and has been in good goalscoring form this season with six goals in fifteen appeaarances for his club side. Providing Tarmei can find his goalscoring touch, then Iran have a realistic chance of lifting the AFC Asian Cup for the first time since 1976. 

Iraq
Coach – Srečko Katanec

Slovenian coach Srečko Katanec was appointed Iraq boss in September 2018, and was charged with improving the side heading into the AFC Asian Cup. Katanec has plenty of expereincne at international level, having previously coached Macedonia, the UAE & Slovenia. Recent results have been impressive including victories against China & Palestine. However, the veteran boss will have to push his players all the way if they are to match the achivements of the 2007 side that lifted the Asian Cup. 

Key Man- Hussein Ali

At just 22-years old midfielder Hussein Ali is poised to have a breakout tournament for the Lions of Mesopotamia. The diminutive playmaker has been impressive for club side Qatar Sports Club this season, and is the leading player in the young squad selected by Katanec. With Columbus Crew midfielder Justin Meram now ruled out through injury, the pressure will be on Ali to deliver for his country when it really matters. 

Vietnam
Coach – Park Hang-Seo

South Korean Park Hang-Seo may have only taken charge of Vietnam since September 2017, but has already made a big impact leading the South-East Asian nation to AFF Suzuki Cup glory at the back end of 2018. The mild mannered tactitan has built up a real rapport with the young squad, and also lead the Golden Dragons to a respectable fourth place at the 2018 Asian Games. After so much success, can the South Korean turn that forward momentum into a credible performance at the AFC Asian Cup? 

Key Man – Nguyen Quang Hai

At just 21 years old central midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai is being talked up as being one of the players to watch for the Golden Dragons in the UAE. After eye-catching performances at the 2018 Asian Games and the AFF Suzuki Cup, the pressure will be on the goal scoring midfielder to deliver on the biggest stage of all for his country. 

Yemen
Coach –Ján Kocian

After parting ways with Abraham Mebratu, the coach that guided them to their first ever Asian Cup. Yemen have turned to Slovakian coach Ján Kocian for their first major international tournament. The 60-year old has enjoyed a nomadic career, taking in stints in Poland, Hong Kong, Germany and a period of managing his native Slovakia. 

Key Man - Ala Al-Sasi

Ala Al-Sasi is expected to lead the line for Yemen in the UAE, and the pressure will be on for the 31-year old to deliver for his country. Al-Sasi currently plays his club football with Al Sailiya in the Qatar Stars League, however, he has found his chances limited in the side.  It’s a different story on the international stage with the number nine was ever present during the qualification campaign, and came up with a vital goal in the 2-1 victory over Tajikistan.

Be sure to keep up to date with all the latest action from the AFC Asian Cup via beIN CONNECT.