OFFICIAL PROGRAMME - The AFC
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OFFICIAL PROGRAMME
OFFICIAL SPONSORS
OFFICIAL SUPPORTERS
OFFICIAL TIMEKEEPER
Dear friends,
On behalf of the Asian Football Confederation, it is my privilege to welcome you to the greatest ever AFC Asian Cup
being held here in the United Arab Emirates.
We also extend our thanks to the leadership of His Highness Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, His
Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Makhtoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of
Dubai, and His Highness Mohammad bin Zayed al Khalifa, the Crown Prince of the UAE.
I must thank His Excellency Marwan Ahmed Ghalita, the President of the UAE Football Association, and the Higher
Local Organising Committee vice-chairman His Excellency Mohammed Khalfan Al Romaithi as well as Tournament
Director HE Aref Hamad Al Awani for their magnificent contribution to the success of this Asian Cup.
The AFC Asian Cup 2019 is bigger than ever, with a record 24 teams taking part – including at least one from each of the
AFC’s five regional zones.
It is the richest ever with a prize fund of US$14.8 million with the winners taking home a remarkable US$5m and a
glittering new trophy.
And the AFC has shown its faith in Asian excellence by the appointment of Molten of Japan to manufacture the special
tournament match balls.
This tournament, the first in the UAE since 1996, will be played in four great cities and at eight magnificent stadiums
which will showcase the UAE’s skill and ability to deliver world class events.
During the tournament we will witness the Continent’s greatest players and teams at the very peak of their performance
deliver moments that will live long in the memory of those here in the stadiums and the millions upon millions watching
on television or engaged through social media.
I wish all the players and teams the very best of luck as they strive to reach the final in Abu Dhabi on February 1
and I thank also the referees and their assistants for their continued excellence and important contribution to the
tournament.
As the slogan says, we are ’Bringing Asia Together’ here in the UAE, and I am sure everyone will enjoy the experience.
Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa
AFC President
AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMME
THE TIME
Four years later, a new name was
engraved on the trophy when Israel
tasted glory, before the rise of a
continental powerhouse began in
1968 as the Islamic Republic of
IS NOW
Iran won the last of the round-robin
tournaments in front of home support
in Tehran.
Korea Republic sensed a third title in
1972 but were denied as Iran sealed
back-to-back successes following
a 2-1 victory in Thailand, and the
THE AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 IS FINALLY UPON US Iranians then became the first and
to date only nation to claim three
AND FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE COMPETITION’S in a row when a 1-0 win over Kuwait
secured the 1976 title on home soil.
HISTORY 24 TEAMS WILL COMPETE FOR THE RIGHT The AFC Asian Cup entered its fourth
decade in 1980 and a fourth country
TO BE CROWNED CONTINENTAL CHAMPIONS. NO added its name to the roll of honour
as Kuwait made up for defeat in
FEWER THAN SIX FORMER WINNERS, AS WELL AS Tehran by dealing Korea Republic a East Asia finally
second successive final defeat after got its hands back
THREE DEBUTANTS, WILL TAKE TO THE FIELD WHEN running out 3-0 victors in Kuwait City. on the trophy in 1992
but it was Japan rather
ASIA’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS TOURNAMENT KICKS than Korea Republic who
hoisted the trophy above their
OFF IN JANUARY. heads as a 1-0 win in the final
in Hiroshima denied Saudi Arabia
a third successive title and saw the
Samurai Blue join the continent’s
elite.
The United Arab Emirates were
awarded the chance to host their
first AFC Asian Cup in 1996 and the
Emiratis advanced all the way to
the final, where they met two-time
champions Saudi Arabia. With defeat
four years earlier fresh in their minds,
the Green Falcons held their nerve
from the spot to win on penalties
after a scoreless draw.
Japan began the new millennium by
claiming their second title, after again
seeing off Saudi Arabia 1-0 in the final
in Beirut, before the Samurai Blue
became the third team to win the
competition three times when they
beat hosts China 3-1 in the 2004
final.
The AFC Asian Cup grabbed global
headlines in 2007 as war-torn Iraq
James Troisi ensured his name would Heung-min to level late on and force
stunned the world after Younis
go down in Australian footballing an additional 30 minutes as the East
Mahmoud headed home the only
history when the midfielder struck Asians maintained hopes of a first
goal of the game against Saudi
an extra-time winner to give the title since 1960.
Arabia in Jakarta. The win capped a
Socceroos a 2-1 victory over Korea But the home side responded well and
A new winner was guaranteed ahead remarkable campaign for the Iraqis
Republic and seal the hosts’ maiden got their reward in the 105th minute long wait to end their trophy drought
of the 1984 final when Saudi Arabia in a tournament that had been held
AFC Asian Cup title, on home soil, in when Troisi finished from close in continued, but it was they who
met China in Singapore, and it was in the Southeast Asian nations of
early 2015. after goalkeeper Kim Jin-hyeon could dominated the early editions of the
the Saudis who were victorious after Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and
More than 76,000 spectators turned only parry out Tomi Juric’s cross. tournament, after the Asian Football
a 2-0 win that launched their own Vietnam.
up at Stadium Australia in the hope The goal proved decisive and, after Confederation was founded in Manila
period of relative dominance. Having debuted and progressed to
that Ange Postecoglou’s side could suffering a heartbreaking loss in in 1954.
Another final, another defeat the quarter-finals in 2007, Australia
banish the memories of defeat to extra-time following Tadanari Lee’s Played in a round-robin format, the
for Korea Republic in 1988 as a reached the final in their second
Japan in the 2011 final in Qatar. The winner four years earlier, Socceroos Taeguk Warriors won the inaugural
scoreless draw against the defending appearance in 2011, but were sunk
competition’s Most Valuable Player players and fans rejoiced as Australia AFC Asian Cup in Hong Kong in 1956
champions was followed by an by one of the most memorable goals
Massimo Luongo opened the scoring were crowned kings of the continent. and then retained their title in 1960
agonising 4-3 penalty shootout loss. in the tournament’s history as Lee’s
just before half-time, only for Son For Korea Republic, their decades- on home soil.
AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMME AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMME
sweetly struck volley in extra-time for a fifth time. From Southeast Asia, And finally, India is one of a number of
sealed an unprecedented fourth title meanwhile, Thailand and Vietnam join countries hoping a sizeable expatriate
for Japan. the Philippines and travel with young population in the UAE can spur them
It was third time lucky for the squads full of potential and capable of on to greater heights as they make
Australians, though, when Troisi’s upsetting the odds. their first appearance since 2011.
winner in 2015 went some way Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Whatever the outcome, the AFC Asian
towards erasing the memories from Palestine, Qatar and Syria all make Cup UAE 2019 is sure to offer up
Doha as the Socceroos became the short trips to the UAE and should relentless drama and excitement from
eighth champions of a competition acclimatise easily, while Uzbekistan the big kick-off on January 5 to the
that is the pinnacle of Asian football. and Turkmenistan join the Iranians final at Zayed Sports City Stadium on
Almost four years on from that and the Kyrgyz as Central Asia’s February 1, when one nation will lift the
glorious night in Sydney, 24 nations representatives. new trophy into the Abu Dhabi sky.
will descend upon the UAE as the
cities of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain and
Sharjah get set to stage the biggest
AFC Asian Cup yet.
The holders will be looking to retain
their trophy, while the Emiratis will aim
to go one better than when they lost
the 1996 final on home soil.
Already boasting a record four titles,
Japan will target their fifth after being
the best performing Asian nation at
the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia,
while Iran, Korea Republic and Saudi
Arabia will be desperate to end their
long waits for the trophy.
Iraq are the sixth former winner to
appear in the UAE and, after a positive
two years, can enter the competition
with hope, while a trio of debutants
in Kyrgyz Republic, the Philippines
and Yemen will look to showcase their
talents to the continent.
Runners-up in 1984 and 2004, China
will make another bid for glory and
their neighbours DPR Korea return
AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMME
FORMER UNITED
ARAB EMIRATES
NATIONAL TEAM STAR
MIDFIELDER HASSAN
SAEED RECALLS THE
LAST TIME HIS NATION
HOSTED THE AFC
ASIAN CUP, IN 1996,
AND LOOKS AHEAD TO
WHAT WILL COME IN
THE 2019 EDITION. Abdulghani was first booked for a back then.”
challenge from behind on Saeed 20 Saeed and his teammates certainly
minutes before the end of regular made amends. Having finished fourth
time. Saeed’s consistent pressure in the previous edition, the UAE
caused Saudi Arabia’s number 13 started their home campaign with
to handle the ball in frustration and a 1-1 draw against Korea Republic,
THIS
receive his marching orders in the before a dramatic win over Kuwait
86th minute. three days later.
Despite their numerical advantage, “I had suffered an injury in the Gulf
the UAE failed to capitalise Cup, so was sat on the bench for the
on Abdulghani’s dismissal, as first match, but coach Tomislav Ivic
goalkeeper Mohammed Al Deayea had built his plans around me being
IS OUR
put in a performance worthy of his part of his starting 11. I recovered
‘Goalkeeper of the and was fit again
Tournament’ tag, for the Kuwait
denying the Whites match.”
several scoring A right winger by
TOURNAMENT
opportunities, as the trade, Saeed was
game eventually went the only player
to penalties. from Ittihad Kalba
“We gave it everything to be drafted into
but were ultimately the squad. He
unlucky with the did not possess
penalties,” says the strongest
the former UAE physique, but his
international, whose athleticism was
three goals had remarkable, and
helped the Whites he was excellent
reach their first at heading the
It can be easy to forget you are just a Two things remain unchanged for neighbours Saudi Arabia. Saeed was advanced into the box and put a cross continental final, ball.
ninety minutes’ drive away from the Saeed, his love for the beautiful game still holding his head in his hands, on a golden plate for Adnan Al Talyani. before his miss from The UAE were
luxurious attractions and futuristic and for his hometown, Kalba. the 50 yards’ walk to the halfway line The latter, arguably the finest the spot confirmed 2-0 down to
skyscrapers of Dubai, as the wavy Never has the sound of a football feeling like a thousand miles as Khalid footballer the country has ever they would have to make do with Kuwait at the half-time break, then
road through the mountains of the cannoning off the woodwork sounded Al Muwallad slotted home the winning produced, was left with the goal at silver. just eight minutes after the restart,
United Arab Emirates’ Eastern Region as loud as it did on the evening of penalty for the Green Falcons. his mercy from a few yards out, but “We had played in the Gulf Cup in Saeed moved into space at the
give way to the tranquil seaside town December 21, 1996 as the 60,000 The UAE could have sealed the title somehow the seasoned goalscorer Oman just before it and didn’t do well. far post, rising above his marker
of Kalba. fans present at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed long before the penalty shootout; sent his effort wide and the scores So, when the AFC Asian Cup came to head home a cross sent from
“It is completely different,” Hassan Sport City were reduced to utter just two minutes into the second half, remained level. around, we were determined to make left-back Munther Ali. His goal laid
Saeed says, his eyes glistening silence, watching their team’s top Saeed applied pressure on Saudi Saeed was facing one of the amends. the foundation for a memorable
as he gazes into the distance, his goalscorer in the tournament hit the defender Abdullah Zubromawi, continent’s best left-backs in “Back in 1996, we played top teams comeback. Talisman Al Talyani
mind wandering into what could be post from 12 yards. dispossessing him and Hussein Abdulghani, and to prepare for the AFC Asian Cup; we equalised two minutes later with
mistaken for another life. “Twenty- The finest of margins had just denied laying a deft backheel the boy from Kalba was faced Hristo Stoichkov’s Bulgaria and another header, before Bakheet Saad
three years ago, we played football for the UAE a historic victory in the pass for Zuhair such a menace for Gheorghe Hagi’s Romania. They were sealed the victory ten minutes from
the love of it.” final of the AFC Asian Cup against Bakheet who his marker that two of the best teams in world football time.
AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMME AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMME
Saeed was on target again in the final maiden final, and Saeed was there to
group match, scoring the first in a deliver.
2-0 win over Indonesia as the Whites Playmaker Mohammed Ali stepped up
progressed to the quarter-finals to take the corner kick for the home
after topping their group. A nervy side in the 69th minute, and Saeed
affair against Iraq followed, one which sneaked into space inside the Kuwaiti
went into extra-time before defender box, before connecting perfectly with
Abdulrahman Ibrahim rifled in a free- the cross, his powerful header leaving
kick from 30 yards as the first ‘Golden goalkeeper Falah Al Majidi rooted to
Goal’ in AFC Asian Cup history won the spot.
“It was the proudest moment of my
entire career and I am forever grateful
for it,” Saeed recalls, the spark in
his eyes getting ever brighter. “I had
scored in back-to-back matches in
the group stage and my fitness was
getting better as the tournament
progressed. My goal against Kuwait
sent us into the final and made me the
team’s top scorer in the tournament. Association. Togetherness was the thing left is for the UAE to win the pressure, Saeed remains optimistic
“Hosting the 1996 AFC Asian Cup secret to our success”. AFC Asian Cup. Yes, in football there about the Whites’ prospects.
made a huge difference to UAE It was indeed a roaring success, are no guarantees, but you have to “This generation brought the UAE
football. Everyone stood behind the despite the disappointment of the aim for the title, especially when you back to the forefront after we had
national team, and we rewarded them final. The 1996 tournament remains are playing at home.” struggled for a few years in the early
the game for the hosts. by going all the way to the final. the Whites’ best result at an AFC Great expectations are being placed 2000s. They have what it takes. I
The semi-finals brought a rematch “As players, we were fully focused Asian Cup, and Saeed believes their on the shoulders of the class of 2019, believe the most important thing in
against Kuwait, who had eliminated on getting a result. I remember in performance has laid a marker for the the majority of whom were part of the football is to play for the nation and
reigning champions Japan in the training, Al Talyani used to always current generation to follow. side that impressed in Australia four give 200 percent. If this group of
previous round. This time it was a motivate us, saying: ‘This is our “Winning the title is the only result years ago. They reached the semi- players work hard with that in mind,
cagey affair with little to separate the tournament’. It was always on our that counts as a success; we have finals and eventually finished third in they can do much better and bring joy
sides. The hosts needed something minds. Everyone was behind us too finished fourth, third and second in what was the UAE’s best performance to the nation.”
special to propel them into their – fans, media and the UAE Football previous tournaments, so the only on foreign soil. And, despite the
AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMME AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMME
ASIAN FOOTBALL
LEGEND YASUHITO
ENDO HAS TAKEN
PART IN FOUR AFC
ASIAN CUPS, WINNING
THE TITLE TWICE,
WITH MANY OF THE
JAPAN ICON’S BEST
MOMENTS IN HIS
CAREER COMING AT
THE CONTINENTAL
over the hosts thanks to the positive Zaccheroni led Japan to a fourth
TOURNAMENT. tactics of their manager Zico. continental crown in Qatar.
“He loved to attack and play “Japan were strong then as well. We
offensively, so I really liked him as a beat Korea Republic in the semi-final
coach,” Endo says of the Brazilian and then Australia in the final, and
legend. “He encouraged players to it’s always pleasing to win titles by
think for themselves and play. We defeating strong opponents. It gives
THE
had a really good squad of players as you real confidence to say: ‘Japan are
well. [Yoshikatsu] Kawaguchi, [Yuji] the champions’.”
Nakazawa, [Tsuneyasu] Miyamoto, That 1-0 win over the Socceroos
Alex [Santos]. also marked a watershed moment
“We won the final 3-1 but that was for Japanese football, serving as
HAPPIEST OF
tinged with a little long-desired
regret for me. I was retribution for
happy but it was also a loss handed
a difficult feeling. I out five years
wanted to play. And previously.
MEMORIES
that time was pretty “They beat us
scary, being in the at the World
stands surrounded by Cup in 2006
China fans. I was all on and from that
my own in a tracksuit point on Japan
with the Japan badge and Australia
on!” became rivals,”
That was the second Endo says. “We
time Endo had been have also come
forced to bite his nails up against them
on the sidelines in in World Cup
China, after he was qualifying and
substituted in the it’s always really
the World Cup makes it even more quarter-final against Jordan, a game tight as to whether we win, lose, or
We often forget that the players we won at the AFC Asian Cup. AFC Asian Cup.
important.” which went to penalties. draw – we pretty much match each
cheer on out on the pitch are just like “I’ve played over 150 times for “The tournament decides who is
Endo’s first AFC Asian Cup triumph “First up Shunsuke [Nakamura] other. After that final we grew in
us. Japan, won the Asian Cup twice, number one in Asia, so for Japan the
came at the first time of asking, in missed, then Alex missed, but after confidence though.”
As youngsters they kicked a ball played at four Asian Cups, and three Asian Cup is important as we are
China in 2004 – although that title that we came back to win. Yoshikatsu After a tense 90 minutes ended
around with their friends, dreaming World Cups,” the Gamba Osaka star always aiming to keep hold of our
comes with bittersweet memories for was superb. I was watching from the scoreless in Doha, a similarly fraught
of becoming footballers, of one day says. “It’s great, that’s happiness. position at the top,” he says of the
the 38-year-old. bench and when Shunsuke and Alex period of extra- time followed and
representing their country on the Happiness.” AFC’s showpiece event. “It’s also
“I was sent off in the semi-final so was missed it felt as though that was it it looked increasingly like a penalty
biggest stage of all. The Kagoshima native has won connected to the Confederations
suspended for the final,” he recalls. and we’d lost, but the comeback was shootout would be needed until
And once they get there the emotions everything there is to win in the Cup, so the chance to go and play
“I’d played in every game until that incredible. That game was amazing.” Tadanari Lee delivered a wonder
of the occasion don’t pass them by, Asian game, as well as scoring for the in that competition the year before
point so that hurt. I watched the final Defeat to Saudi Arabia in the semi- strike in the 109th minute to settle
not even for the likes of Yasuhito Samurai Blue as they progressed to
on my own in the stands, surrounded finals followed in Vietnam in 2007, but things in Japan’s favour.
Endo, Japan’s most-capped player the last 16 at the 2010 FIFA World
by China fans.” Endo was finally able to savour the full Having not featured in the 2004
and the joint-record holder for Cup in South Africa, and some of his
Despite Endo’s absence from the taste of victory in 2011 when Alberto final Endo reveled in the grueling
tournaments participated in and titles happiest memories have come at the
midfield, Japan secured a 3-1 win
AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMME AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMME
manner of victory this time – until the years ago, but the midfielder did mark
adrenaline wore off, at least. a personal milestone by playing his
“[Extra-time] was actually enjoyable,” 150th game for his country in the
he says. “But we’d also gone all the group stage win over Iraq.
way to penalties in the semi-final “I felt, ‘I’m getting old, huh!’,” he jokes
against Korea Republic so I was a of that landmark. “But I was really
happy to get to 150 games. It’s not
that common for players to get to
150, so I was happy about that and we
won the game too. I took a photo with
everyone back at the hotel after the
game, so it’s a great memory.”
Having been eliminated on penalties
in the quarter-final by the UAE in
2015, Endo is expecting Hajime pose the toughest challenge. by one of Japan’s Group F rivals. in desire to further their status as the
Moriyasu’s men to make a concerted “Players all around Asia are improving. “Uzbekistan,” he says immediately. competition’s most successful side.
challenge for glory this time around. The likes of Qatar and Oman are “They’re a really good team. And how “It goes without saying that there’s
“I hope Japan can make it all the way getting stronger, while teams like about UAE under Zaccheroni? He’s a always high motivation when playing
to the final, but it’s so hard to say. I Thailand are really starting to show good coach and a nice guy. It’s being for your country, but at the Asian Cup
little tired. After the game everyone think the other teams are also getting their ability as well. That means held in the UAE so I’ll go for the hosts and World Cup in particular it’s extra
realised how tired they were – well, stronger, but the main rivals will be nowadays it is far from easy to get and Uzbekistan.” high,” he says. “In Asia we always want
except for Chunson (Tadanari Lee) Korea Republic and Australia, and of through the group stage. Australia Competition is sure to be fierce as to be the champions.”
and [Yuto] Nagatomo. Chunson had course Iran. I think they are the best have joined the competition too, players from across the continent
only come on as a sub and Nagatomo team in Asia right now. which has changed the complexion strive to achieve their dreams, but,
can run forever, that guy is always ok!” “Their key asset is their physical a little and means we have one more as a man who has been there and
Endo and his teammates were unable strength, but they’re also incredibly direct rival.” done that on more than one occasion,
to defend their title in Australia four talented technically. I think Iran will As for a dark horse, Endo is impressed Endo knows Japan won’t be lacking
AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMME AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMME
PHILIPPE TROUSSIER: Uzbekistan LEE DONG-GOOK: Cho Hyun-woo.
could be a big surprise team in the He’s a superstar after the World Cup.
THE
tournament, they have improved a lot. But I knew he had the ability to be a star
Outside of the usual favourites, they goalkeeper before then. He can be the
could be one to reach the final or even national team number one for a long
be champions. Also, the UAE. The fact time. His great performances at the
they are the hosts means they can be World Cup didn’t surprise me at all, and
EXPERTS’ VIEW
a great challenger at home. we’ll see more of those at the Asian Cup.
WHO WILL BE THE YOUNG STAR? ABBAS OBEID: Salman Al Faraj.
He is a very good player, and he
ALI DAEI: IR Iran have some good keeps getting better. I saw him in
young players that have World Cup the qualifiers and at the World Cup
experience. Like Saeed Ezatolahi, who and he played very well and is a very
WITH THE AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 SET TO BE THE BIGGEST EDITION OF THE LEE DONG-GOOK: I hope it can I think is progressing very well. I think intelligent midfielder. I think he’s one
be a true striker, not an attacking he can play well in the AFC Asian Cup. of the best players in Saudi Arabia.
CONTINENTAL COMPETITON YET, WE TALK TO SOME OF THE BIGGEST NAMES midfielder like Son Heung-min. Hwang Lee Dong-gook: Lee Seung-woo. He
Ui-jo is very capable, has a decent has very good technical ability and, if PHILIPPE TROUSSIER: I’d like to
IN THE ASIAN GAME TO GET THEIR THOUGHTS AND VIEWS ON THE UPCOMING positional sense and a good shot. he can work on his physique, he can highlight Vietnam’s Nguyen Quang
Abbas Obeid: I’m going to go for Son become a star of the national team. Hai. He is a very good and interesting
TOURNAMENT Heung-min again. Abbas Obeid: Bashar Resan, if he gets young player. I’d say he deserves a
the chance to play in the starting 11. chance in Europe. Left footed, very
Our panel consists of the AFC Asian ABBAS OBEID: Japan vs IR Iran or PHILIPPE TROUSSIER: Minamino, He’s a very good player and plays his creative – he can show the world
Cup’s all-time Top Scorer and Islamic possibly Korea Republic. These teams again. if I consider Japan to be one of club football at one of the best teams how much Vietnamese football has
Republic of Iran legend Ali Daei, the put in good performances at the last the finalists, logically they will have in Asia. improved in recent times.
2000 AFC Asian Cup Top Scorer and World Cup. to win matches and score goals. They
Korea Republic icon Lee Dong-gook, play offensive football and he could
former Iraq captain and 2000 AFC PHILIPPE TROUSSIER: For me, be the one to find the target.
Asian Cup Team of the Tournament IR Iran against Japan. It would be a
midfielder Abbas Obeid, and Japan’s great representation of football at WHO WILL BE THE
2000 AFC Asian Cup-winning coach the highest level in Asia. It would be a TOURNAMENT’S DARK HORSE?
Philippe Troussier. fantastic final.
ALI DAEI: It’s very hard to predict
WHO WILL BE THE MVP? right now, but I think China could
surprise other teams in the Asian
ALI DAEI: I think if IR Iran can qualify Cup.
to the final, Alireza Jahanbakhsh will
be one of the key players. Saman LEE DONG-GOOK: One possibility PHILIPPE TROUSSIER: I have
Ghoddos also has a high chance to could be Uzbekistan. They have a picked Japan in the final against
perform well in the AFC Asian Cup young, talented squad – maybe a IR Iran, so I would like to consider a
and become MVP. golden generation. If not this Asian player from the Iranian side. I agree
Cup, maybe the next one, they could with Ali Daei that Ezatolahi could be
LEE DONG-GOOK: I can’t pick one! be the best. They’ve played together the young star to watch from Team
The MVP will certainly be a player from the beginning and such a unity Melli.
from the champions, it won’t be me and understanding could be a threat
though! to other teams. WHICH PLAYER(S) SHOULD WE
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR?
ABBAS OBEID: Son Heung-min of
WHO WILL WIN THE AFC ASIAN title. They haven’t won it for many Korea Republic will be the MVP. He’s ALI DAEI: Sardar Azmoun. He’s a
CUP 2019? years, but they deserve it after so ready to be the star of this AFC Asian great player who could play for some
much improvement in their football in Cup, in my opinion. of the big European teams in the
ALI DAEI: In my opinion, Islamic recent times. And also, I’d like them to coming years. Korea Republic’s Son
Republic of Iran and Japan have more win for my friend Carlos Queiroz. PHILIPPE TROUSSIER: I like Takumi Heung-min is also one of the best
chance of becoming champions than Minamino of Japan, he has come into Asian players right now.
the other teams. Both teams have WHICH TWO TEAMS WILL PLAY IN form at the perfect time. He could
shown their football has developed a THE FINAL? surprise people and be a contender
lot in recent times. for MVP.
LEE DONG-GOOK: The most
LEE DONG-GOOK: For me, if Korea exciting scenario for fans would be for
Republic could win in the final, the WHO WILL BE THE TOP SCORER?
Korea Republic to play Japan in the
whole country would go crazy. final, many fans would love to see this. ABBAS OBEID: Vietnam. I saw many
ALI DAEI: I think Mehdi Taremi can
ABBAS OBEID: IR Iran or Japan, but ALI DAEI: As I said, I think IR Iran and be the Top Scorer, if he plays in his games of their Olympic team. They
if I must pick one: Japan. I believe Japan, if they don’t happen to face regular position at the front of our are so different from how they were
they are the strongest team in Asia. each other in the earlier stages, have attacking line. But we have also other ten years ago. They are technically
Philippe Troussier: I would like to the highest chance to play the final. good strikers in Asia that will compete very, very good and I think they could
see IR Iran win the AFC Asian Cup to win this title. surprise a lot of teams.
AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMME AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMME
UNITED ARAB
EMIRATES
Record: Runners-Up 1996; Third Place 2015;
THAILAND
Fourth Place 1992; Group Stage: 2011, 2007, 2004, 1988, 1984, 1980 Record: Third Place 1972; Group Stage 2007, 2004, 2000, 1996, 1992
MEMORABLE MEMORABLE
HOW THEY TOP SCORER ASIAN CUP HOW THEY TOP SCORER ASIAN CUP
QUALIFIED IN QUALIFYING MATCH LEGEND QUALIFIED IN QUALIFYING MATCH LEGEND
The United Arab Emirates Ahmed Khalil finished At the 2015 AFC Asian Cup Long before current Thailand proved their Thailand shared their 14 Thailand have only once Kiatisuk Senamuang, also
gained the right to host second in the overall AFC quarter-finals in Australia, icon Omar Abdulrahman, growing reputation in Asia goals around, with five made it out of the group known as ‘Zico’, is better
the AFC Asian Cup for Asian Cup qualifiers with the UAE held reigning goalscoring machine was well deserved, finishing players scoring at least two stage in their six previous known more recently as
the second time in their 11 goals to his name, only champions Japan to a Adnan Al Talyani (pictured) top of Group F ahead of goals, but it was leading appearances at the AFC the coach who oversaw
history, after successfully three behind Saudi Arabia’s 1-1 draw for 120 minutes scored 52 goals in 161 2007 champions Iraq, with striker Teerasil Dangda Asian Cup, and that came Thailand’s remarkable
doing so in 1996 when they Mohammed Al Sahlawi. He before the match went to appearances for his nation. four wins and two draws – (pictured) with three goals in 1972 when they finished rise in fortunes in the last
reached the final, only to netted four goals against penalties.. A famous Omar Part of the UAE side that both of which came in a pair who was the War Elephants’ second in Group A, which five years. But before his
lose against Saudi Arabia. both Malaysia and Timor- Abdulrahman ‘Panenka’ qualified for the 1990 of thrilling 2-2 draws with top scorer. saw them face Korea time in the dugout he was
However, the UAE still Leste. helped the Whites FIFA World Cup, Al Talyani the Iraqis – which saw them Republic in the semi- Thailand’s most decorated
participated in the joint capitalise on two penalty scored in the 1984 AFC qualify directly for their first finals. While they lost that player, with 71 goals in 134
AFC Asian Cup-FIFA World misses from Japanese Asian Cup and netted twice AFC Asian Cup since 2007. match on penalties, they appearances, both of which
Cup qualifiers, finishing stars Keisuke Honda and during the UAE’s historic finished the tournament are records.
second in their group Shinji Kagawa, winning 5-4 1996 campaign. on a high note with a win
behind Saudi Arabia. on penalties and advancing over Cambodia, also on
to the semi-finals of penalties, in the third-place
the competition before play-off.
finishing third.
AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMME AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMMEINDIA
Record: Runners-Up 1964; Group Stage 2011, 1984
BAHRAIN
Record: Fourth Place 2004; Group Stage 2015, 2011, 2007, 1988
MEMORABLE MEMORABLE
HOW THEY TOP SCORER ASIAN CUP HOW THEY TOP SCORER ASIAN CUP
QUALIFIED IN QUALIFYING MATCH LEGEND QUALIFIED IN QUALIFYING MATCH LEGEND
Despite an improving Jeje Lalpekhlua was the India have only played at Sunil Chhetri (pictured) Bahrain followed up Mahdi Abduljabbar, with Bahrain’s most memorable Bahrain’s most capped
reputation, India took the star of the campaign for three AFC Asian Cups is the heart and soul of on their disappointing four goals, topped Bahrain’s moment came in 2004, player of all time,
long road to the 2019 India, scoring seven goals (1964, 1984 and 2011) this Indian side, and the second round campaign scorers’ list in qualifying. when they finished fourth. It Salman Isa (pictured),
AFC Asian Cup after in total, which included and you have to go back 34-year-old will appear in in qualifying by topping The 27-year-old netted an was, however, their historic earned 156 caps in an
struggling in the first phase three goals in India’s last to 1964, when they were his second AFC Asian Cup Group E in the third round important brace against quarter-final encounter international career that
of qualifying with just one three qualifying matches, runners-up, to find their after he scored two of his to confirm their sixth Singapore in the 3-0 away with Uzbekistan that will spanned 11 years during
win. A 7-1 play-off win over helping seal the Blue Tigers last win. On that occasion, country’s three goals in – and fifth successive win that helped seal their remind many of Bahrain’s which he appeared in
Laos saw them advance to qualification. with just four teams 2011. Should he score in - appearance in the place at UAE 2019. golden generation. three consecutive AFC
the third round, where they competing in a round- this tournament he would competition. Bahrain’s After a second half filled Asian Cups, captaining
finished top of Group A with robin tournament, India become India’s all-time campaign included a with goals, Bahrain and the national team in
four wins from six matches. started their campaign leading scorer at the AFC 5-0 defeat of Chinese Uzbekistan ended normal 2011. At club level, he is
on a stunning note with Asian Cup, overtaking Inder Taipei and a 4-0 win over time tied at two goals synonymous with Bahraini
a 2-0 win over Korea Singh. Turkmenistan. apiece thanks to a brace side Riffa SC, and also
Republic, who had won the from Alaa Hubail. In the spent five years playing in
previous two editions of the ensuing penalty shootout, Qatar for Al Arabi SC.
tournament. Bahrain won 4-3 after
Hubail’s successful effort
was followed by Leonid
Koshelev’s miss.
AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMME AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMMEAUSTRALIA
Record: Champions 2015; Runners-Up 2011; Quarter-Finals 2007
MEMORABLE
HOW THEY TOP SCORER ASIAN CUP
QUALIFIED IN QUALIFYING MATCH LEGEND
With qualifying for the 2018 Age proved no barrier for Australia’s finest moment You can’t look past Tim
FIFA World Cup and 2019 Australia veteran Tim Cahill, since joining the AFC in Cahill (pictured). Now
AFC Asian Cup combined who helped himself to eight 2006 came when they retired, Cahill appeared
for the first time, Australia goals, including a pair of hosted the AFC Asian at three AFC Asian
eased their way through braces against Jordan and Cup in 2015, where Cups (2007, 2011 and
the first phase of qualifying, Tajikistan and a hat-trick they defeated Korea 2015), scoring six goals
with seven wins from their against Bangladesh. Republic 2-1 after extra- – including three at the
eight games earning them time in a thrilling final. 2015 tournament on
top spot in Group B and The tournament’s Most home soil, one of which
a place in their fourth Valuable Player Massimo was a spectacular scissor
successive AFC Asian Cup. Luongo gave Australia a kick against China in the
first-half lead before Son quarter-finals.
Heung-min equalised in
second-half stoppage time.
But an extra-time winner
from James Troisi earned
Australia their first Asian
Cup success.
AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMMESYRIA
Record: Group Stage: 2011, 1996, 1988, 1984, 1980
PALESTINE Record: Group Stage 2015
MEMORABLE MEMORABLE
HOW THEY TOP SCORER ASIAN CUP HOW THEY TOP SCORER ASIAN CUP
QUALIFIED IN QUALIFYING MATCH LEGEND QUALIFIED IN QUALIFYING MATCH LEGEND
Despite being placed in Syrian striker Omar Khribin Four years after Saudi Syria’s goalkeeper in their After missing out on Palestine had two joint top With only one AFC Asian Having made over a
a relatively tough group, (pictured) excelled during Arabia reached the AFC most recent AFC Asian second place in the goalscorers in qualifying in Cup participation to their century of appearances
alongside Japan, in the qualifying with seven goals Asian Cup final, they faced Cup campaign in 2011, second round of qualifying, Jonathan Cantillana and name and no wins under for his nation since 2000,
second round and playing in eight games, helping Syria in their first match Mosab Balhous racked up Palestine managed to Sameh Maraaba, with the their belt, Palestine have Palestine’s legendary
their games away from Syria past teams including of the 2011 AFC Asian 81 caps in his ten years as reach the 2019 AFC Asian former scoring a brace on had little to celebrate goalkeeper Ramzi Saleh
home, Syria managed to Afghanistan and Cambodia. Cup. The Qasioun Eagles the team’s number one to Cup via the third round. two occasions, while the besides their initial (pictured) is undoubtedly
finish as Group E runners- Khribin also scored a brace managed to shock the cement himself as one of They finished runners-up to latter bagged four against qualification in 2015. one of the finest players to
up with 18 points and against Singapore which three-time winners with Syria’s best ever players. Oman in Group D after the the Maldives in an 8-1 However, in their match grace Palestinian football.
qualify directly to the AFC included an injury-time Abdelrazaq Al Husain’s At club level, he was part sides ended level on points, victory. against neighbours Jordan In 2015, he had the honour
Asian Cup. winner. brace in a 2-1 win in front of of the Al Karamah side but the Omanis’ away goal in the 2015 group stage, of captaining his nation
15,000 fans. that reached the AFC in their head-to-head in which they were beaten against Japan and Jordan
Champions League in encounters saw Palestine 5-1, Jaka Ihbeisheh scored at the AFC Asian Cup.
2006 and the AFC Cup edged into second place. the nation’s historic maiden
final three years later. AFC Asian Cup goal.
Even though it was little
more than a consolation,
Ihbeisheh’s strike will
be remembered by the
Palestinians for years to
come.
AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMME AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMMEJORDAN
Record: Quarter-Finals 2011, 2004; Group Stage 2015
MEMORABLE
HOW THEY TOP SCORER ASIAN CUP
QUALIFIED IN QUALIFYING MATCH LEGEND
Jordan needed to go The third-highest Jordan have two quarter- One of Jordan’s most
through the third round of goalscorer in the AFC Asian finals appearances in iconic players is Hassan
qualifiers after finishing Cup qualifiers, Hamza Al their three previous Abdel Fattah, the country’s
behind Australia in Group Dardour’s (pictured) 10 AFC Asian Cup outings, all-time leading goalscorer.
B in the second round. An goals included two hat- but arguably their most Abdel Fattah was part of
unbeaten run in the third tricks during the campaign, memorable game was the the Jordan squad that
round saw them top the one against Bangladesh 1-1 draw against eventual made their AFC Asian Cup
group and qualify alongside and another against champions Japan in their debut in 2004 and scored
Vietnam at the expense of Cambodia. group opener at the 2011 a goal in their return to
Afghanistan and Cambodia. edition, where only a Maya the competition seven
Yoshida header in injury years later. He retired from
time cancelled out Hassan international football after
Abdel Fattah’s goal to deny missing out on the squad
Jordan a famous victory. for Australia 2015.
AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMMEKOREA REPUBLIC Record: Champions 1960, 1956; Runners-Up 2015, 1988, 1980, 1972;
Third Place 2011, 2007, 2000, 1964; Quarter-Finals 2004, 1996; Group Stage 1984
MEMORABLE
HOW THEY TOP SCORER ASIAN CUP
QUALIFIED IN QUALIFYING MATCH LEGEND
Korea Republic progressed Son Heung-min (pictured) Korea Republic have been No player has more caps
to the AFC Asian Cup bagged six goals in runners-up four times for Korea Republic than
UAE 2019 with minimal qualifying as his class and have not won the the 136 earned by Hong
fuss, winning all of their again shone through, with a continental title since 1960 Myung-bo, who skippered
games in the second hat-trick against Laos the as they struggle to end the East Asians to third
round of qualifying, without highlight for the Tottenham their lengthy drought. But place at the 2000 AFC
conceding a goal. The East Hotspur forward. the Taeguk Warriors did win Asian Cup. A composed
Asians’ nearest challengers the first two editions of the defender who is regarded
were Lebanon, who finished tournament, with a narrow as one of the Taeguk
13 points adrift of the two- 2-1 victory over Israel in Warriors’ greatest ever
time winners, while Kuwait, the round-robin 1956 players, Hong also
Myanmar and Laos were AFC Asian Cup ultimately appeared in four FIFA World
the other sides that could securing their maiden title Cups between 1990 and
not handle the continental as they finished a point 2002.
powerhouse. ahead of the Israelis.
AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMMEKYRGYZ
CHINA PR REPUBLIC
Record: Runners-Up 2004, 1984; Third Place 1992, 1976;
Fourth Place 2000, 1988; Quarter-Finals 2015, 1996; Group Stage 2011, 2007, 1980 Record: Tournament Debut
MEMORABLE MEMORABLE
HOW THEY TOP SCORER ASIAN CUP HOW THEY TOP SCORER ASIAN CUP
QUALIFIED IN QUALIFYING MATCH LEGEND QUALIFIED IN QUALIFYING MATCH LEGEND
China made hard work Yang Xu was a standout for Despite playing in the final Fan Zhiyi (pictured) enjoyed Kyrgyz Republic lost only There was a clear standout The 2019 AFC Asian Ruslan Sydykov was
of what looked like a China in qualifying, showing on two occasions, in 1984 a glittering ten-year career two games, both of which for the White Falcons in Cup will mark Kyrgyz integral to the national
comfortable group for them no mercy in big wins and again in 2004, China for the national team, came at the hands of qualifying and that was Republic’s first appearance team over a 16-year period
in the second round of against the Maldives and have never lifted the AFC earning 106 caps, making Australia. Four wins from Anton Zemlianukhin at the tournament, but from 1997 to 2013. The
qualifying. They registered Bhutan to register eight Asian Cup. Arguably their him the third most capped their other six matches (pictured), who contributed their crowning moment defender was captain of
routine wins against goals – seven of which finest win came in 2004 player in China’s history. saw them finish third and ten of their 24 goals, in qualifying came in the team that finished
Bhutan and the Maldives, came against Bhutan. when, as hosts, they faced He forged a successful advance to the final round scoring a brace on three the rescheduled match third at the 2006 AFC
but a pair of 0-0 draws the Islamic Republic of Iran career in Europe with of qualifying where they occasions. against Myanmar in Korea Challenge Cup – their
against Hong Kong made in the semi-final. With the Crystal Palace and Dundee, finished second in Group A Republic. Knowing victory best performance at the
things difficult. However, a scores locked at 1-1 after while he was also the first behind India. would secure their maiden tournament – and was
2-0 win over Qatar in their full-time, China prevailed Chinese player to win the qualification, Kyrgyz twice named the country’s
final match secured their in a dramatic penalty AFC Player of the Year Republic ran rampant in a footballer of the year, in
spot. shootout to advance to the award. 5-1 win which caused wild 2005 and 2006.
final against Japan. celebrations among the
players and their fans.
AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMME AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMMEPHILIPPINES Record: Tournament Debut
MEMORABLE
HOW THEY TOP SCORER ASIAN CUP
QUALIFIED IN QUALIFYING MATCH LEGEND
The Philippines started Phil Younghusband This will be the Philippines’ Paulino Alcantara is by
with wins against Bahrain (pictured) has been a key first appearance at the AFC far the most famous
and Yemen, which set them player for the Philippines Asian Cup, but their most Filipino football, with a
up to finish third in Group over the last decade and he thrilling qualifying match storied history in Spain
H and advance directly to proved his importance to came in the final qualifier whilst at the legendary
the final round of qualifying. the team with five of their against Tajikistan which FC Barcelona in the early
Grouped with Yemen, 21 goals in qualifying. they needed to win or draw 1900s. In 1917 he helped
Tajikistan and Nepal, the to secure qualification. the Philippines beat Japan
Azkals went undefeated to Down 1-0 with 16 minutes 15-2 in the Far Eastern
top Group F and qualify for remaining, Kevin Ingreso Championship Games, still
their first AFC Asian Cup. levelled the scores their biggest win to this day.
before a penalty from Phil
Younghusband in the 91st
minute secured the win
amidst euphoric scenes.
AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMMEBRINGING
ASIA IR IRAN
TOGETHER
Record: Champions 1976, 1972, 1968; Third Place 2004, 1996, 1988, 1980;
Fourth Place 1984; Quarter-Finals 2015, 2011, 2007, 2000; Group Stage 1992
Official Hospitality Programme
MEMORABLE
HOW THEY TOP SCORER ASIAN CUP
QUALIFIED IN QUALIFYING MATCH LEGEND
With a goal difference Sardar Azmoun topped Iran have had many The all-time top goalscorer
of plus 23, the Islamic Iran’s goalscoring chart memorable AFC Asian Cup in international football,
Republic of Iran breezed with seven goals in eight matches over the decades, the all time AFC Asian
through Group D in the games, excelling as his but arguably their most Cup top scorer and 1999
second round of qualifying country qualified for the important came in 1976 AFC Player of the Year. All
with six wins and two draws AFC Asian Cup. He scored when they won the AFC of these records make it
to progress to the 2019 two seven-minute braces, Asian Cup for the third time. impossible to overlook Ali
AFC Asian Cup. Team against Guam and Oman. Iran reached the final with Daei (pictured) as Iran's
Melli were equally good relative ease and faced greatest.
AFC Asian Cup Hospitality provides the opportunity to create memories and leave a lasting defensively, conceding only Kuwait in front of 100,000
three goals in eight games. fans at the Aryamehr
impression with premium hospitality and VIP experiences. Stadium. A 71st-minute
goal by Ali Parvin was
An extensive range of exclusive entertaining options offer the perfect platform to engage enough for Iran to win the
trophy.
with valued clients, colleagues, friends and family.
The Official Hospitality Programme operates at all 51 matches. Further information can be
found by visiting us at www.afcasiancuphospitality.com
+971 2 446 4036 UAE2019@afcasiancuphospitality.com
MatchPoint is proud to be the official hospitality partner to the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019
www.matchpointhospitalty.com
AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMMEIRAQ
Record: Champions 2007; Fourth Place 2015, 1976;
VIETNAM
Quarter-Finals 2011, 2004, 2000, 1996; Group Stage 1972 Record: Quarter-Finals 2007
MEMORABLE MEMORABLE
HOW THEY TOP SCORER ASIAN CUP HOW THEY TOP SCORER ASIAN CUP
QUALIFIED IN QUALIFYING MATCH LEGEND QUALIFIED IN QUALIFYING MATCH LEGEND
Former champions Iraq Even at the age of 37 Who can forget Iraq’s If Younis Mahmoud is Iraq’s Two wins against Chinese Two players at the opposite Hosting the tournament At only 33, Le Cong Vinh
finished two points behind nothing could stop Younis historic AFC Asian Cup undisputed continental Taipei were enough for ends of their careers in 2007 – after previously (pictured) is still young
first-placed Thailand to Mahmoud (pictured) from triumph in 2007, when they hero, then Ahmed Radhi Vietnam to secure third shared top billing for twice appearing as South enough to be playing for the
qualify as the second being a key player in Iraq’s beat three-time winners is their international spot in Group F in the Vietnam, with veteran Vietnam – the Southeast national team, but instead
round’s best runners-up with line-up as he scored four Saudi Arabia to the trophy superstar. The iconic first phase of qualifying, striker Le Cong Vinh and Asians secured their he surprised everyone
12 points. The West Asians goals in six games, before thanks to none other than forward represented the ensuring they went directly young gun Nguyen Van maiden win at the AFC Asian when he announced his
edged out Vietnam and announcing his retirement Younis Mahmoud? In front country between 1982 to the third and final round. Toan each scoring three Cup with a 2-0 win over the retirement in 2016. With
Chinese Taipei in Group F. in 2016. of 60,000 fans at Gelora and 1997, leading them to Grouped with Jordan, goals across both rounds of United Arab Emirates in 83 caps and 51 goals to his
Bung Karno Stadium in qualify for their only FIFA Afghanistan and Cambodia, qualification. front of a full house at My name, he is far and away
Jakarta, Mahmoud leapt World Cup, in 1986. In they went undefeated in Dinh Stadium in Hanoi. Two Vietnam’s most capped and
to head home a corner to Mexico, he scored Iraq’s the final phase to ensure goals in ten minutes midway highest scoring player.
score the winner in the lone goal in the tournament, they returned to the through the second half
72nd minute and help the against Belgium. tournament for the first from Huynh Quang Thanh
Lions of Mesopotamia lift time since 2007. and Le Cong Vinh secured
AFC Asian Cup trophy for the historic win.
the first and, to date, only
time.
AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMME AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMMEYEMEN Record: Tournament Debut
MEMORABLE
HOW THEY TOP SCORER ASIAN CUP
QUALIFIED IN QUALIFYING MATCH LEGEND
ﻧﺤﻦ ﻧﻘﺪم اﻟﺴﻌﺎدة Yemen recovered superbly Abdulwasea Al Matari Having never previously Ali Al Nono is arguably
after finishing the second (pictured) scored five goals qualified for the AFC the most well-known
DELIVERED
round of qualifying bottom in qualifying, with his most Asian Cup, Yemen’s most Yemeni footballer outside
of Group H. They proceeded important goals coming memorable match is the country. The forward
to defeat the Maldives 4-0 in Yemen’s final match undeniably the 2-1 win bagged 40 goals in a
on aggregate in the play- against Nepal, where he against Nepal which saw Yemen shirt before retiring
off round to advance to scored a brace to help his them book their place at in 2010. Al Nono plied his
the third round. Here, they side qualify for their first UAE 2019. trade for clubs across
defied all odds to finish AFC Asian Cup. Top scorer Abdulwasea Al Bahrain, Sudan, Syria and
second in Group F and Matari opened the scoring Egypt as well as his native
ﺗﺴﻮق أون ﻻﻳﻦ
qualify for the continental in the 24th minute, before country where he was
tournament. Nepal equalised on the synonymous with Al Ahli
stroke of half-time. With Sanaa.
just six minutes of the
SHOP ONLINE game left, Al Matari scored
a penalty to seal Yemen’s
historic win.
www.sharafdg.com
AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMMESAUDI ARABIA Record: Champions 1996, 1988, 1984;
Runners-Up 2007, 2000, 1992; Group Stage: 2015, 2011, 2004
MEMORABLE
HOW THEY TOP SCORER ASIAN CUP
QUALIFIED IN QUALIFYING MATCH LEGEND
Saudi Arabia went through Mohammed Al Sahlawi was Saudi Arabia are three-time One of the most decorated
the AFC Asian Cup the top scorer in overall winners of the AFC Asian players in the continent,
qualifiers undefeated with qualifying with 14 goals, Cup, but arguably their Sami Al Jaber (pictured)
six wins and two draws including hat-tricks against most memorable win came was the first Asian player
to top their group, which Timor-Leste and Palestine in front of 60,000 fans at to score in three FIFA
included hosts the United and a brace against the Zayed Sport City Stadium World Cups. He won the
Arab Emirates and fellow Emiratis. in Abu Dhabi. Despite AFC Asian Cup in 1996 and
participants Palestine. playing with ten men for four years later became
They managed to win all over half an hour, the Green a continental champion
their home games including Falcons edged hosts the at club level with Al Hilal.
a 7-0 thrashing of Timor- UAE on penalties to lift Al Jaber is Saudi Arabia’s
Leste. their third, and to date last, second highest goalscorer,
title. with 46 goals in 152 caps.
AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMMEQATAR
Record: Quarter-Finals 2011, 2000;
LEBANON
Group Stage: 2015, 2007, 2004, 1992, 1988, 1984, 1980 Record: Group Stage 2000
MEMORABLE MEMORABLE
HOW THEY TOP SCORER ASIAN CUP HOW THEY TOP SCORER ASIAN CUP
QUALIFIED IN QUALIFYING MATCH LEGEND QUALIFIED IN QUALIFYING MATCH LEGEND
With only one loss in eight Qatar’s top scorer was Al Qatar have never Qatar’s iconic number After finishing runners-up Electric forward Hassan Lebanon have only ever Roda Antar is widely
games, Qatar topped Sadd midfielder Hassan surpassed the quarter- 15 Mansoor Muftah behind Korea Republic Maatouk (pictured) scored played three matches acknowledged as
Group C in the second Al Haydos (pictured), who finals, but despite their represented the nation in the second round of seven goals for Lebanon at the AFC Asian Cup Lebanon’s best ever player
round of qualifying ahead scored five goals in eight loss to Japan on home soil in three AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, the Cedars in qualifying, with arguably in their history and are on the back of his record
of China, in second games for his nation; four during that stage in 2011, editions in 1980, 1984 and eased past their opponents the most important of winless, but it was their first tally of 20 goals for the
place, by four points. The of his goals came in the two the match is still seen 1988 before retiring in in the third round, qualifying them coming against Hong point against Iraq at the national team. The current
Maroons scored 29 goals, matches against Bhutan. as one of the country’s 1990. The striker was the at the top of Group B with Kong, when his 43rd- competition they hosted manager of Racing Beirut
with almost half of them best in their continental Qatari League’s top scorer 16 points out of 18. The minute penalty confirmed in 2000 which remains retired in 2017 after a
coming against Bhutan in a history. Qatar took the lead in four seasons between highlight of their campaign Lebanon’s qualification. their best memory up decade playing in Germany
resounding 15-0 win. twice through Sebastian 1981 and 1986 and is the was a 5-0 thrashing of DPR until now. Lebanon came and a successful four-year
Soria and Fabio Cesat, but competition’s all-time top Korea. from 2-0 down in the first spell at China’s Shandong
each time Shinji Kagawa scorer with 179 goals. 25 minutes to draw level Luneng.
equalised for the Samurai thanks to goals from Abbas
Blue. Masahiko Inoha’s Chahrour and Moussa
injury-time strike denied Hojeij.
Qatar the chance of
reaching a historic semi-
final.
AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMME AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMMEDPR KOREA
Record: Fourth Place: 1980; Group Stage 2015, 2011, 1992
MEMORABLE
HOW THEY TOP SCORER ASIAN CUP
QUALIFIED IN QUALIFYING MATCH LEGEND
DPR Korea finished Kim Yu-song (pictured) The East Asians are The name Pak Doo-ik is
runners-up behind netted six goals en route to appearing in their fifth AFC synonymous with DPR
Uzbekistan in the second the tournament, all of which Asian Cup but it was their Korea football as it was
round of qualifying to came in the third round first, in 1980, that remains his goal that secured a 1-0
advance to the next stage, of qualifying, including a their best performance. victory over Italy in 1966
where they were drawn hat-trick in a 4-1 win in After falling behind against and one of the most famous
alongside Lebanon, Hong Malaysia. China in the group stage, upsets in FIFA World Cup
Kong and Malaysia. The DPR Korea responded history. It remains a shame
Lebanese topped the well to claim a historic 2-1 that Pak never got the
group but, after picking up victory before eventually chance to showcase his
just two points from their progressing to the semi- talents at the AFC Asian
first three games, the East finals, where they narrowly Cup.
Asians won their last three lost to neighbours Korea
fixtures to also secure Republic.
qualification.
46
AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMME AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 PROGRAMMEJAPAN
Record: Champions 2011, 2004, 2000, 1992;
Fourth Place 2007; Quarter-Finals 2015, 1996; Group Stage 1988
MEMORABLE
HOW THEY TOP SCORER ASIAN CUP
QUALIFIED IN QUALIFYING MATCH LEGEND
The Samurai Blue were one The attacking trio of With four continental Naohiro Takahara
of 12 teams to secure their Keisuke Honda, Shinji titles to their name, Japan (pictured) was a standout
qualification for the 2019 Kagawa and Shinji Okazaki have had more memorable performer for the Samurai
AFC Asian Cup after the contributed more than half matches than most, but Blue at the 2000 and
first round of qualifying, of Japan’s 27 goals, but it it’s hard to look past their 2007 editions, with nine
breezing through Group was Honda who scored the triumph in 2004 against goals across the two
E with seven wins and most with six. host nation China in tournaments. In 2007 he
one draw from their eight Beijing. In front of a hostile tied for the Golden Boot
matches. And they did it all capacity crowd at Workers’ with Younis Mahmoud and
without conceding a goal, Stadium Japan struck Yasser Al Qahtani with four
while scoring 27 of their first, but an equaliser ten goals, while he bagged five
own. minutes later levelled it at in 2000 as Japan went all
1-1 at half-time. Japan’s the way.
class shone through in
the second half, with two
further goals sealing a
memorable 3-1 win.
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