BEHIND INDONESIA'S STUNNING DECISION YO PART WAYS WITH SHIN TAE-YONG

Despite enjoying a successful five-year spell in charge of Indonesia, Shin Tae-Yong was abruptly given the sack on Monday despite his contract still running through to 2027. Robertus Pudyanto/Getty Images

Given they are still in the hunt for what would be quite remarkable qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the fact that he has been the man responsible for their remarkable rise from the doldrums, Indonesia's decision to sack coach Shin Tae-Yong provided major headlines on Monday.

It would have been an even bigger bombshell had rumours not been steadily gathering steam on Sunday, with an evening announcement from PSSI -- Indonesian football's governing body -- that they would be holding a news conference the following noon all but providing the necessary confirmation.

With local media gathered at Menara Danareksa, a short 20-minute drive from the association's headquarters on the outskirts of the famed Gelora Bung Karno stadium, Shin's fate was sealed.

"We see the need for a leader who is better able to implement the strategies agreed upon by the players, and who has better communication," said PSSI chairman Erick Thohir, also a government minister who previously owned Serie A giants Inter Milan.

"Correspondence regarding the end of our relationship has been received [by Shin] and I would like to express my gratitude.

"We have also found a replacement, who will arrive on the 11th [of January]. A news conference will be held on the 12th."

Predictably, Indonesia fans reacted to the news with a mixture of sadness and bewilderment.

The comments section of the official Instagram post announcing Shin's departure was flooded with messages of gratitude, but some even suggested that Indonesian football was about to "return to the dark ages" and that Gelora Bung Karno would be empty for future matches.

Experienced Indonesian football journalist Alvino Hanafi revealed that the supporter base was immediately divided into a faction who will be accepting of a new coach, and those who are ardently in support of Shin.

"It is difficult to make sense of this decision, particularly as Shin Tae-Yong was steering the team towards progress when he was terminated," Hanafi told ESPN.

"Yet, the federation has full authority over such matters. This gamble can only be evaluated in the future.

"However, firing Shin Tae-Yong will definitely face resistance from football fans."

Just exactly how did it get to this?

Where were Indonesia when Shin took over?

Shin agreed to take charge of Indonesia in December 2019.

It signified a real coup given his credentials, having led his native South Korea at the previous year's World Cup -- where he even masterminded a stunning 2-0 victory over Germany that ended the then-champions' title defence.

That was certainly the sentiment in his homeland.

"Shin Tae-Yong was well known in South Korea, having led the national team at the 2018 World Cup in Russia," said Kim Hee-Ung, a reporter with Ilgan Sports -- South Korea's first sports publication founded in 1969.

"Despite the relatively low-profile challenge in Indonesia, South Korean fans were eager to hear about the new history he was making. Unsurprisingly, there was a lot of support for Shin, with the dominant view being that he was doing the country [Indonesia] a favour."

Before Shin's arrival, no predecessor had lasted more than two full years in the job since 2010, highlighting the instability and strife plaguing Indonesian football -- which also included FIFA suspensions for a breakaway domestic league and government interference in the sport.

When Shin agreed to take a huge leap of faith in a managerial career that already had stored a decent amount of credit, Indonesia were 173rd in the FIFA world rankings. They are now 127th.

Before Shin's arrival, Indonesia had also failed to make it out of the group stage of the ASEAN Championship in three of the previous four editions. In his first major assignment in the COVID-delayed 2020 edition of Southeast Asia's premier international tournament, he led them all the way to the final.

What did Indonesia achieve under Shin?

Other than a steady rise up the world rankings, Indonesia have quite simply reclaimed their place as one of the region's dominant forces, as well as punched above their weight on the continental stage, under Shin.

Reaching the third round of the ongoing third round of Asian qualifiers for the World Cup -- the only Southeast Asian team to do so -- was already a feat in itself. Since then, they have pulled off impressive draws against Saudi Arabia and Australia before recording an almighty victory over the former last time out.

The result means they are currently third in Group C and in with a legitimate chance of advancing to the next stage at the very least, even if they miss out on the top two automatic qualifying berths, and keep alive their dream of a first World Cup since 1938 when they were still the Dutch East Indies.

Shin Tae-Yong's final FIFA World Cup qualifier at the helm of Indonesia will always go down as that historic 2-0 triumph over heavyweights Saudi Arabia back in November 2024. Robertus Pudyanto/Getty Images

Indonesia have also featured at the Olympics before in 1956. Last year, they came so close to returning to that stage -- only losing out to Guinea in an intercontinental playoff after exceeding expectations to finish fourth at the AFC U-23 Asian Cup ahead of the likes of South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Australia and Qatar.

There was also a first AFC Asian Cup appearance since 2007 at the start of last year, where Indonesia did well to reach the round of 16.

On the regional front, while ASEAN Championship success continued to elude the Indonesians, Shin did at least guide them to the last four in both 2021 and 2022, before his final outing at the recently-concluded 2024 edition saw them bow out in the group stage with a youthful and experimental squad missing a whole host of senior stars.

For many keen observers, Shin getting the sack had been an unthinkable prospect.

Kim, who had only interviewed Shin last September about looking ahead to qualifying for the World Cup, admitted he was in "disbelief" upon learning about the news.

"In Korea, the reaction is mostly that it is very absurd," he shared. "Korean fans feel that this is betrayal -- Shin Tae-Yong has done so much [for Indonesia] so why are they suddenly firing him?

"I find the decision baffling."

According to Kim, who spoke to one of Shin's sons earlier on Monday, their family only learned of his dismissal through the news and were "understandably outraged" as they had been staunch supporters of Indonesia given the familial connection.

Was there a breaking point?

Thohir's choice of words in announcing Shin's dismissal was peculiar.

"Strategies agreed upon by the players" suggests that members of the squad had a significant influence in the team's playing style and philosophy, which is usually the prerogative of the coach.

It must be noted that while the early stages of Shin's reign saw him bring through a whole host of talented local youngsters, Indonesia's continued rise in more recent times had coincided with an influx of European-born heritage imports -- who may have learnt their craft with different man-management styles or tactical approaches.

Perhaps, while he had more pliable minds to work with initially, Shin was now having to work with more-credentialled players more set in their ways.

ESPN also understands that the esteem which Indonesian fans held for Shin -- which bordered on reverence -- was a concern in some quarters of the PSSI, as it afforded the South Korean a major bargaining chip whenever negotiations for a new deal came around.

Indeed, Hanafi revealed that there had been underlying friction.

"Erick Thohir said that problems with Shin Tae-Yong started during the [World Cup qualifier] against China [in October]. Maybe even earlier," he added.

"This shows the issue has been around for a while. Like a couple who can't work together anymore, a big decision had to be made for the good of their 'children' -- in this case, the national team."

Ultimately, Shin still resorted to a more conservative, counterattacking approach especially in tougher tests.

PSSI chairman Erick Thohir confirmed on Monday that Shin Tae-Yong's successor will arrive in Indonesia on Jan. 11 and will be unveiled the following day. BAY ISMOYO/AFP via Getty Images

If Indonesia are making to change purely because they feel they have outgrown Shin, and are looking to develop an expansive style of football even when coming up against more-illustrious opposition, then there could be validity to this decision -- especially if more foreign-groomed players that will only enhance their overall quality are introduced.

Nonetheless, the tactical discipline and self belief that Shin drilled into his charges are attributes that also cannot be overlooked.

The move also came a huge surprise in South Korea given his achievement had actually led to some calling for a second stint in charge of the Taegeuk Warriors.

"It was known in Korea that Indonesia had treated Shin Tae-Yong very well," revealed Kim. "I don't think Korean fans had a bad perception of Indonesia before the sacking. On the contrary, Korean fans supported Indonesia.

"There were even some who wanted Shin Tae-Yong to become the head coach of the Korean national team because of his good performance in Indonesia. Even before the appointment of [current coach] Hong Myung-Bo, Shin Tae-Yong's name was being talked about among fans."

How do Indonesia move forward?

Another curious aspect of Monday's announcement was that PSSI felt a need to state that Shin's successor will be "accompanied by a high-quality assistant coach".

Although it could prove to be otherwise, it immediately gives the impression that the new man in charge could be a high-profile but inexperienced selection.

Regardless, Indonesia's new coach will face a massive in task in maintaining the momentum that they have gathered under Shin.

Dropping out of contention for World Cup qualification would be an immediate disaster, and it does not help that their next games in March include a tough away trip to Australia.

"If the successor to Shin Tae-Yong delivers better results and greter achievements, those opposing the federation's choice today might forget this event," Hanafi explained.

"If, however, the successor falls short and the team fails to perform better, the federation may find itself under fire for what could be remembered as one of the biggest mistakes in PSSI history."

Kim acknowledged speculation that PSSI are leaning towards a Dutch coach given the amount of Netherlands-born imports they currently boast. He is also of the opinion that this could be a decision Indonesian football ends up regretting, especially given "the chemistry between Shin and the players" and "what has been achieved so far".

As regional rivals Vietnam have shown, following in the footsteps of someone so adored by a football-mad nation can be a poisoned chalice.

Even though he also had detractors over his style of play, Park Hang-Seo oversaw Vietnam's most-successful era until he left the job at the start of last year. His replacement was a savvy choice on paper -- the vastly-experienced Philippe Troussier -- but he only managed to last just over a year.

Indonesia are on the verge of something special.

Given this is not a well-received decision, it will really have to be a case of taking one step back to go two forward, rather than the other way around.

- Gabriel Tan

THE INCREASINGLY-INFLUENTIAL ABBOSBEK FAYZULLAEV COULD BE UZBEKISTAN'S UNLIKELIEST TARGET MAN

Still only 21, Abbosbek Fayzullaev is growing in influence with each game he plays for Uzbekistan -- and could be their main attacking threat in Tuesday's meeting with North Korea. Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Abbosbek Fayzullaev is the future of Uzbekistan.

Still only 21, he is already plying his trade in Europe and featuring regularly for Russian Premier League powerhouses CSKA Moscow.

Having only made his senior international debut last year, he was tipped to be one of the breakout stars of the AFC Asian Cup back in January and duly delivered -- emerging as one of the few bright sparks in a disappointing campaign for Uzbekistan, where they won just two of their five games despite making it to the quarterfinals.

Fayzullaev's mercurial talent, as well as his ability to play in any of the attacking midfield positions, will see Uzbekistan build a team around him over the next decade and more.

But he is also already growing in influence in the here and now with each passing game he features for Uzbekistan.

And, for the immediate future, Fayzullaev -- standing at a diminutive 1.67 metres -- could just be the unlikeliest focal point of attack for Uzbekistan in their next tie in the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup against North Korea on Tuesday.

That role is usually performed to perfection by White Wolves captain Eldor Shomurodov, even if his struggles of late have seen him net just twice in his past ten international outings -- three of which came as an overage player for the Under-23 team at the Paris Olympics earlier this year.

Shomurodov's extensive experience, having spent the last four seasons in Serie A, and his undeniable eye for goal continue to see him play a key role for the Uzbeks. Not to mention that, at 1.9 metres and with his imposing stature, he plays the role of target man to perfection.

On Thursday, in a crucial World Cup qualifier away to Qatar, Shomurodov was in tears as he limped off after just 20 minutes with what was later revealed to be a thigh injury.

Standing at just 1.67 metres, Abbosbek Fayzullaev is better known for his ability on the ball but showed impressive aerial ability against Qatar last Thursday with two headed goals. Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto via Getty Images

With no recognised striker in reserve, a fellow wide attacker in Jaloliddin Masharipov was brought on but it was Fayzullaev who then shifted from out left to the main striker role.

Of course, a target man does not always necessarily even posing an aerial presence. Hold-up play and linking the game up in the attacking third can also revolve around balls to the feet.

Still, it was remarkable that -- with Uzbekistan trailing 2-0 -- Fayzullaev would pull them level with two goals in five minutes that both came with his head.

The first, in the 75th minute, saw him ghost in at the back post to convert with looping right-wing delivery with a stooping header.

His second, however, was one that even Shomurodov would have been proud of -- as he found space near the penalty spot to rise and nod the ball into the far corner, although Qatar would ultimately net a dramatic 112th-minute winner to claim a thrilling 3-2 victory.

It must be noted that, by this time, the Uzbeks had also introduced Bobur Abdikholikov, ten centimetres taller but by no means a significantly-bigger presence in the air, to occupy the central role. Fayzullaev's double had come after he had once again reverted to a wider, more withdrawn position.

Still, it was impressive how Fayzullaev had the nous to find himself in clever positions at crossing situations, as well as the ability to then convert with his head -- suggesting he has even more strings to his bow then just when the ball is at his feet.

Shomurodov has since returned to Roma and will not be present for the upcoming match against North Korea, which Uzbekistan will be desperate to win in order to keep pace with Group A leaders Iran.

In Fayzullaev, they not only have a talented playmaker growing in influence with every game, but one who could even prove to be an unconventional but effective main man in attack.

- Gabriel Tan

FIRST WITH HIS WORD AND NOW HIS FEET, SON HEUNG-MIN CONTINUES TO BAIL HONG MYUNG-BO OUT

Son Heung-Min came up with a crucial goal on Tuesday to help South Korea claim a 3-1 win over Oman -- their first in the third round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. HAITHAM AL-SHUKAIRI/AFP via Getty Images

 In Son Heung-Min, South Korea have for some time now boasted a genuine world-class talent capable of winning matches off his own boot.

He has done it several times before, dragging the Taegeuk Warriors out of what appeared unsalvageable situations.

And on Tuesday, he came to the rescue once again -- not just for his team but for his under-fire national coach Hong Myung-Bo.

Just five days ago, South Korea had began their third round campaign of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in disappointing fashion as they were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Palestine.

In Son Heung-Min, South Korea have for some time now boasted a genuine world-class talent capable of winning matches off his own boot.

He has done it several times before, dragging the Taegeuk Warriors out of what appeared unsalvageable situations.

And on Tuesday, he came to the rescue once again -- not just for his team but for his under-fire national coach Hong Myung-Bo.

In the immediate aftermath of that result, the South Korean fans turned on Hong -- who already was not everyone's cup of tea with his integrity being called into question when he accepted the job back in July, abruptly abandoning Ulsan HD in the middle of the season despite repeatedly giving assurances over his commitment and having turned down previous advances from the Korea Football Association.

The jeers that Hong received last week immediately saw Son, among others including fellow stars Kim Min-Jae and Lee Kang-In, leap to Hong's defence and plead with the supporters for their support.

But for much of Tuesday's visit to Oman, it looked like South Korea were going to be denied again. One can only imagine how much lower the public perception of Hong would have fallen had his team opened their campaign without a win from two matches.

With the scores tied at 1-1 after Hwang Hee-Chan's powerful 10th-minute opener was cancelled out just before the break by a Jung Seung-Hyun own-goal, up stepped Son.

Using his strength and smarts to ease Ghanim Al-Habashi out of the way and guide the ball into his own path in one solitary movement, Son would steady on the edge of the area before lashing a trademark piledriver -- on his non-preferred left foot -- that unerringly sailed past Ibrahim Al-Mukhaini and bent perfectly inside the far post just at the final moment.

Deep into injury-time, with Oman chasing an equaliser, the South Koreans would add a third with Son teeing up Joo Min-Kyu for his second international goal -- with the final 3-1 scoreline arguably papering over the cracks of what was once again a testing outing.

Again, a moment of inspiration from Son would prove the difference.

While it was with his calming words on Thursday, this time it was his feet with which Son once more bailed Hong out.

It must be noted on how remarkable Hong's fall from grace has been, given the legendary status he enjoyed as a player.

Just two months into the job, South Korea coach Hong Myung-Bo is already under pressure with his appointment back in July proving to be an unpopular one among supporters. JUNG YEON-JE/AFP via Getty Images

Still his nation's joint most-capped player with 136 international appearances and captain of the famous team that finished fourth at the 2002 World Cup, Hong looked destined to forever be held in high esteem among South Korean football fans.

Even if Hong's previous spell in charge of the Taegeuk Warriors was a disappointing one, circumstances hardly favoured him as he was parachuted into the role with the team in disarray with his first major assignment the 2014 World Cup.

Hong would stoically resign after South Korea's group-stage elimination even when he was asked to stay on by the KFA.

Improvement will be expected as soon as the next international window in October, where South Korea will once again be favourites in Group B meetings with Jordan and Iraq -- and it must be remembered that it was the former who beat them in the semifinals of the AFC Asian Cup at the start of the year that led to Klinsmann's dismissal.

For a side that boasts as much quality as they do, South Korea need to start asserting their dominance -- akin to the way that neighbours Japan have racked up back-to-back wins in Group C over China and Bahrain, scoring 12 goals in the process while conceding none.

It is imperative they do so in order for the negative sentiment surrounding Hong to subside, which will then allow him a proper go at the job this second time around.

For now, though, he has Son to thank for the fact that he is not already under even more pressure.

Just like it was back then, it does seem that some of the discontent directed at him should at least be diverted to the association -- for he was always in a difficult position from the time they set their sights on him as the successor to Jürgen Klinsmann and approached him repeatedly.

- Gabriel Tan 

UNHERALDED JOO MIN-KYU'S JOURNEY OF PERSEVERANCE TO SOUTH KOREA OPPORTUNITY

At the age of 33, Ulsan HD striker Joo Min-Kyu is set to finally get his chance to show what he can offer South Korea -- after being called up for their upcoming back-to-back World Cup qualifiers against Thailand. Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images

 

 As South Korea look to bounce back from a semifinal exit at the AFC Asian Cup back in January when they resume their qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup over the coming week, one man looks set to finally get his long-awaited chance at international level.

Less than a month before he turns 34, Joo Min-Kyu is in line to win his first cap after being called up for the Taegeuk Warriors' upcoming back-to-back ties with Thailand in the second round of Asian qualifiers for the next World Cup.

Joo's story is one of perseverance and resilience but, even if his career has been late-blooming, it is also peculiar that it has taken this long for him to finally get his opportunity.

Having had to work his way up from the second tier of South Korean football, initially even as a reserve squad member, Joo was at one point earning a monthly wage of less than one million won (US$746) -- a far lower salary than what a fresh graduate would be paid in their first job in the country.

But through sheer hard work that is often personified by the physical approach to his game, he first showed his penchant for scoring in spells with Seoul E-Land and while performing his national service obligations with Sangju Sangmu (now Gimcheon Sangmu).

Then, it was after moving to Jeju United where he really emerged as one of the most-prolific marksmen in K League 1.

Despite playing for relatively unfancied Jeju, Joo bagged 22 goals in 2021 to become the competition's first local top scorer in five years.

He followed up with an equally-healthy haul of 17 goals the following season but was pipped to a second consecutive accolade due to Cho Gue-Sung notching the same tally from less games.

Earning a move to K League 1 giants Ulsan HD at the start of 2023, Joo would again hit the back of the net 17 times to pick up a second Golden Boot award.

With 56 goals from 107 league games to his name over the past three years, it would seem logical that the Cheongju native would have at least earned international recognition in that time -- even if it might have been understandable that there would be others ahead of him in the pecking order.

Hwang Ui-Jo has, after all, been plying his trade in Europe for several years now, while Cho always seemed a favourite of former coach Paulo Bento.

Still, Joo's opportunity never came under Bento and, even after the Portuguese was replaced by Jurgen Klinsmann, he had to continue biding his time.

Even back in December, having been omitted from Klinsmann's Asian Cup squad that boasted just two out-and-out striking options, Joo refused to throw in the towel.

"I am 33, but I still have not given up (on) my dream of playing for the national team," he said, in an interview with Korea JoongAng Daily.

Joo's chances when Klinsmann was at the helm were not helped by the fact that the German's apparent disinterest in the domestic league, which was one of the main criticisms that led to the latter's dismissal after their failure to win the Asian Cup, when they had been one of the heavy favourites.

With Hwang Sun-Hong replacing Klinsmann in a caretaker capacity until a permanent successor is found by the Korea Football Association, Joo's opportunity looks to have finally arrived.

And despite only being in the role temporarily for the moment, there should not be any doubt that Hwang -- a former South Korea international himself -- knows what he is doing especially when it comes to his attacking options, having racked up 50 goals from 103 caps to be his country's second-highest scorer only behind the legendary Cha Bum-Kun.

Joo may still have to bide his time.

Unless Hwang deviates from the system that South Korea have employed for a while now under both Bento and Klinsmann, Cho -- who has admittedly thrived since moving to Europe with Denmark's Midtjylland -- should be the first choice for the lone striker role with the dynamic and creative trio of Son Heung-Min, Lee Kang-In and Lee Jae-Sung operating in behind.

Yet, at the very least, Joo's opportunity has finally arrived.

And based on the perseverance and resilience that has epitomised the travails of his career, it seems only natural that Joo will do whatever he needs to over the coming days to soon earn his place on the international stage -- wearing the colours of his nation.

- Gabriel Tan 

MALAYSIA SAVE THEIR BEST FOR LAST TO CLAIM MONUMENTAL DRAW AGAINST POWERHOUSE SOUTH KOREA

Romel Morales scored a dramatic equaliser in the 15th minute of injury-time to earn Malaysia a monumental 3-3 draw with South Korea to ensure they would be departing from the 2023 AFC Asian Cup with their heads held high. HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images

 They were already eliminated from the 2023 AFC Asian Cup ahead of Thursday's final set of Group E fixtures, so there was little for Malaysia to play for put pride.

But they certainly made sure they would be leaving the tournament with their heads held high after a stirring display -- which culminated with an equaliser in the 15th minute of injury-time -- saw them hold powerhouses South Korea to a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Even with their fate already secured ahead of kickoff, Malaysia still had the power to influence the destiny of others.

They did just that as the draw meant that South Korea would finish second in Group E behind Bahrain, although the result might still sit well with the former given they have now avoided a heavyweight clash with Japan in the round of 16.

For Malaysia, they will at least know that -- with this result alone -- they have given an excellent account of themselves on their return to the continent's biggest stage for the first time since 2007.

FORTUNE FAVOURS THE BOLD AS PALESTINE MAKE HISTORY BY REACHING ASIAN CUP KNOCKOUT ROUND

Getty 

 Heading into Tuesday's Group C action at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, Palestine knew they had plenty to do -- and then hope for -- if they were to be certain of making history by advancing out of the group stage for the first time ever.

They needed to beat Hong Kong, hope for an Iran triumph over United Arab Emirates, and erase a five-goal deficit between them and the Emiratis in the process.

In the end, they came up just short in that aspect.

Yet, for all the endeavour and valour they displayed, they got their reward in the end.

With two goals from Oday Dabbagh and one from Zaid Qunbar, they held up their end of the bargain with a dominant 3-0 win over Hong Kong and it initially looked as though the original scenario was indeed somehow going to eventuate with Iran leading UAE by two goals.

But a 93rd-minute strike from Yahya Al-Ghassani meant the Iranians would only be able to pull off a 2-1 victory.

With UAE and Palestine level on four points and having played out a draw in their own meeting -- negating head-to-head record as a tie breaker -- the former would finish in second place ahead of the latter on goal difference by a solitary strike.

Originally, the Palestinians would have faced a nervous wait to find out if they would advance as one of the four best-performing third-placed teams.

Nonetheless, with Groups A and B already concluded, and with Syria and China both ranking lower in the third-place team standings, Palestine's progress was confirmed.

In the end, they had their own sense of adventure to thank given the way they constantly looked to score more and more against Hong Kong.

Just a win was not enough for them. They knew they had to give themselves as much of a chance and they duly did just that.

With Palestine and Syria both on four points -- and China out of the equation with just two -- it was the fact that the former had scored five goals ensured there would be at least two teams below them, with the Syrians boasting just one goal to their names.

It proved to be an evening of real drama as it seemed at times that fate just would not be on Palestine's side, while they also did ride their luck a fair bit.

 Iran twice had goals disallowed upon VAR review which would have given them a far healthier margin of victory than they had via a Mehdi Taremi double, and would have guaranteed the runners-up spot for the Palestinians.

Palestine did however look certain to concede against Hong Kong in injury-time of their own game, only for Everton Camargo to smash a penalty off the crossbar and inadvertently preserve a three-goal triumph for the West Asian outfit.

Ultimately, perhaps it was a case of fortune favouring the brave.

Having only made their Asian Cup debut in 2015, Palestine are now through to the knockout round for the first time in three attempts -- and they certainly did so because they gave it a real go.

Whatever they go on to achieve from here, the 2023 edition of the Asian Cup will always be one to remember for them.

- Gabriel Tan 

WITH AKRAM AFIF, ALMOEZ ALI MAKING RED-HOT HISTORY

After a record-breaking nine goals at the last AFC Asian Cup, it took Almoez Ali 56 minutes to open his account at the 2023 edition with Qatar's second in a 3-0 win over Lebanon on Friday. Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Five years ago, when Qatar made history with their first AFC Asian Cup triumph, two players shone brighter than all others.

With a staggering nine-goal haul -- a new record tally in a single tournament -- Almoez Ali picked up both the Top Scorer and Most Valuable Player awards.

Yet, an equally-deserving MVP would have been Akram Afif, who was at his creative best and as influential as Almoez with an equalliy-remarkable tally of ten assists.

Both were just precocious 22-year-olds at the time.

From the hunters, Qatar will now be the hunted as they look to become the first team in two decades to successfully retain the trophy.

But if their opening display is anything to go by -- as they kicked off their Group A campaign on Friday evening with a 3-0 win over Lebanon -- they have every chance of going back-to-back as long as they can call upon Almoez and Afif, who are now 27 and should be close to the peak of their powers.

THAILAND'S NEXT GENERATION RISE TO THE OCCASION IN OPENING ASIAN CUP WIN

Supachai Jaided showed excellent predatory instincts to find himself in the right place at the right time twice for a match-winning double to help Thailand see off Kyrgyz Republic on Tuesday. HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images

Thailand's preparations for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup were not exactly smooth sailing -- and it was a massive blow when it was confirmed that their star duo Chanathip Songkrasin and Teerasil Dangda would miss through injury.

Chanathip has been one of the continent's leading playmakers in recent years and the War Elephants creator-in-chief for a decade now while Teerasil, while now entering the twilight of his career, still offered plenty of valuable experience from over a decade of being the most-feared striker in Southeast Asia.

Without them, and especially given recent turmoil which saw former coach Alexandre Polking replaced by Masatada Ishii just back in November, there was an air of uncertainty over how well-drilled a Thailand outfit would turn up in Qatar.

On Tuesday, the next generation of stars showed that they could have what it takes to fire Thailand deep in the tournament -- as they opened their Group F campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over Kyrgyz Republic.

AFC ASIA CUP IS HERE | ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

5000 IQ ASIAN CUP PREDICTION

JAPANS QUEST FOR RECORD 5TH ASIAN CUP NOW FALLS ON NEW GENERATION OF TALENT

At 22 but with a wealth of experience in Europe under his belt, Takefusa Kubo looks set to be a key player for Japan not only at the upcoming AFC Asian Cup but for the next decade or so. EPA/FILIP SINGER

When Japan last won the AFC Asian Cup in 2011, they looked destined for a prolonged period of dominance on the continental stage.

They had just claimed a record-breaking fourth title with a talented yet youthful squad -- without a single player over the age of 30.

Emerging talents Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa were just 24 and 21 but both already plying their trade for CSKA Moscow and Borussia Dortmund respectively, while other Europe-based names such as Yuto Nagatomo, Atsuto Uchida and even captain Makoto Hasebe were all in their early to mid-twenties.

Somehow, in the 13 years since, Japan are yet to add another Asian Cup to their trophy cabinet.

Those names have long disappeared from the Samurai Blue setup, either through retirement or being gradually phased out.

A new generation has been ushered in to deliver the coveted prize that has curiously eluded the Japanese at the past two editions of the Asian Cup: a fifth continental crown.

SOUTH KOREA HAVE SON, BUT IS KLINSMANN THE RIGHT COACH?

South Korea are relying on Son Heung-Min and Jurgen Klinsmann to end the nation's 64-year trophy drought. JUNG YEON-JE/AFP via Getty Images

South Korea rank among Asia's best sides, yet they last won the AFC Asian Cup in 1960; it's a fact that feels as if it must be wrong, incongruous as it is with their global footballing standing. Yet as former Germany and United States coach Jürgen Klinsmann prepares to lead the Taeguk Warriors into their latest attempt to win the trophyhe is working not only against the weight of history, but also significant domestic skepticism.

South Korea are one of the few teams competing at January's Asian Cup that most global observers will consider themselves somewhat familiar with. They have gone to every World Cup since 1986, finishing fourth as co-hosts in 2002 and progressing to the knockout phase twice since then. In 2022, they were part of a final matchday in Group H so gripping that it likely played a role in FIFA abandoning plans for three-team groups at the expanded 2026 tournament. South Korea's under-23 side, meanwhile, were bronze medalists at the 2012 Olympics, subsequently advancing to the quarterfinals in Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo, and won the past three Asian Games titles. The K1 League is one of Asia's strongest, and 12 AFC Champions League titles are more than those won any other nation.

Nevertheless, South Korea's Asian Cup drought stands at 64 years and counting.