Abu Dhabi: Islamic Republic of Iran are seeking a fourth AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 title but danger lies in the opposition they face in Group D.



Iraq ended Team Melli's campaign in the quarter-finals four years ago while Vietnam are a team in form. Yemen aim to impress in their debut Finals setting the stage for some exciting matches in the group.



Islamic Republic of Iran

World Ranking: 29

Previous Appearances: 13

Best performance: Champions (1968, 1972, 1976)

2015: Quarter-finals

Head Coach: Carlos Queiroz

 

View this post on Instagram


All you need to know about Iran ?? ahead of the #AsianCup2019!

A post shared by #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) on Jan 2, 2019 at 1:51am PST

 

Asia's top ranked team will need no motivation as Iran seek to add a fourth AFC Asian Cup title to their collection. It has been a long wait since their last triumph in 1976 and head coach Carlos Queiroz will surely get the best out of his squad.

      Iraq

      World Ranking: 88

      Previous Appearances: 8

      Best performance: Champions (2007)

      2015: Fourth

      Head Coach: Srecko Katanec

       

View this post on Instagram


All you need to know about Iraq ?? ahead of the #AsianCup2019!

A post shared by #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) on Jan 2, 2019 at 1:45am PST

 

Champions in 2007 and fourth five years ago, Iraq will up for the challenge yet again. Slovenian coach Srecko Katanec has promised his squad won't be lacking in motivation and that is sure to mean that Iraq will be an exciting side to watch.

Vietnam

World Ranking: 100|

Previous Asian Cups: 1

Best performance: Quarter-finals (2007)

2015: Did not qualify

Head Coach: Park Hang-seo

 

View this post on Instagram


All you need to know about Vietnam ?? ahead of the #AsianCup2019!

A post shared by #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) on Jan 2, 2019 at 1:39am PST

 

Vietnam ended 2018 the way they started it - on a high as the senior team won the 2018 AFF Cup in December, 11 months after the U-23 side finished runners-up in the 2018 AFC U23 Championship. Park Hang-seo was the head coach for both squads and Vietnam will fancy their chances of advancing to the knockout stage.

      Yemen

      World Ranking: 135

      Previous Appearances: 0

      Head Coach: Jan Kocian

       

View this post on Instagram


All you need to know about Yemen ?? ahead of the #AsianCup2019!

A post shared by #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) on Jan 2, 2019 at 1:35am PST

 

Yemen are the third team making their AFC Asian Cup Finals debut and will be looking forward to locking horns with the likes of Iran, Iraq and Vietnam. Underestimating them will be dangerous as Jan Kocian's men are determined to leave a mark on UAE 2019.


Source: the-afc.com