Group D set to thrill
3rd January 2019
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
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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
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All you need to know about Iraq ?? ahead of the #AsianCup2019!
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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
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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
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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