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Group C Preview: Three-time champions Iran the team to beat
Iran, led by Osasuna's Javad Nekounam, are expected to qualify as winners of the all-West Asian Group C.
Asia's biggest football tournament, the AFC Asian Cup, kicks off Jan. 9 in Australia. James Dampney has the lowdown on Group C.
AFC ASIAN CUP - AUSTRALIA 2015
- Parkin: What you need to know about the Asian Cup
- Humphreys: Five reasons to watch the 2015 Asian Cup
- Group A Preview: Australia are narrow favourites
- Group B Preview: Saudis and Uzbeks face tight group
- Group C Preview: Iran the team to beat
- Group D Preview: Four new managers in the dugouts
GROUP C: UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - QATAR - IRAN - BAHRAIN
Conventional wisdom
A quick look at the current FIFA world rankings suggests that 51st placed Iran are clearly the team to beat. The Iranians made it through the qualifying stage undefeated and are the fourth overall favorite to win this year's title, behind Japan, Australia and South Korea. However, they will face plenty of competition if they are to win the group.
Qatar come into the tournament as one of the in-form teams. A stellar triumph in November's Gulf Cup underlined their credentials, while a first-ever victory over Australia in a friendly in October was also a significant fillip to propel them to 95th in the world rankings.
Since breaking into the world's top 100 nations in 2012, the United Arab Emirates have remained a top 100 team and currently sit at 81. They also enjoyed an unbeaten qualifying campaign, including a 5-0 rout of AFF semifinalists Vietnam.
At 122 in the standings and just 14 overall in Asia, Bahrain loom as the minnows of the group. But their Asian Cup qualifying campaign included both a 1-0 victory and a 0-0 draw from two matches against group rivals Qatar. That suggests they should also be competitive in the 2015 event.
Ali Mabkhout, of the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar's Khalfan Ibrahim will go head-to-head in Canberra on Jan. 11.
Must watch
Sunday, Jan. 11 -- United Arab Emirates vs. Qatar
The two West Asian nations share a naval border in the Persian Gulf, have Arabic as their primary language and boast some stunning architecture in the capital cities of Abu Dhabi, UAE and Doha, Qatar. At this year's Asian Cup, not only will the winners of their game in Canberra earn some friendly bragging rights, but it will also give them the impetus required to progress further in the tournament.
With Iran shaping up as the heavyweights of the pool, this opening match could turn into a slugfest with both teams leaving nothing behind in order keep their hopes alive beyond the opening round.
Main men
Bahrain -- Mohamed Salmeen
The captain and the linchpin of the midfield, Salmeen is considered among the most talented players in the Bahraini side. A constant since 2000, he will need to offer his usual influence if Bahrain hope to advance from the group.
Iran -- Ashkan Dejagah
Forward Dejagah, 28, is primed to make a big impact in Australia. He has an impressive pedigree in European football with Hertha Berlin and Wolfsburg in Germany before scoring five goals in 43 appearances for English outfit Fulham between 2012 and 2014.
Ashkan Dejagah wowed Premier League audiences for Fulham in the 2013-14 season. Can he light up the Asian Cup?
Qatar -- Khalfan Ibrahim
With 22 goals from 81 appearances in the midfield, Ibrahim has an outstanding record for his country. The 26-year-old made his national debut in 2004 at the age of just 17.
United Arab Emirates -- Ali Al-Wehaibi
Boasting a long and decorated career with United Arab Emirates side Al-Ain FC, the 31-year-old has also made 46 appearances for his country and is a key member of its midfield.
What matters most
Can anyone stop Iran? A team that has qualified for every edition of the Asian Cup since hosting, and winning, their first attempt back in 1968, Iran sit head and shoulders above the rest in Group C.
Having sailed through qualifying, the Iranians will have their eyes firmly focused on ensuring they are still around at the business end of this year's event. Team Melli chase a fourth title, which would equal the record held by Japan.
The three other members of this group will be equally optimistic of ensuring their qualification, or even finishing on top, after their three matches. The opener between the United Arab Emirates and Qatar will provide an early indication of who could advance, before Bahrain face a huge test against the group favourites in Melbourne.
Prediction
1. Iran
2. Qatar
3. United Arab Emirates
4. Bahrain
Group C Preview: Three-time champions Iran the team to beat
Iran, led by Osasuna's Javad Nekounam, are expected to qualify as winners of the all-West Asian Group C.
Asia's biggest football tournament, the AFC Asian Cup, kicks off Jan. 9 in Australia. James Dampney has the lowdown on Group C.
AFC ASIAN CUP - AUSTRALIA 2015
- Parkin: What you need to know about the Asian Cup
- Humphreys: Five reasons to watch the 2015 Asian Cup
- Group A Preview: Australia are narrow favourites
- Group B Preview: Saudis and Uzbeks face tight group
- Group C Preview: Iran the team to beat
- Group D Preview: Four new managers in the dugouts
GROUP C: UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - QATAR - IRAN - BAHRAIN
Conventional wisdom
A quick look at the current FIFA world rankings suggests that 51st placed Iran are clearly the team to beat. The Iranians made it through the qualifying stage undefeated and are the fourth overall favorite to win this year's title, behind Japan, Australia and South Korea. However, they will face plenty of competition if they are to win the group.
Qatar come into the tournament as one of the in-form teams. A stellar triumph in November's Gulf Cup underlined their credentials, while a first-ever victory over Australia in a friendly in October was also a significant fillip to propel them to 95th in the world rankings.
Since breaking into the world's top 100 nations in 2012, the United Arab Emirates have remained a top 100 team and currently sit at 81. They also enjoyed an unbeaten qualifying campaign, including a 5-0 rout of AFF semifinalists Vietnam.
At 122 in the standings and just 14 overall in Asia, Bahrain loom as the minnows of the group. But their Asian Cup qualifying campaign included both a 1-0 victory and a 0-0 draw from two matches against group rivals Qatar. That suggests they should also be competitive in the 2015 event.
Ali Mabkhout, of the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar's Khalfan Ibrahim will go head-to-head in Canberra on Jan. 11.
Must watch
Sunday, Jan. 11 -- United Arab Emirates vs. Qatar
The two West Asian nations share a naval border in the Persian Gulf, have Arabic as their primary language and boast some stunning architecture in the capital cities of Abu Dhabi, UAE and Doha, Qatar. At this year's Asian Cup, not only will the winners of their game in Canberra earn some friendly bragging rights, but it will also give them the impetus required to progress further in the tournament.
With Iran shaping up as the heavyweights of the pool, this opening match could turn into a slugfest with both teams leaving nothing behind in order keep their hopes alive beyond the opening round.
Main men
Bahrain -- Mohamed Salmeen
The captain and the linchpin of the midfield, Salmeen is considered among the most talented players in the Bahraini side. A constant since 2000, he will need to offer his usual influence if Bahrain hope to advance from the group.
Iran -- Ashkan Dejagah
Forward Dejagah, 28, is primed to make a big impact in Australia. He has an impressive pedigree in European football with Hertha Berlin and Wolfsburg in Germany before scoring five goals in 43 appearances for English outfit Fulham between 2012 and 2014.
Ashkan Dejagah wowed Premier League audiences for Fulham in the 2013-14 season. Can he light up the Asian Cup?
Qatar -- Khalfan Ibrahim
With 22 goals from 81 appearances in the midfield, Ibrahim has an outstanding record for his country. The 26-year-old made his national debut in 2004 at the age of just 17.
United Arab Emirates -- Ali Al-Wehaibi
Boasting a long and decorated career with United Arab Emirates side Al-Ain FC, the 31-year-old has also made 46 appearances for his country and is a key member of its midfield.
What matters most
Can anyone stop Iran? A team that has qualified for every edition of the Asian Cup since hosting, and winning, their first attempt back in 1968, Iran sit head and shoulders above the rest in Group C.
Having sailed through qualifying, the Iranians will have their eyes firmly focused on ensuring they are still around at the business end of this year's event. Team Melli chase a fourth title, which would equal the record held by Japan.
The three other members of this group will be equally optimistic of ensuring their qualification, or even finishing on top, after their three matches. The opener between the United Arab Emirates and Qatar will provide an early indication of who could advance, before Bahrain face a huge test against the group favourites in Melbourne.
Prediction
1. Iran
2. Qatar
3. United Arab Emirates
4. Bahrain