IR Iran remain as Asia’s best
AFC – Kuala Lumpur, Islamic Republic of Iran ended their 2018 season as Asia’s best, following the latest FIFA Rankings released on Thursday.
Team Melli retained their position in 29th spot, with Australia, Japan, Korea Republic and Saudi Arabia’s positions also unchanged at 29th, 41st, 50th, 53rd, and 69th respectively to complete Asia’s top five.
All five teams will convene in the United Arab Emirates, where they will be joined by 19 other nations – including hosts UAE – for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.
Preparations for all teams have gathered pace with a series of friendly matches taking place over the next two weeks, before the Continental showpiece kicks off on January 5.
Friendlies:
December 24
Iraq v China PR
Iran v Palestine
December 25
Qatar v Kyrgyz Republic
Afghanistan v Turkey
Vietnam v DPR Korea
December 27
Qatar v Algeria
India v Oman
December 28
Iraq v Palestine
China PR v Jordan
UAE v Kuwait
December 29
Yemen v Syria
December 31
Kyrgyz Republic v Palestine
Qatar v Iran
Vietnam v Philippines
Korea Republic v Saudi Arabia