UAE 2019 Draw: Possible groups and match-ups
The 2007 AFC Asian Cup trophy is presented in Jakarta July 28, 2007. Iraq will play Saudi Arabia in the final of the soccer tournament tomorrow. REUTERS/Jerry Lampen (INDONESIA)
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Loading...AFC – KUALA LUMPUR, The group-stage draw for the AFC Asian Cup 2019 UAE takes place on May 4. We know the identities of 24 teams and it’s time to turn our attention to the permutations on offer.
The-AFC.com looks at what could unfold at the prestigious tournament draw event in Dubai and which teams could be pitted against one another in the proverbial group of death, groups of champions, familiar foes and more.
As it stands, here is the current seeding with one nation from each pot to be drawn to make six groups of four teams, with the top two and four best third-placed teams advancing into the final 16 of the competition.
Pot 1: United Arab Emirates, Islamic Republic of Iran, Australia, Japan, Korea Republic, Saudi Arabia
Pot 2: China PR, Syria, Uzbekistan, Iraq, Qatar, Thailand
Pot 3: Krygyz Republic, Lebanon, Palestine, Oman, India, Vietnam
Pot 4: DPR Korea, Philippines, Bahrain, Jordan, Yemen, Turkmenistan
FIFA’s Top Ranked
Iran (#1), China PR (#5), Kyrgyz Republic (#6), DPR Korea (#18)
A contentious one but, according to the latest FIFA Ranking (the numbers in brackets represent their standing amongst AFC Member Associations), these four comprise the strongest possible outcome from the draw and therefore present the toughest group on paper.
Defending champions Australia surprisingly miss out due to their lower FIFA Ranking, second amongst AFC MAs.
AFC Asian Cup Wins
IR Iran (37 wins), China PR (20 wins), Oman (2 wins), Bahrain (4 wins)
Rankings are all very well, but when it comes to the history of the tournament, these four teams represent the most successful group draw in terms of matches won at the continental championship.
They are also the combination of teams with the most goals scored, with a cumulative 232 AFC Asian Cup strikes to their name.
Rivalries to be renewed?
IR Iran vs Iraq: A re-match of arguably the most exciting tie at AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015, the thrilling 3-3 quarter-final in Canberra.
Australia vs Syria: A chance for the Qasioun Eagles to gain revenge for their Russia 2018 Play-Off defeat to the Socceroos.
Thailand vs Vietnam: One of ASEAN’s biggest derbies can take place in the group stages with matches between Thailand and Vietnam always sure to generate thrills and spills.
Japan vs China: A passionate game between regional rivals, a Japan-China pairing would be a repeat of the 2004 AFC Asian Cup final.
India vs the Philippines: The UAE’s large expat community includes high numbers of Indians and Filipinos, and a match-up between these two nations would be sure to bring big crowds flocking.
