Sure, you might be familiar with some of the bigger teams in Asia but do you know who the key players are in sides like Uzbekistan Saudi Arabia? Check out FourFourTwo’s guide to the men who are set to take centre stage at this year’s Asian Cup.
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With Aidan Ormond, Jackson Gothe-Snape, Negar Salek and Eamonn Flanagan.
Group A
AUSTRALIA
Vinnie Grella
A steadying influence, when Grella is on the field in his holding midfield role, the Socceroos are able to control matches with greater fluidity, confidence and efficiency. Don’t expect the Serie A man to be scoring
too many goals, if any, this tournament but an in-form Grella will take the Socceroos to the end of Asian Cup. Let’s hope he stays away from injury.
IRAQ
Hawar Mulla Mohammed
Fellow Iraqi hotshots Younis Mahmoud and Nashat Akram may have their own websites, but athletic midfielder Mohammed remains an essential member of the side. Hailing from the northern Kurdish region, Mohammed has suffered criticism from some Kurds about his supposed betrayal in dedicating himself to the Iraqi team, but he remains a hero to most. At 24, he is entering his prime, and is one of the best midfielders in Asia, having recently signed for UAE heavyweights Al-Ain.
OMAN
Ali Al Habsi
The giant glovesman is a former Arab keeper of the year and in 2004 was voted Norwegian Goalkeeper of the Year after his displays with Molde. The 192cm goalkeeper will provide an imposing physical presence where it’s needed most.
THAILAND
Datsakorn Thonglao
Thonglao is one of the nation’s most naturally gifted players with a deft touch and an impressive passing game. Scores his fair share of goals for a midfielder too. Although he plays in Vietnam, he’s still popular in his home nation, where he used to play with BEC Tero Sasana.
Group A
AUSTRALIA
Vinnie Grella
A steadying influence, when Grella is on the field in his holding midfield role, the Socceroos are able to control matches with greater fluidity, confidence and efficiency. Don’t expect the Serie A man to be scoring
too many goals, if any, this tournament but an in-form Grella will take the Socceroos to the end of Asian Cup. Let’s hope he stays away from injury.
IRAQ
Hawar Mulla Mohammed
Fellow Iraqi hotshots Younis Mahmoud and Nashat Akram may have their own websites, but athletic midfielder Mohammed remains an essential member of the side. Hailing from the northern Kurdish region, Mohammed has suffered criticism from some Kurds about his supposed betrayal in dedicating himself to the Iraqi team, but he remains a hero to most. At 24, he is entering his prime, and is one of the best midfielders in Asia, having recently signed for UAE heavyweights Al-Ain.
OMAN
Ali Al Habsi
The giant glovesman is a former Arab keeper of the year and in 2004 was voted Norwegian Goalkeeper of the Year after his displays with Molde. The 192cm goalkeeper will provide an imposing physical presence where it’s needed most.
THAILAND
Datsakorn Thonglao
Thonglao is one of the nation’s most naturally gifted players with a deft touch and an impressive passing game. Scores his fair share of goals for a midfielder too. Although he plays in Vietnam, he’s still popular in his home nation, where he used to play with BEC Tero Sasana.
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