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.
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 B
JAPAN
Shunsuke Nakamura
Turning 29 just before the Asian Cup kicks off, Japan’s midfield wizard Shunsuke Nakamura is in the prime of his career. He plays in Scotland for Celtic and was in sparkling form this year, being named Scottish PFA Player of the Year for the season just passed. The guy is a genius. His free kicks are an asset for any team as he showed against Manchester United in this year’s Champions League, not once but twice. Must perform if Japan is to succeed Last September he became the first Japanese player to score in the UEFA Champions League and only the second Asian player to do so. Nakamura took Japan to its second consecutive Asian Cup title in 2004 and in the process was named Most Valuable Player. He will need to repeat his great form here because he leads a much less experienced outfit in 2007. He has the creativity and vision to scare Group B opponents UAE, Qatar and Vietnam, but it remains to be seen how he adjusts to Ivica Osim’s running game.
QATAR
Khalfan Ibrahim
Ibrahim, at just 18 and in his first full professional season, was the surprise recipient of the AFC’s Player of the Year Award last year.
A diminutive and tricky attacking midfielder or forward, he has performed well for Qatari club Al-Sadd domestically and in the Asian Champions League. In the national team Ibrahim scored a double on debut in the Asian Cup qualifying match against Bangladesh. Eagle-eyed Qatari fans however have had high hopes for Ibrahim since he scored an impressive goal against Holland in 2005’s U17 World Championship. Japan, UAE and Vietnam’s defences will have to watch out for Ibrahim.
UAE
Ismail Matar
The tournament’s leading scorer at last January’s Gulf Cup, the pint-sized Emirati is set to add to his camel collection after the Asian Cup even if he doesn’t bag a winner’s medal. The 24-year-old has been viewed as a rising star ever since he was awarded the Golden Ball at the 2003 World Youth Championships after being voted player of the tournament.
Could he be in Europe next season? A successful Cup could put him there.
VIETNAM
Phan Thanh Binh
Despite playing for V-League strugglers Dong Thap, Phan Thanh Binh is one of the most talented of the current generation of Vietnamese players. He starred recently against arch rivals Thailand in the ASEAN Football Championship and scored against the Thais in the Kings Cup.
Group C
CHINA
Dong Fangzhuo
The nearly man of Chinese football, Dong has long been touted as the man to lead the revolution and drag China into the football elite. The first Chinese player to sign for Manchester United, in 2004, the 22-year-old was sent on loan to United’s affiliate club Royal Antwerp in Belgium after being denied a UK work permit. This year he finally joined United full-time, but is only on the fringe of the first team.
With just one international goal so far, it’s now or never for Dong.
IRAN
Andranik Teymourian
Having represented Iran at every youth level before joining the national team, “Ando” was hand picked by Big Sam to join Bolton after a solid performance in the World Cup. He learned English within months and joined Bolton’s starting line-up even more quickly. Young and intelligent, his accurate shooting from midfield will be a constant danger to Iran’s opponents.
MALAYSIA
Azlan Ismail
The pearl from Perlis, Ismail has been in wicked form with MSL side Perlis recently, netting five goals in two consecutive domestic fixtures. The Kelantan-born goal merchant, if given the right service, is the most likely outlet for any Malaysian joy.
UZBEKISTAN
Maksim Shatskikh
Shakskikh arrived at Dynamo Kyiv in 1999 replacing some bloke called Andriy Shevchenko, scoring 20 goals in his first season. One of Uzbekistan’s most-capped players, he finished second in the 2005 AFC Asian Player of the Year voting and is a consistent scorer in the Ukraine.
Group D
SOUTH KOREA
Lee Chun-Soo
With the likely absence of Park Ji-Sung due to injury, lethal free-kick taker Lee Chun-Soo must take more responsibility for the Koreans’ attack. Having been linked to a string of English Premier League clubs since he starred in the 2002 World Cup, he now looks set to move to Fulham during the English off-season. Against Togo in the 2006 World Cup Lee scored a fantastic free kick, and he did it again against Greece in a friendly in February. He must however make more of an impact in general play if the Koreans are to go deep into the tournament.
SAUDI ARABIA
Hamad Al-Montashari
Al-Montashari is a tall yet mobile central defender with Saudi club Al-Ittihad and is still only 25 years old. He gained recognition for his performances in the Asian Champions League in 2004 and 2005, when he helped his club to back-to-back titles. In 2005, he was awarded the AFC’s Player of the Year award, although it must be said, only because the likes of Shunsuke Nakamura and Ali Karimi couldn’t make it to the ceremony.
INDONESIA
Bambang Pamungkas
Bambang Pamungkas, 27, is a striker with Indonesian club side Persija Jakarta, and is remembered for his goal against Malaysia in the 2002 Tiger Cup, labelled “the killer header”.
Don’t be fooled by his short stature – Pamungkas has more than 40 goals for the national team. They’ll need him to score some more.
BAHRAIN
Ala’a Hubail
Ala’a Hubail, currently playing with Qatar side Al-Gharafa, was voted 8th best player in Asia Cup 2004 when he finished join top scorer with five goals. In 2005 he suffered an ACL injury but is fit again and hungry for goals. Hubail, who turns 25 just before the tournament kicks off, is a class player with a good touch and should cause a few problems.
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 B
JAPAN
Shunsuke Nakamura
Turning 29 just before the Asian Cup kicks off, Japan’s midfield wizard Shunsuke Nakamura is in the prime of his career. He plays in Scotland for Celtic and was in sparkling form this year, being named Scottish PFA Player of the Year for the season just passed. The guy is a genius. His free kicks are an asset for any team as he showed against Manchester United in this year’s Champions League, not once but twice. Must perform if Japan is to succeed Last September he became the first Japanese player to score in the UEFA Champions League and only the second Asian player to do so. Nakamura took Japan to its second consecutive Asian Cup title in 2004 and in the process was named Most Valuable Player. He will need to repeat his great form here because he leads a much less experienced outfit in 2007. He has the creativity and vision to scare Group B opponents UAE, Qatar and Vietnam, but it remains to be seen how he adjusts to Ivica Osim’s running game.
QATAR
Khalfan Ibrahim
Ibrahim, at just 18 and in his first full professional season, was the surprise recipient of the AFC’s Player of the Year Award last year.
A diminutive and tricky attacking midfielder or forward, he has performed well for Qatari club Al-Sadd domestically and in the Asian Champions League. In the national team Ibrahim scored a double on debut in the Asian Cup qualifying match against Bangladesh. Eagle-eyed Qatari fans however have had high hopes for Ibrahim since he scored an impressive goal against Holland in 2005’s U17 World Championship. Japan, UAE and Vietnam’s defences will have to watch out for Ibrahim.
UAE
Ismail Matar
The tournament’s leading scorer at last January’s Gulf Cup, the pint-sized Emirati is set to add to his camel collection after the Asian Cup even if he doesn’t bag a winner’s medal. The 24-year-old has been viewed as a rising star ever since he was awarded the Golden Ball at the 2003 World Youth Championships after being voted player of the tournament.
Could he be in Europe next season? A successful Cup could put him there.
VIETNAM
Phan Thanh Binh
Despite playing for V-League strugglers Dong Thap, Phan Thanh Binh is one of the most talented of the current generation of Vietnamese players. He starred recently against arch rivals Thailand in the ASEAN Football Championship and scored against the Thais in the Kings Cup.
Group C
CHINA
Dong Fangzhuo
The nearly man of Chinese football, Dong has long been touted as the man to lead the revolution and drag China into the football elite. The first Chinese player to sign for Manchester United, in 2004, the 22-year-old was sent on loan to United’s affiliate club Royal Antwerp in Belgium after being denied a UK work permit. This year he finally joined United full-time, but is only on the fringe of the first team.
With just one international goal so far, it’s now or never for Dong.
IRAN
Andranik Teymourian
Having represented Iran at every youth level before joining the national team, “Ando” was hand picked by Big Sam to join Bolton after a solid performance in the World Cup. He learned English within months and joined Bolton’s starting line-up even more quickly. Young and intelligent, his accurate shooting from midfield will be a constant danger to Iran’s opponents.
MALAYSIA
Azlan Ismail
The pearl from Perlis, Ismail has been in wicked form with MSL side Perlis recently, netting five goals in two consecutive domestic fixtures. The Kelantan-born goal merchant, if given the right service, is the most likely outlet for any Malaysian joy.
UZBEKISTAN
Maksim Shatskikh
Shakskikh arrived at Dynamo Kyiv in 1999 replacing some bloke called Andriy Shevchenko, scoring 20 goals in his first season. One of Uzbekistan’s most-capped players, he finished second in the 2005 AFC Asian Player of the Year voting and is a consistent scorer in the Ukraine.
Group D
SOUTH KOREA
Lee Chun-Soo
With the likely absence of Park Ji-Sung due to injury, lethal free-kick taker Lee Chun-Soo must take more responsibility for the Koreans’ attack. Having been linked to a string of English Premier League clubs since he starred in the 2002 World Cup, he now looks set to move to Fulham during the English off-season. Against Togo in the 2006 World Cup Lee scored a fantastic free kick, and he did it again against Greece in a friendly in February. He must however make more of an impact in general play if the Koreans are to go deep into the tournament.
SAUDI ARABIA
Hamad Al-Montashari
Al-Montashari is a tall yet mobile central defender with Saudi club Al-Ittihad and is still only 25 years old. He gained recognition for his performances in the Asian Champions League in 2004 and 2005, when he helped his club to back-to-back titles. In 2005, he was awarded the AFC’s Player of the Year award, although it must be said, only because the likes of Shunsuke Nakamura and Ali Karimi couldn’t make it to the ceremony.
INDONESIA
Bambang Pamungkas
Bambang Pamungkas, 27, is a striker with Indonesian club side Persija Jakarta, and is remembered for his goal against Malaysia in the 2002 Tiger Cup, labelled “the killer header”.
Don’t be fooled by his short stature – Pamungkas has more than 40 goals for the national team. They’ll need him to score some more.
BAHRAIN
Ala’a Hubail
Ala’a Hubail, currently playing with Qatar side Al-Gharafa, was voted 8th best player in Asia Cup 2004 when he finished join top scorer with five goals. In 2005 he suffered an ACL injury but is fit again and hungry for goals. Hubail, who turns 25 just before the tournament kicks off, is a class player with a good touch and should cause a few problems.
Related Articles
Australian government commends Qatar on World Cup
Matildas 'have parked' 7-0 thrashing: 'We're one of the best pressing teams in the world'
