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.