Iraq has slipped 33 spots in the FIFA rankings to 101st since the end of 2007 - the year they won the Cup with a 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in the final.

Their most recent fixture against group opposition was a 0-0 draw against the similarly-ranked UAE (105th) in November.

Iraq were also dealt a 2-1 loss by Iran in October at the West Asian Federation Championship.

The defeat was just one of four Iraq faced in 2010, but most alarmingly for manager Wolfgang Sidka, they were beaten by Kuwait (in a penalty shootout) and Syria in December.

Iran's win over their neighbours was followed by consecutive defeats, albeit one of those losses was against the mighty Brazil 3-0.

The Iranians will no doubt be buoyed by their recent success over Iraq when they kick off their group campaign against the champions in Qatar.

Iran topped Group E in the qualifying stage, while the UAE finished first in Group C.

UAE needed only to finish first or second in a three-team group, however, and given they were grouped with minnows Malaysia, their qualification was all but guaranteed at the draw.

A 5-0 thrashing of Malaysia was the highlight of their qualifying campaign, but they face a much more challenging task to finish top two in January.

Democratic People's Republic of Korea are expected to finish last in Group D, with the lowest ranking of the four countries in the group (108th).

But the Koreans went unbeaten through four friendlies from September to November, including wins over Singapore and Vietnam.

But their victims have rankings of 140 and 137 respectively, putting into perspective the wins as they will face Iran in the group stages, ranked some 74 spots above Singapore in the FIFA standings in 66th.

Key Game:  Iraq v Iran, January 11, Al Rayyan Stadium. These two neighbouring countries can set up their Cup campaign with a win in this fixture, and can also claim bragging rights in their first game in Qatar.

Players To Watch:

DPR Korea: Left-back Ji Yun-Nam made a name for himself when he scored against Brazil at the World Cup in South Africa. Although his goal turned out to be nothing but mere consolation, the defender will be sure to sneak up the pitch and keep his opposite numbers in defence on their toes.

Iran: Osasuna midfielder and national captain Javad Nekounam scored two crucial goals in their qualifying campaign, both in 1-0 wins, and can score from long range.

Iraq: Striker Younis Mahmoud will lead his nation in Qatar, where he plays club football with Al-Gharafa. The local nous from plying his trade in the host nation will be a bonus for the side. Mahmoud also scored the winning goal to gift Iraq the Asian Cup in 2007, and will rise to the big occasion once more in January. 

UAE: Saeed Al Kas scored two of his team's three goals in their 2007 Cup campaign which finished in the group stages, and the striker will again be the main route to goal as they seek to go one better and reach the knockout stages.

Prediction:  Iran have the form over their group rivals, and looked the more settled side  in securing their spot at the Cup, winning four of their six qualifying games. United Arab Emirates and Iraq will battle for second spot, with the deciding factor being how well the champions can handle the expectations that come with their defence. DPR Korea will finish last.