KUALA LUMPUR: The ASEAN region will be represented by four teams in the Asian Cup from Jan 12-Feb 10, with Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand shouldering the hopes of the region in Doha.
No ASEAN team have won the Asian Cup to date. Myanmar hold the best historical performance, finishing as runners-up in the 1968 edition in Iran.
National youth coach Bojan Hodak shares his perspectives on the prospects of ASEAN teams in Doha in an interview with Timesport's K. Rajan.
GROUP D
Japan, Iraq, Vietnam, Indonesia
VIETNAM coach Philippe Troussier remains confident that the Golden Star Warriors will replicate their quarter-final achievement from the 2019 edition, despite the absences of key players due to injury.
Notable exclusions include goalkeeper Dang Van Lam, midfielder Nguyen Hoang Duc and veteran defender Que Ngọc Hai.
Meanwhile, Indonesia, under coach Shin Tae Yong, has integrated several naturalised and heritage players with the aim of guiding the Garuda into the knockout stage for the first time in the Asian Cup. Their roster features prominent players such as Justin Hubner from Wolves in the English Premier League, Jordi Amat (JDT), Sandy Walsh (Mechelen, Belgium), Shayne Pattynama (Viking, Norway), Marc Klok (Persib Bandung, Indonesia), Ivar Jenner (Utrecht Youth, Netherlands), and striker Rafael Struick (ADO Den Haag, Netherlands).
Except for Klok, the other players are all of Indonesian descent.
However, both teams may face tough competition from four-time champions Japan and Iraq. Nevertheless, Indonesia or Vietnam still can secure a spot in the last-16 as one of the best third-placed teams.
GROUP E
South Korea, Bahrain, Jordan, Malaysia
HARIMAU Malaya aim to achieve a significant milestone by advancing to the second stage for the first time in their fourth appearance in the Asian Cup.
Under coach Kim Pan Gon, the team have emerged as one of the most exciting teams to watch in Doha. Malaysia are confident they can finish in the top two.
While Bahrain and Jordan are beatable, facing the Son Heung Min-led Korea poses a challenge.
Korea hope to win the title for the first time since 1960.
Like Indonesia, Harimau Malaya have 13 heritage and naturalised players in the squad. Key players to watch include Dion Cools, Matthew Davies, Natxo Insa, Brendan Gan, Romel Morales, Paulo Josue, Arif Aiman Hanapi, and Faisal Halim.
GROUP F
Saudi Arabia, Thailand Kyrgyzstan and Oman.
STAR midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin and veteran striker Teerasil Dangda are not in the Thai side following injuries.
However, Thailand still have many talents in their prime.
Notable players include right-back Nicholas Mickelson from the Danish club Odense Boldklub and striker Suphanat Mueanta from the Belgian club OH Leuven.
Other key players are midfielder Elias Dolah, currently playing for Bali United in Indonesia, and Ekanit Panya and Supachok Sarachat, who play for Urawa Red Diamonds and Consadole Sapporo, respectively.
While Saudi Arabia present a formidable challenge, Thailand, Oman and Kyrgyzstan will fight closely for the second spot in the group.
SUMMARY
"The qualification of four ASEAN teams for the Asian Cup is already an accomplishment, thanks to an increase of teams from 16 to 24.
"While I don't see any of the ASEAN teams winning the Asian Cup, they still have a chance to reach the last 16.
"My advice is for these teams not to set unrealistic expectations. I hope all four teams will give their best, and reaching the last 16 would be a fantastic achievement."