We pick out the five must-watch matches from this month’s Asian Cup in Australia.
AUSTRALIA v SOUTH KOREA – 17TH JANUARY, BRISBANE
The Socceroos will get a big early test against one of the continent’s strongest teams.
Both sides will be hoping to have qualified by the final group stage game, but if there are any slip-ups, expect a tense 90 minutes in front of what should be a packed Brisbane Stadium.
Australia and South Korea have had some tough physical battles in the past, so don’t expect that to change at the Asian Cup.
IRAQ V JAPAN – 16TH JANUARY, BRISBANE
The champions of the two past tournaments go head-to-head in Brisbane in what should be a highly-attacking encounter.
Iraq will receive plenty of support in Australia, but the Japanese side is packed full of outstanding quality.
Keisuke Honda, Shinji Kagawa, Yuto Nagatomo, Yasuhito Endo, Shinji Okazaki, Maya Yoshida. The list goes on and on.
However Iraq are known for causing boilovers and there’s no reason why they can’t do it here.
IRAN V UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – 19TH JANUARY, BRISBANE
Tensions between the two nations are at breaking point over disputed islands in between the neighbouring countries.
Pride is on the line here, and both sides will be desperate to win this for the people back home.
Iran were ultra-defensive in the World Cup, but expect that to change in the Asian Cup.
The UAE on the other hand know no other way but to attack, and winger/attacking midfielder Omar Abdulrahman is bound to thrill fans in Australia.
JAPAN v PALESTINE – 12TH JANUARY, NEWCASTLE
It’s a complete miss match, but pure joy that will be on the faces of the Palestinians both on the field and in the stands will be sight to see.
Japan should win comprehensively, but the fighting spirit that the Palestine side showed just to reach the tournament should hold them in good stead.
AUSTRALIA V KUWAIT – 9TH JANUARY, MELBOURNE
The opening match of the tournament, all the pressure will be on Ange Postecoglou and the Socceroos in Melbourne.
Kuwait were the last side to beat Australia at home back in 2009 and have vowed to come out and attack the Aussies.
Will the Australians fail under pressure? Or will they come out on fire? Only time will tell…