AFC Asian Cup 2019 : Group B Preview

‘Group B’ Consists of defending Champions Australia along with three West Asian countries Syria, Jordan and Palestine . We take a closer look at all four teams and their chances in the AFC Asian Cup.

Australia are clear favourites to top this group but will face some tough competition from Syria,Jordan and Palestine who are all capable of beating the Socerroos. This group is certainly one of most competitive ones in the Asian Cup.

Australia

Defending Champions Australia are certainly one of the favourites heading into the tournament but not everything is going well for the Socceroos. They have lost Hudderfield Town midfielder Aaron Mooy and Cletic’ s Daniel Azrani due to injuries.

Australia may no longer be dominating Asian Football. They had to qualify to the World Cup through play offs where Syria almost beat them if not for Tim Cahill and and had a poor World Cup Campaign compared to other Asian sides. The Soceroos will have a very tough task in hand to retain their Title.

Expected Formation: 4-2-3-1

Key Players:  Mathew Leckie,Tom Rogic

Syria

Syria are certainly one of the outsiders for the title. Their recent run in the World Cup qualifiers was incredible and made them one of top teams in Asia. The Bernd Stange coached side are known for their direct approach and exceptional use of their players physicality which has become
their trademark approach.

They West Asian side are certainly one of the teams to look out for in the competition

Expected Formation: 4-2-3-1

Key Players: Omar Al Soma, Osama Omari

Palestine

Palestine have had a fairy tale run in International football over the last 6 years. Once minnows in Asian Football they have seen some great rise in football which started with their qualification to 2015 AFC Asian Cup.

They are not a side to be taken lightly which can be known seen from their recent results against China and Iran. The Noureddine Ould Ali can be expected to leave a mark this time around.

Expected Formation: 4-2-3-1

Key Players: Yashir Islame, Nazmi Albadawi

Jordan

Jordan were once involved in World Cup play offs game against Uruguay but the West Asian side have not been at their best ever since. They were knocked out of 2015 Asian Cup in their group stages and couldn’t manage to qualify for the final round of 2018 WC Qualification.

Despite all that they had a pretty solid Asian Cup qualification campaign and cannot be written off. They are managed by former Belgian footballer Vital Borkelmans

Expected Formation: 3-4-3

Key Players: Anas Bani Yaseen, Musa Al-Tammari