At the AFC Executive Committee meeting at the UAE capital, Shaikh Salman said: “Tomorrow we will witness the kick-off of the biggest-ever AFC Asian Cup when hosts, the United Arab Emirates, take on Bahrain.

“The AFC would like to thank the UAE Government, the Local Organising Committee - and all those involved in delivering this tournament - for their hard work during the past four years.

“History will be made with so many new initiatives for the AFC Asian Cup, which over the months have been introduced for this AFC Asian Cup.

Leading up to the biggest and best AFC Asian Cup, the White Wolves are looking forward to their opening match against Oman on January 9, says defender Anzur Ismailov.

Ismailov has the second most national team caps in the squad of 23 with 93 appearances and two goals to his name, and as Uzbekistan aim to make a mark in the 17th edition of the Continental showpiece, the 33-year-old Lokomotiv Tashkent player is confident of their chances against the West Asians.

Mr Al-Mohannadi thanked the OCAC members for their hard work in preparing for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 which will be the biggest-ever in the history of the competition. “We are now ready for the opening match.”

He added: “This competition will live up to the slogan of ‘Bringing Asia Together’ and with a competition of this stature, we are proud to have extended the AFC’s ‘It’s My Game’ campaign with the LOC to inspire women and girls across the UAE to embrace different roles in football.

“I am pleased to inform you the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 will introduce the Video Assistant Referee System (VAR) in seven matches starting from the quarter-finals. This landmark decision is a first for the AFC Asian Cup as we embrace technology to benefit the game.

The Cyprus-based forward was drafted in as a replacement for Martin Boyle, who failed to shake off a knee injury sustained in Australia’s 5-0 friendly win over Oman on Sunday, and is hoping to take his good form at club level into the continental championship.

“I’m really happy to be here, it was a really nice start of the year for me,” he said. “On the first of the year I got the call-up and I'm very happy and looking forward to being back with the boys and giving everything I have for the team.

“I feel good, been doing well this year. I’m ready whenever I’m needed to try to help the team that have been set out.”

Korea Republic and the Philippines will square off at the Al-Maktoum Stadium in Dubai. China and Kyrgyz Republic are the two other teams in the group.

Although Korea Republic have not won the continental title since 1960, the Taeguk Warriors are consistent performers at the AFC Asian Cup, having taken four runners-up and four third-place finishes. The Philippines, meanwhile, are making their first appearance at the Finals.

In what will be the largest and best AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, 24 teams will vie for the title with matches to be played in eight stadiums in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai and Sharjah.

With the Continental showpiece about to kick-off, we have collected all our preview content; group previews, venue guides, all-time XI, ones to watch, top ten lists and full squads are all ready, in one place for your enjoyment.