Korea Republic, China PR and Kyrgyz Republic will all play in Group C of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 and Tuesday's friendlies were the latest as the three prepare for the Continental showpiece on January 5-February 1.

---

KOREA REPUBLIC 2-2 PANAMA

Cheonan: Panama came from two goals down to share the spoils with Korea Republic in a 2-2 draw in an international friendly at Cheonan Stadium on Tuesday.

Korea Republic took an early lead, needing just six minutes to find the back of the net against a Panama side who were coming off a 3-0 defeat to Japan on Friday.

Park Joo-ho finished off beautifully after Hwang Hee-chan beat two defenders down the right before his cut-back found an unmarked Park, whose shot took a slight deflection past Panama goalkeeper Luis Mejia.

The results are a boost for Japan and Uzbekistan while Oman will be satisfied of their defensive steel as all three continue their build-up for the Continental showpiece on January 5-February 1 in the United Arab Emirates.

---

UZBEKISTAN 2-0 QATAR

Tashkent: Odil Ahmedov and Marat Bikmaev’s goals in the second half steered Uzbekistan to a 2-0 win over Qatar at the Bunyodkor Stadium.

Qatar and Uzbekistan, ranked 13th and 14th respectively in Asia, went toe-to-toe in the opening minutes, promising a cagey 90 minutes.

Qatar threatened through Almoez Ali early on but Uzbekistan’s defenders were quick to deny the livewire from making any attempts on goal.

The Whites came very close to being crowned Asian champions last time they hosted the AFC Asian Cup in 1996, with only a penalty shootout denying them. Now, with a golden generation of players, they are dreaming of continental glory.

The UAE's plans do not stop with the continental showpiece in January, as UAE FA President His Excellency Marwan bin Ghalita explains the challenges that lie ahead for his federation in developing Emirati football.

AUSTRALIA 4-0 KUWAIT

Kuwait City: Graham Arnold’s reign as the new Australia head coach got off to a perfect start with the Socceroos defeating Kuwait 4-0 in a friendly on Monday.

The Socceroos scored twice in each half to cap an encouraging performance in their first hit-out since the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.

An own goal gave the Socceroos a deserved lead, before Apostolos Giannou, Tom Rogic and Awer Mabil – on his international debut - all got on the scoresheet.

Four years after Korea Republic had pipped Japan to the bronze medal at the AFC Asian Cup 2007, beating them 6-5 on penalties in the third-place decider, the eternal rivals locked horns again.

This time, a place in the final was at stake. Doha, which had hosted the first-ever AFC Asian Cup encounter between the two sides back in 1988, was the venue once more.

Powered by J-League players Chanathip Songkrasin, Teerathon Bunmathan and Teerasil Dangda, Thailand added to the 1-0 win scored over Hong Kong on Thursday.

Against Trinidad, played in front of over 15,000 fans at the Suphanburi Stadium, retiring goalkeeper Sinthavee Chaiyathat Ratanakul featured for the first 15 minutes as he called time on his 14-year international career before being replaced by Chatchai Bootprom.

After a goalless first half, Thitiphan Puangjan struck the winner for Thailand in the 66th minute.

Thailand will play in Group A at the AFC Asian Cup 2019 UAE with hosts the United Arab Emirates, India and Bahrain for company in the January 5-February 1 extravaganza.

Photo: Football Association of Thailand

In the past few weeks you have been voting for the best forwards and midfielders, and now it's time to turn our attention to defenders.

So, here are eight candidates for the spots at the backline. Review the nominees and then choose your favourite defenders for this all-star XI in the poll below.