Syria headed into UAE 2019 on the back of a fabulous run in the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 Qualifiers, losing to Australia in the Confederation Play-off, but finished bottom of Group B of the AFC Asian Cup after collecting only one point from a goalless draw with Palestine in their opening match before losing 2-0 and 3-2 to Jordan and Australia respectively.

Beginning with their second AFC Asian Cup title at Lebanon 2000 and culminating in Qatar 2011 with their fourth, and including two FIFA World Cup Round of 16 finishes, Japan enjoyed a period of dominance and records that few have accomplished before and since.

While their three Asian Cup championships from four tournaments is the physical evidence of their success, Japan also achieved record finishes at the FIFA Confederations Cup (runners-up) and the Asian Games (gold), while their efforts in the World Cup and Olympic Games were also, at the time, new milestones for the national side.

Also Try:

The Asian Football Quiz - Round 1
The Asian Football Quiz - Round 2
The Asian Football Quiz - Round 3
The Asian Football Quiz - Round 4
The Asian Football Quiz - Round 5
The Asian Football Quiz - Round 6
The Asian Football Quiz - Round 7
The Asian Football Quiz - K League Edition

Are you Graham Arnold or Park Hang-seo? Could you be Asako Takakura or Akira Nishino? Or is your coaching style similar to that of Usmon Toshev? Answer the questions and find out.

Also try: Which type of striker are you?

Last week we presented the candidates for the 2016 edition's best goalkeeper, and now it's time to turn our attention to defenders.

So, here are 15 players in contention for the four places in the backline. Review the nominees and then choose your favourite defenders for this all-star XI in the respective polls.

From China PR’s world-renowned Steel Roses in the 1990s to Alireza Beiranvand’s stunning penalty save from Cristiano Ronaldo at Russia 2018, Asia’s finest have – time after time – proved more than a match for the rest of the planet.

Over the years, Asian sides and their players have also become synonymous with success. The titles and plaudits they have earned along the way helping ensure that Asia’s finest are both admired and feared by those they rub shoulders with on football’s loftiest stage.

This week, our '5 of the Best' series looks back at some of the most eye-pleasing curling efforts that have left outstretched goalkeepers with no chance and brought fans to their feet in appreciation. Once you've reviewed our selection, don't forget to vote for your favourite at the bottom of the article!

Also take a look at past editions that feature acrobatic goals, solo goals, volleys, long-range screamers, chips, free-kicks and flicks, tricks and backheels.