Bothroyd got a first-hand look at a young Chanathip during a stint in Thailand in 2014 and the former England international believes that despite his tender years, he was the standout homegrown player in the Southeast Asian league.

In 2017, the pair became teammates in the far north of Japan and Bothroyd’s admiration for Chanathip has grown further as the talented attacking midfielder’s career has gone from strength to strength in one of the toughest leagues in Asia.

The victory was, in truth, just rewards for a side that – after an initial wobble – rarely looked back. A richly deserved trophy for a team which played attacking, expansive football, for players who all skipped to the same beat. Players who were united by their desire to succeed.

More teams, revenue, fans

The FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 will be groundbreaking in more ways than one way. It will be the first with 32 teams, up from the 24 nations who competed at last year's Finals in France, won by the United States. That means more matches and more revenue to be ploughed back into women's football.

The sports-mad host nations are expecting 1.5 million spectators, which would be another record, while prize money is set to be most ever offered, reflecting the growth of the game.

It will be the first women's World Cup co-hosted by cooperating nations and the first to take place in the southern hemisphere.

And the 27-year-old, who comes from a humble background, has no regrets.

"I have always dreamt of being coach of a top team and one day even the national side," said Mirona, who stands barely 1.5 metres tall.

Having discovered who you view as the the best goalkeeper and the ideal candidates for the backline, we now shine the spotlight on the more attacking positions, with a star-studded cast for you to choose from, including world-renowned performers such as Park, Nakata and Honda.

So, review the nominees and then choose your favourite for this all-star XI in the poll below.

We've previously looked at free-kicks, long-range efforts, solo brilliance and acrobatic stunners, and our latest compilation will not disappoint. So here's five volleys to recall some of the best and most dramatic 'no bounce' strikes the AFC Cup has seen.

Don't forget to vote for your favourite at the bottom of the article!

This June and July, the-AFC.com celebrates Asia’s contribution to the greatest show on earth by reliving 20 of the continent’s best FIFA World Cup goals.