Locked at 0-0 after 120 minutes, Javad Nekounam’s side held their nerve to convert all four of their spot-kicks, with unsuccessful efforts from Esteghlal’s Farshid Esmaeili and Dariush Shojaeian handing the victory to Foolad.

The win is Foolad’s first ever Hazfi Cup triumph, and one which will see them return to the continental stage next season.

To select the candidates for each position, we have reflected on match data from the group stage to draw up a statistics-based approach to present the outstanding performers.

We kick things off with five standout goalkeepers for the all-important number one jersey. Review the nominees and then choose who you think should take the position as the last line of defence in this all-star XI in the poll below.

Having already reviewed some sensational strikes in the form of long-range rockets and set-piece specials we turn to moves that were perfected on the training ground before being played out on the continental stage. After reviewing the five teams goals, vote for your favourite at the bottom of the article.

Head coach Bert Van Marwijk has called up for 24 players for the camp, with several key names missing due to injuries.

Among those ruled out by injuries are Ali Salmeen and Fabio Lima, who scored five goals in four games as UAE finished top of Group G of the second round of the Asian Qualifiers.

With four teams across the men’s and women’s competitions reaching the knockout stage and two going all the way to the medal rounds, there was plenty for Asia to shout out about during this year’s Olympic football feast,

After a year without major international competitions, Asia’s chase for Olympic gold produced ecstasy, heartbreak, classic contests and exceptional individual performances.

Whether it was Sam Kerr’s record-breaking exploits for Australia, the emergence of Takefusa Kubo as the next Japanese superstar, the valiant efforts of Salem Al Dawsari and Wang Shuang or the new faces who emerged alongside them, the continent’s leading lights came to play.

Join the-AFC.com as we highlight and celebrate several of the continent’s standout individuals from the Tokyo Olympics football tournaments, and invite you to vote for the best performer of all.

Yokohama F. Marinos made it seven wins in a row in Japan as the 2019 champions continue to chase pacesetters Kawasaki Frontale, while Tanjong Pagar produced a major upset in Singapore.

Elsewhere, there was action in China PR, Malaysia and Mongolia so join the-AFC.com as we review the latest round of fixtures from across East Asia and ASEAN.

Bojan is the third new signing unveiled by the club over the last three days following the capture of Japan internationals Yoshinori Muto and Yuya Osako.