Asian teams had the upper hand against their South American counterparts this international break, with victories for Japan, Korea Republic, Islamic Republic of Iran and Qatar. Elsewhere, reigning champions Australia made their first appearance under new coach Graham Arnold.

We picked five players from across the continent who did their chances of locking starting places in UAE 2019 big favours with impressive performances over the past 10 days.

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.

Son, wearing the captain's armband, played full time at Cheonan Stadium and collected an assist on Tuesday in his final match for Korea Republic this year, wrapping up his tight international schedule.

Korea Republic are scheduled to face Australia and Uzbekistan next month, but under the agreement between the Korea Football Association and Tottenham Hotspur, the 26-year-old will not be available for the November friendlies.

The two sides previously agreed that Son would not play in Korea Republic's friendlies in November and the first two matches at the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 in a trade-off for the player's Asian Games appearance in August.

Presented with the opportunity to bounce back from a confidence-shattering draw with India, China PR overwhelmed Syria.

They flew at the visitors from the first whistle, ending a 305-minute goal drought when Gao Lin's goal sparked wild celebrations as the Chinese supporters lapped up on the their team's fluid footwork and attack prowess.

For the 32-year-old Gao Lin, it was his first international goal from open play in 1,570 days. He had not scored for China PR since a friendly against Mali in June 2014 but his performance on the night was a fine riposte to his critics.

UAE 0-2 VENEZUELA

Having played to a 1-1 draw with Honduras on Thursday, AFC Asian Cup 2019 hosts UAE were looking to test themselves against Venezuela, ranked 45 places higher than them, in their international friendly at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Barcelona, Spain.

However, Alberto Zaccheroni’s side found themselves chasing the match from the first minute as defender Luis del Pino Mago gave Venezuela the lead off an assist by Romulo Otero.

UAE had a chance to get themselves level when they were awarded a penalty in the 40th minute but Omar Abdulrahman failed to convert.

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.

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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.

Alireza Jahanbakhsh gave Iran the lead in the 17th minute and Mehdi Torabi cancelled out Rudy Cardozo's equaliser in the 51st with his strike in the 63rd as the Central Asians look towards a fourth AFC Asian Cup title in the United Arab Emirates on January 5-February 1.

Iran, playing only their second match since the 2018 FIFA World Russia where they came within a whisker of advancing to the knockout stage, started aggressively as they pinned Bolivia in their own half.