It's no overstatement to stay that one of the standout games of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup was not the final, nor semi-final, but an action-packed quarter-final away from the big city lights of Sydney and Melbourne, but in the country's eighth largest city, the capital Canberra.

Never considered a football-hotbed - Canberra even now still lacks an A-League side - the Australian seat of government, for one night in January 2015, was turned into the centre of Asian football as Islamic Republic of Iran and Iraq played out an instant classic in the tournament's last eight.

Mirlan Murzaev had the hosts in front in the blink of an eye, before a header from teenage striker Oday Dabbagh gave Palestine a deserved share of the spoils just before half time.

Many of the fans at Dolon Omarzukov Stadium were still finding their seats when the home side took the lead, as Kyrgyz Republic captain Murzaev punished opposite number Abdallatif Albahdari's stumble to easily beat Tawfiq Abuhammad in just the second minute.

It was a case of he came, he scored, he absconded for Murazev, whose evening ended after just six minutes, as Palestine quickly settled into the role of aggressors, taking the game to their Central Asian hosts.

Bento, appointed after the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, is working with the Korea Republic squad for the first time as they prepare for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.

"I was impressed with his training programme," Son said at the National Football Center (NFC) in Paju, north of Seoul. "Bento doesn't miss small things, and he gives orders in detail."

The 55-year-old former Slovenia and Yugoslavia international, who had also previously managed Macedonia, United Arab Emirates and Slovenia, said there would be a transitioning period but he is committed in ensuring Iraq achieve success.

“I am happy and proud to be the new coach of Iraq but there is not going to be a quick solution,” said Katanec, who has replaced Basim Qasim.

“This is going to be a long process and it is going to take time to build the team at all levels. It is an exciting challenge, however, as there is a lot of talent in Iraq and if we can start moving in the right direction, then I am confident that we can have success.”

Head coach Yaqoob al Sabahi's squad played two friendlies against Iran during their training camp, suffering 1-0 and 2-1 defeats.

Sabahi used the friendlies to gauge his players in preparation for their Group B challenge against Yemen, DPR Korea and Jordan.

Oman, who were champions in 1996, will have a training stint in Malaysia before the tournament kicks off, which will include friendlies against Indonesia (September 12) and Australia (September 15), after which Sabahi is expected to finalise the squad.

Almost all the 24 teams will be in action as they cast their eyes on UAE 2019 which is a mere 121 days away.

Defending champions Australia, however, will not be in action as new head coach Graham Arnold has opted to use the international break to gather his players for a training camp in Antalya, Turkey.

A 35th-minute strike by Ashique Kuruniyan gave India the lead, and Lallianzuala Chhangte’s goal two minutes into the second half sealed the three points for the defending champions.

“I’m happy we won the game obviously. We have a lot of work to do. We missed a lot of opportunities which we can’t afford to.

"In another game, we could have lost this game if we don’t score from those opportunities. I am mildly satisfied,” said coach Stephen Constantine after the win.