In a match that was dominated by Korea Republic, the Azkals displayed impressive character to keep their opponents at bay before Hwang Ui-jo’s 67th minute strike eventually sealed the East Asians the win in the Group C tie.

The two-time winners went into the game as heavy favourites but debutants Philippines, under Swedish coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, proved resolute in the opening 45 minutes, frustrating a frontline led by the 2018 Asian Games’ top scorer Hwang.

Korea Republic sought to break the deadlock after the interval but the Philippines almost gave them a scare when Javier Patino wasted a good opportunity, before the East Asians scored the only goal of the game midway through the half when Hwang opened his account with a close-range finish.

The Azkals defied pre-match predictions of an easy Korea Republic victory, frustrating the 2015 runners-up before Gamba Osaka front man Hwang Ui-jo finally settled the tie in the 67th minute.

Following the match at Al Maktoum Stadium, Shrock told the-AFC.com he was satisfied with his side's performance.

Korea Republic quickly seized control of the Group C tie but found the Philippines difficult to break down in the opening minutes.

Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side, who started without the Younghusband brothers, defended resolutely and played mostly on the counter-attack with Patrick Reichelt and Javier Patino leading their attacks.

Akhlidin Israilov had given Alexander Krestinin’s team the lead three minutes before the break but an unfortunate own goal by Kyrgyz keeper Pavel Matiash and a fine finish from substitute Yu Dabao earned China the win in the nations’ Group C opener.

China went into the game without suspended captain Zheng Zhi, the former AFC Player of the Year, but were still heavily fancied against a team making their debut at the AFC Asian Cup.

But Kyrgyz Republic made it clear from the outset they would not be overawed, either by the opposition or the occasion, and started the game putting the Chinese defence on the back foot.

Mehdi Taremi scored twice as the three-time AFC Asian Cup champions, who reached the quarter-finals last time out in Australia, excelled throughout and underlined their title credentials in what is their 14th consecutive appearance at Asia’s premier competition.

Iran’s success sees them go top of the Group D standings ahead of Tuesday’s encounter between fellow group hopefuls Iraq and Vietnam.

Shafi, who is representing his country at the tournament for a fourth time after playing in the Finals in 2004, 2011 and 2015, made several important saves as the Socceroos attempted to find a way to cancel out Anas Bani Yaseen’s first half header.

Graham Arnold’s team was unable to claim an equaliser as Jordan held on to record a historic result against the holders, and Borkelmans praised Shafi’s impact, not only between the posts but on the rest of the players in the team.