Coach Vahid Halilhodzic's departure from the Japan helm shortly before the World Cup might not have seemed the ideal preparation for Russia 2018 with Akira Nishino stepping into the breach in a temporary role.

Nevertheless, Japan's campaign in Russia proved to be the highlight of Asia's representatives, as they repeated their efforts of 2002 and 2010 in reaching the Round of 16 - the only side from the continent to do so at Russia 2018 - before bowing out bravely to eventual third-placed side Belgium.

A high level of performances all-around at the World Cup was unquestionably a boost ahead of UAE 2019, but can the next generation step up to replace the outgoing veterans?

Korea Republic went into Russia 2018 with one of the most exciting young attacking line-ups from among Asia's representatives but with the knowledge of sharing a group with defending champions Germany, expectations of replicating the heroics of 2002 and 2010 were somewhat muted. 

Back-to-back disappointing defeats to Sweden and Mexico seemed to fulfil pessimistic pre-match predictions, but an historic and exhilarating 2-0 win over the Germans that eliminated the holders saw the Taeguk Warriors leave Russia with their heads held high.

Having not won the AFC Asian Cup since 1960, Korea will look to build off their incredible 2018 World Cup climax and take that spirit and performance into UAE 2019.

Islamic Republic of Iran went into the 2018 FIFA World Cup as the second-highest ranked Asian nation, behind Australia. And unlike the Socceroos, Team Melli ended the campaign with a far enhanced reputation.

Managerial stability, with Carlos Queiroz entering his eighth year at the helm, was rewarded with a solid tactical performance in Russia as IR Iran came to within inches of advancing to the round of 16 despite being drawn into the proverbial “Group of Death” alongside the last two European champions, Spain and Portugal in addition to Morocco.

Asia's champions will have been disappointed with their showing at Russia 2018, with just one point from the three Group Stage ties and no goals scored from open play.

There were many who felt the Socceroos would be among the continent's favourites to progress to the knockout stage under coach Bert van Marwijk, but it proved to be a challenge too far. 

With a new man at the helm coming in for the build-up to AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, there will be much work needed to ensure they can successfully defend their title.

Our five-man panel had shared their pre-tournament thoughts on their countries’ chances and how they saw things potentially playing out. Now they reflect on those performances and look ahead to the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

The Panel members are Sebastian Hasset from Australia, Pejman Rahbar from IR Iran, Etsuko Motokawa from Japan, Seo Ho-jung from Korea Republic and Atef Nahass from Saudi Arabia.

So, what better time than now to kick off a new season of the-AFC.com’s Asian Football Trivia segment - our weekly question-based series that allows you, the fans, to send us your questions on anything and everything related to Asian football?

Week one begins with three tricky in-house questions, and we invite you to follow suit and send us your queries via the AFC’s social media platforms in the coming days and weeks.

“The AFC Quarterly is the confederation's latest effort to reach out to the millions of passionate fans of Asian football and put on splendid display the game’s glorious achievements,” said AFC Acting President Zhang Jilong. “The biggest endeavour of this magazine is to make household names of our players and put the spotlight on our many competitions, which produce countless moments of top-notch football entertainment.”AFC Player of the Year Lee Keun-ho from Korea Republic is the cover star of the inaugural edition, which also features interviews with 2007 AFC Asian Cup winning striker Younus Mahmood, Olympic bronze medal-winning coach Hong Myung-bo, and Uzbek legend Mirdjalal Kasimov.