Speaking exclusively to the-AFC.com, the rising defensive star discussed the arrival of Son Heung-min, the valuable lessons of an Asian Games gold medal, and his lofty ambitions for the tournament ahead of his side's quarter-final clash with Bahrain.

The West Asians will be making their first appearance in the knockout stage since 2004, ending that campaign with their best-ever AFC Asian Cup achievement of fourth place. 

Bahrain booked their spot in the UAE 2019 last 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams, courtesy of a 1-1 draw with host nation UAE and a last-gasp 1-0 win over India. 

After a week of recuperation and preparation, Soukup believes his side can take on the two-time champions if his players perform as they did against India.

Continuing his sparkling recent form for Tottenham Hotspur, Son made an instant impact in his first appearance in the competition, creating seven goal scoring opportunities to help guide Paulo Bento's side to a 2-0 win over China PR on Matchday Three of Group C.

Al Aswad is one of many who believes Son is among the continent's best footballers, but he remains confident of his side's ability to keep the star man quiet at Rashid Stadium on Tuesday.

Both teams advanced to the knockout stage in impressive form, with Qatar winning their three Group E matches while Iraq qualified with two wins and a draw, against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Qatar head coach Felix Sanchez and Iraqi counterpart Srecko Katanec, however, said their group stage record did not mean a thing now, especially after Jordan having been knocked out by Vietnam.

Jordan advanced from Group A without conceding a single goal but the one they did against Vietnam ultimately ended their campaign as the Southeast Asian side won the penalty shootout 4-2 on Sunday.

Haijme Moriyasu’s team opted to play defensively and it was a move that paid off for the Samurai Blue as they kept their bid for a record-extending fifth Continental title on track.

Japan’s win came courtesy of Takehiro Tomiyasu’s header in the 20th minute but they found themselves defending for the major part of the match.

However, Moriyasu’s men held off the West Asians to earn a spot in the quarter-finals where they will face Park Hang-seo’s Vietnam on Thursday.

Ryan kept out spot-kicks from Islom Tukhtakhujaev and Dostonbek Khamdamov as Australia won the shootout 4-2 following a goalless draw at Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium to set up a last eight meeting with hosts the United Arab Emirates.

Arnold was quick to praise the 26-year-old, who was instrumental in Australia’s title win on home soil four years ago and is proving to be just as vital to his team’s hopes at the current tournament.

After Azmoun had been caught on camera suggesting which way Beiranvand should dive, the Persepolis custodian’s outstretched right-hand repelled Ahmed Al Mahaijri’s spot-kick in the opening moments of the game which saw Team Melli go through to the quarter-finals.

Having already saved a penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo at last year’s FIFA World Cup, Beiranvand’s heroics in the United Arab Emirates only added to his burgeoning reputation, with the 26-year-old saying that his primary aim when facing Al Mahaijri was not to let his country down.