One player who can’t wait to make amends is defender Khalifa Al Hammadi. The Al Jazira centre-back was on the receiving end of a red card minutes before Nguyen Tien Linh’s thunderous strike gave Vietnam a first-half lead that would prove to be the difference at the final whistle.

At Buriram Stadium, Al Hammadi will look to muster the experiences gained, not only in that match, but throughout a 2019 which saw him make his senior international debut in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 and go on to establish himself as a key member of the UAE national team at the age of 21.

Back in January 2018, the Golden Stars were within seconds of a penalty shootout against Uzbekistan when Andrey Sodorov struck late in extra time to end the Vietnamese dreams of continental glory.

In the two years since, Vietnam lifted the 2018 AFF Cup, reached the quarter-finals of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, won the 2019 SEA Games gold and added more talents to their ranks including 22-year-old Tien Linh.

Jordan’s best performance at the competition came in 2013 when they navigated a group featuring hosts Oman alongside Korea Republic and Myanmar, before overcoming the United Arab Emirates in the quarter-finals en route to a semi-final defeat to Saudi Arabia and a shoot-out victory over Korea Republic that handed Al Nashama the bronze medal.

Since then, performances have been mixed and results unsatisfactory, but in 2020, and with several players boasting prior experience in the tournament and in other AFC competitions, Jordan are better placed than ever to go far.

Two disappointing group stage exits in 2013 and 2018 were separated by a run into the final eight that was ended by an extra-time defeat at the hands of 2016 hosts Qatar.

Kim Kum-chul spearheads a new generation of players aiming to take DPR Korea into the Olympics for the first time since Montreal 1976.

With Uzbekistan aiming to defend their 2018 crown, and Olympic qualification awaiting three teams, there will be plenty on the line as Asia’s burgeoning stars begin a new decade.

With 32 matches ahead of us, and countless memorable moments sure to unfold, the-AFC.com details all you need to know about Thailand 2020.

Widely regarded as the ultimate stage for Asia’s rising stars, the tournament kicked off in style as performers greeted the players and teams in the nine languages represented at the tournament with four giant fabric banners showcasing the warmth and hospitality of the host nation.

A total of 16 teams will look to succeed Uzbekistan following their 2-1 triumph over Vietnam two years ago and Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the AFC President, has sent his best wishes to the Continent’s future stars.