As it turned out, however, Al-Abyad failed to make the 2018 Finals after placing fourth in their group in the final round of the Asian Qualifiers. Registering only four wins in their 10 matches, they failed to add to their solitary FIFA World Cup appearance, which came at Italy 1990.

Despite the disappointing outcome, the forward, now 29, at least made his mark in that qualifying campaign, finishing it as UAE’s second-highest scorer behind Ahmed Khalil with nine goals in total, four of them coming in that final round.

To select the candidates for each position, we have reflected on match data from the tournament to draw up a statistics-based approach to present the outstanding performers.

We begin with five candidates for the all-important number one shirt. Review the nominees and then choose your favourite goalkeeper to helm the rearguard for this all-star XI in the poll below.

We shine the '5 of the Best' spotlight on a handful of aesthetically pleasing curling efforts that have sailed beyond outstretched goalkeepers and into the back of the net. Once you've reviewed our trip down memory lane, don;t forget to vote for your favourite at the bottom of the article!

Also take a look at past editions that feature acrobatic goals, solo goals, volleys, long-range screamers, free-kicks and last-minute winners.

After launching in 2005-06, the A-League has been graced by world-renowned Australian internationals and attracted some huge names from across the globe, while the country can also point to success in the AFC Champions League.

Below are five candidates, based on their domestic and Continental success, for Australia's most popular club. Review the teams and select your favourite in the poll at the foot of the article.

Over the last two weeks, Asia’s football fans have come together to celebrate the continent’s outstanding FIFA World Cup goals

Tens of thousands of football lovers voted them in, now, which goal will emerge from the Final as Asia’s greatest? From an initial list of 20 semi-finalists, 10 special goals remain, and the choice is in your hands.

As we marvel at some of Asia’s all-time greats, and their unforgettable moments on the biggest stage of all, make sure to cast your vote.

Also Try:

The Asian Football Quiz: Round 1, Round 2, Round 3, Round 4, Round 5, Round 6, Round 7, Round 8, Round 9, Round 10, Round 11, Round 12, Round 13, Round 14

The 35-year-old spent five seasons at the London club, joining from Turkey's Genclerbirligi in 2011, skippering Palace to promotion back to the Premier League via the playoffs in 2013.