On head coach Dick Advocaat’s competitive debut at the helm, Iraq held Korea Republic to a goalless draw in Seoul with the Dutchman content with ceding possession and looking to hit on the counter.

Meanwhile, their neighbours IR Iran produced the only win of the group on the opening day when captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh’s deflected shot settled in the Syrians’ net, with Team Melli going into Matchday Two leading Group A with three points, two ahead of the four sides that drew in the previous round of matches.

The UAE dominated from the start to finish on home turf but they could not find a breakthrough in their campaign opener against Lebanon even as Ali Mabkhout rounded the goalkeeper but struck the woodwork instead, leaving his side to walk away from Zabeel Stadium with a point, not three.

For Syria, the trip to Azadi Stadium looked set to be a stalemate like the other two games in the group, but the Qasioun Eagles’ defences caved in after 56 minutes with Alireza Jahanbakhsh’s curled effort deflected off a defender and into the back of the net for IR Iran’s winner.

The Taeguk Warriors will be aiming to belatedly pick up their first three points of the campaign after they were frustrated by a resilient Iraq defence in a goalless draw at Seoul World Cup Stadium on Thursday, with Tottenham Hotspur star forward Son and his teammates unable to unlock a determined rearguard effort from the West Asians.

Their attacking options against Lebanon will be further hampered by the news that Al Duhail midfielder Nam Tae-hee has been withdrawn from the squad following a hamstring injury with a replacement not due to be named.

Given little chance by most, Oman delivered a shock result which reverberated around Asia when they beat Japan 1-0 in Osaka last Thursday, with substitute Issam Al Sabhi writing his name into his country’s football folklore with his decisive 88th minute goal.

Far from a smash and grab, the win was the result of organisation, planning and execution, and one which gives them hope of delivering a repeat performance against a Saudi Arabia outfit who also began their campaign with a win on Thursday.

Goals from Awer Mabil, Martin Boyle and Mitchell Duke saw the Socceoos ease to a 3-0 victory over China PR in their opening fixture in Doha on Thursday as they became the early pacesetters in Group B.

Next up they travel to the Vietnamese capital for a first-ever meeting with Vietnam at what is normally an intimidating My Dinh National Stadium. However, with the hosts playing behind closed doors due to COVID-19, Arnold sees the perfect opportuity to claim back-to-back wins.

China PR will also be seeking a win after having suffered a 3-0 defeat to Australia in their opener on Thursday, with Li Tie's side unable to capitalise on a fast start against the Socceroos.

Over the past four weeks we have seen the goalkeeper, the rearguard, midfield maestros and targetmen decided, it's time to turn our attention to the dugout and find out who you consider the top tactician.

So, here are the eight coaches in contention for the places at the helm. Review the candidates and then select your favourite to lead this all-star XI in the poll below.