Zhang was among 31 players who head coach Li Tie has assembled for a training camp which kicked off on Tuesday and the defender said it is important for the squad to fully focus on their preparations ahead of their Group B campaign next month.

Stars from Japan, Korea Republic, Islamic Republic of Iran and Australia are all featured in the first edition of the new season of our weekly look at Asia’s best performers outside the continent, with our 10 nominees combining for nine goals between them.

Study our list of contenders – based on matches from August 11 to 17 – and don’t forget to cast your vote.

Among the 16 contenders are Japan, Oman and the United Arab Emirates, the Asian teams fighting to end the best part of two decades of European and South American domination of the beach’s biggest prize.

So, as Moscow swaps Red Square for white sand, join the-AFC.com as we tell you all you need to know about the continent’s three contenders, their tournament pedigree and how they’ve prepared for the Beach Soccer’s post-pandemic party.

Last week we presented the candidates for the 2021 Group Stage's best goalkeeper, and now we shine the spotlight on the players who will make up the backline.

So, here are the 12 players in contention for the four places in defence. Review the nominees and then choose your favourite defenders for this all-star XI in the respective polls.

An own goal from Maziya skipper Mohamed Irufaan broke the deadlock before classy winger Robinho doubled the tally before half-time as Bashundhara joined India's ATK Mohun Bagan at the top of the group standings.

Returning to the continental stage after their AFC Cup debut fell victim to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Bashundhara will advance to the knockout stage as South Zone winners should they win their two remaining matches in the group over the next week.

The win gives ATK Mohun Bagan an early advantage in the race to win the ticket to the Inter-Zone semi-final while Bengaluru will have to bounce back quickly if they are to keep their hopes alive.

This marks Jhingan’s first move overseas, having spent his professional career in India, where he also played for United Sikkim, Mumbai FC, Kerala Blasters and JSW Bengaluru,