The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia is set to boast the largest contingent of sides representing the Asian continent with Korea Republic, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Islamic Republic of Iran and Australia all set to take to the field against the world's best.
The-AFC.com reached out to experts from each of the five countries, for a representative to give their thoughts on their country's chances and how they see things potentially playing out.
Our Korea Republic expert is Seo Ho-jung, a football journalist since 2005. Seo has covered two FIFA World Cups, two European Championship and two Asian Cups, as well as winning the 2016 Korean Sports Marketing Award.
What does Korea Republic expect from this World Cup?
For me, there is a high probability that the Korean national team will not qualify for the Round of 16. Germany is so strong and likely to be the group winner, Mexico always qualifies for the knockout stages and Sweden is a strong team as well.
Nevertheless, going in as underdogs may suit the Korean team and if they prepare well and get some luck, the matches against Mexico and Sweden are winnable.
It is possible that they could qualify for the Round of 16 like they did at the 2010 World Cup, although a lot depends on the result of the match against Sweden, and how they play after the match against Sweden.
What's the most important thing for the team to do, should they wish to have a successful World Cup?
Korea have had problems with the defence for almost two years now. It looked like these had been fixed when [coach] Shin Tae-yong played a 4-4-2 formation against Colombia last year, but injuries to Kim Min-jae and Kim Jin-soo means that strategy needs to be changed.
I hope Shin Tae-yong will consider using five at the back with three centre-backs, as in the match four years ago against Costa Rica. How well our defence plays will be directly linked to the results of the matches against Sweden and Mexico.
Which player will have the biggest impact?
Son Heung-min. His playing level is much higher than the Korean team's average and his finishing in front of goal is world class. Whether we have a good World Cup or not will depend on how well we can utilise Son, and how well he performs.
As it is Son's second World Cup, he seems calm and ready, and I feel he is determined to play well at Russia 2018. I think he can do better than his 2014 tally (one goal); I hope he can be like Park Ji-sung was in 2010.
Which is your favourite World Cup memory?
The 2002 World Cup was unbelievable, but we did have home advantage. So the 1994 and 2010 campaigns impressed me more. At the 1994 World Cup we held our own against world class teams like Spain and Germany, which showed we could narrow the gap, and in 2010 we proved that again in South Africa in what was Park Ji-sung's last World Cup.
Which one player from the past would benefit the current team the most?
Hong Myung-bo and Park Ji-sung. Both players were a tower of strength and helped raise their teammates' level. They had different styles but their leadership roles were perfect in 2002 and 2010.
Current captain Ki Sung-yueng needs to replicate their efforts, and it's not easy because the skipper's armband has a heavy burden that not many can take on.
What do you predict the starting XI will be?
A 4-4-2 Formation:
Goalkeeper - Kim Seung-gyu
Defence - Lee Yong, Jang Hyun-soo, Kim Young-gwon, Kim Min-woo
Midfield - Lee Seung-woo, Ki Sung-yueng, Jung Woo-young, Lee Jae-sung
Forwards - Son Heung-min, Hwang Hee-chan
What are your predictions for the three group stage matches?
vs Sweden: 1-1 Draw
vs Mexico: 1-2 Defeat
vs Germany: 2-3 Defeat
