Iran

Iran's heyday was in the late sixties and seventies when the Asian Cup was paraded around Teheran three times. Unfortunately for Croatian Coach Branko Ivankovic, one of Iran's best players, Bayern Munich's new signing, Vahid Hashemian is refusing to play.

No matter, there is still a wealth of talent to choose from, including Mehdi Mahdavikia, the Asian Player of the Year 2003 who had a great season last time round for Hamburg and created the most assists in the Bundesliga since records began. In with a shout but could be too far from home.

Prediction: Injuries could prevent a fourth victory but will go close.

Key Player: Ali Deai, the highest international goalscorer in history.

Japan

Zico's boys are the defending champions but haven't really played that way for a while. Rumours of indiscipline in the squad haven't helped. Recently however, the boys from Nippon are looking better, having embarked on a ten-match unbeaten run. An impressive victory over the Czechs in Prague and the better of a draw against England shows that the Champions will again be the team to beat.
Unfortunately for the squad, Feyenoord's Shinji Ono will go to Athens and not Chengdu.

Prediction: If the injury situation improves, Japan have what it takes to successfully defend their title.

Key Player: Forward Keiji Tamada (Kashima Reysol)

Oman

Czech coach Milan Macala has just signed a new contract with the Gulf State's football authorities and it is not difficult to see why. An impressive qualifying campaign had Macala's team finishing three points above Korea. Despite this, it is difficult to envisage Oman repeating the feat to oust Iran or Japan. However, if there is a shock in the first round. This could be it.

Prediction: The athletic Omanis are improving all the time but it is unlikely they have enough in the locker to upset the group favourites.

Key Player: Striker Bader Mubarak

Thailand

Peter Withe's old team are the current holders of the Tiger Cup, South-east Asia's regional competition. An indifferent qualifying campaign, coupled with being drawn in a tough group suggests that despite some good players and a passionate following, Thailand will finish firmly in bottom place. Confidence is low in Bangkok following a 4-1 defeat in North Korea, which means that dreams of reaching Germany in 2006 are almost over before they began. The subsequent resignation of Brazilian coach, Carlos Carvalho, has deepened the gloom at Thai football HQ.

Prediction: Even before the recent problems, the Thais were going to struggle to finish above bottom.

Key Player: Therdsak Chaiman, inspirational midfielder and the 'Player of the tournament' in last season's Asian Champions League, has just returned from injury.