With the Asian Cup set to get under way on January 5, we take a look at the defending champion Socceroos' main rivals in the tournament.

JAPAN
World ranking: 50
Asian Cups: 4 (1992, 2000, 2004, 2011)
Key player: Maya Yoshida

Asia's best-performed team at the 2018 World Cup, where only a second-half comeback from Belgium prevented the Blue Samarai from reaching the tournament's last eight. Have twice been Australia's nemesis at the Asian Cup, defeating the Socceroos in the 2011 final and the 2007 quarter-finals. Coach Hajime Moriyasu has yet to lose since taking over from Akira Nishino after the World Cup.

IRAN
World ranking: 29
Asian Cups: 3 (1968, 1972, 1976)
Key player: Sardar Azmoun