The four-time champions (1992, 2000, 2004, 2011) had an impressive performance in Russia, where they lost a thrilling quarterfinal to Belgium 3-2.
After Keisuke Honda, Makoto Hasebe and Gotoku Sakai announced their retirement, Japan's coach Hajime Moriyasu started to built a fresh-looking team by leaving Leicester City striker Shinji Okazaki and Borussia Dortmund playmaker Shinji Kagawa out of his 23-man squad.
Thus, Europe-based talents Takumi Minamino, Shoya Nakajima and Ritsu Doan will have the opportunity to light up the biggest stage in Asia for the Samurai Blue.
"We have selected many inexperienced players this time, they want to build a new national side and fight for the title. I picked the team with this in mind," Moriyasu said.
Iran, the top-ranked (29) Asian team in FIFA, were stopped in the quarterfinals in the past three Asian Cups. With quality in every position on the field, the Team Melli are looking forward to ending their 43-year trophy drought.
"Iran can make history in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup because we take advantage of one of the best generations we have ever had. Four years ago, we were knocked out of the Asian Cup in penalty shootout against Iraq but this time we are determined to win the title," Iran winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh said.
Sardar Azmoun, known as Iran's Messi, came back from the shock retirement last summer. The 24-year-old will lead the 23-man line-up, of which 18 went to the 2018 World Cup.
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2020-09-15
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