Stars of the AFC Asian Cup

AFC ASIAN CUP STARS We look at five players who made a significant impact at Asia’s continental championship in United Arab Emirates.

ALMOEZ ALI QATAR Shone on his Asian Cup debut, named player of the tournament Scored a record-breaking nine goals, surpassing legend Ali Daei Struck a memorable bicycle kick in the final

YUYA OSAKO JAPAN Osako has the habit of netting crucial goals, as he did against Colombia at Russia 2018 His second-half double versus IR Iran secured Japan's final spot Despite missing games through injury, his four goals gave him a better scoring ratio than Almoez Ali pre-final

SARDAR AZMOUN IR IRAN Having been a breakout star four years ago, Azmoun was the focal point of IR Iran's attack Strong and adept in the air, the forward was a constant handful for defenders With four goals in UAE, the 24-year-old is already climbing Team Melli's all-time goalscoring list

AKRAM AFIF QATAR Akram Afif proved an all-time Asian Cup record of ten assists Created an incredible 26 goalscoring chances throughout the tournament Scored from the penalty spot to add to Qatar's 19-goal haul

NGUYEN CONG PHUONG VIETNAM Livewire forward was constant threat for Golden Dragons Graduate of their successful U-23 team Scored against Iraq and Jordan, the latter helping them to a first-ever knockout stage win

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