TEHRAN - In football, consistent performance is often a result from consistent tactic and proper systems of play.

The 2023 edition of AFC Asian Cup will feature 24 teams, divided into six groups of four with a round-robin format, with the four main favorites, Iran, Japan, Korea Republic and Saudi Arabia take advantage of highly experienced players and top  coaches, promising a spectacular and captivating tournament.

Iran national team head coach, Amir Ghaleneoi, believed under his leadership the Team Melli enjoy good level of cohesiveness and clear Team Concept as he said, “I told my players that names do not play in the football field, it is their passion and quality that distinguish them”.

Ghalenoei, 60, was appointed as Team Melli coach for the second time in March 2023, replacing Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz. Since his return, Iran played 11 games, won nine games, and drew against Uzbekistan and Russia.

Iran’s basic and preferred Tactical Formation in the recent matches was a flexible 4-2-3-1, with experienced Alireza Beyranvand in the goal. In attacking line, Sardar Azmoun and Mehdi Taremi are reinforced on the flanks by two fast and clever dribblers, Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Mehdi Torabi. Iran's opening match on Jan. 14 will be against Palestine.

Mighty Japanese are in the league of their own when they come to dominate opponents with ball possession. Japan's coach Hajime Moriyasu, a true practitioner, was named AFC Coach of the Year for Japan's successful performance in the 2022 World Cup. His team played a variation of 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1. Japan will be one of the tournament’s main contenders.

Under the guidance of former Germany and the U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann, Republic of Korea boast a highly talented squad, including the incredibly gifted Heung-Min Son from Tottenham Hotspur.

However, the team have shown that they are not just about Son. They have demonstrated physical strength, solid defensive organization, and a formidable counter-attacking game plan.

Korea Republic utilized the 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing high pressing, defending, and effective ball possession with attacking switches.

During his debut press conference as Saudi Arabia's new head coach, Roberto Mancini declared their goal of winning the Asian Cup after 27 years.

Mancini has a history of success, winning 13 trophies in his seven head coaching roles. Mancini used a 4-1-4-1 formation against Costa Rica, 4-3-3 against Korea Republic, and was defeated by Mali playing 4-2-3-1.

The league in Saudi Arabia keeps getting better and has many top-class players, but only time will reveal Roberto Mancini's fate in his new coaching journey.

At the end, there is a crucial question to consider about Iran's national team success: do we have what it takes to win in the AFC Asian Cup? the answer is yes as legendary Sir Alex Ferguson said, “the greatest thing a team can do is sacrifice for one another, offering help when needed.”