Who Will Win AFC Asian Cup 2023? Japan, South Korea, Iran and Australia. Winner Betting Odds

The 2023 AFC Asian Cup has seen good performances from some of the 24 national teams, including Qatar, the defending champions. However, things have changed since Qatar's victory over Japan in the 2019 final to claim the title. The Samurai Blue are now considered the top contender for this tournament, with Bet365 pricing them at 2.62. Despite this, the East Asian side suffered a setback, losing 2-1 to Iraq in their second tournament game. Can Hajime Moriyasu’s men bounce back and reclaim their status as favorites for the title?

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Many teams in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup will be eager to lay claim to the prestigious trophy, considered the most coveted in Asian football and beyond. However, certain teams stand out for their extraordinary squad depth, impressive form, and effective team management. Some of the said teams are discussed below.

Japan are considered one of the top contenders to win the AFC Asian Cup, backed by their impressive track record as four-time champions and a squad filled with talent across all positions. The team, featuring notable players such as Wataru Endo, Ayase Ueda, Takefusa Kubo, Takumi Minamino, and the currently injured Kaoru Mitoma, are widely regarded as one of the strongest in the tournament. After finishing as runners-up in the previous edition held in the UAE, Japan are determined to clinch the title this time.

Despite their overall strength, concerns have been raised, particularly regarding the goalkeeping department. When coach Hajime Moriyasu unveiled the 26-man squad for the Asian Cup, it was noticeable that none of the three selected goalkeepers had accumulated even five international caps. In their match against Vietnam, Japan faced a significant challenge, with the less-favored opponents managing to level the score and even go ahead to lead 2-1. Although Japan eventually secured a 4-2 victory, this scenario didn’t speak well for their goalkeeping department. As of now, Japan hold the second position in Group D, having suffered a 2-0 defeat to Iraq in their second match. Japan will need to do all it can to avoid finishing second, as failure to finish at the top of the group could potentially draw them close to facing South Korea, who may likely end up topping group E. 

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South Korea have made an impressive start to their quest for the AFC Asian Cup 2023 title, securing a commanding 3-1 victory over Bahrain. Despite the spotlight often being on Son Heung-min, it was Lee who stole the show; his second-half brace played a crucial role in securing the win for the team.

Nevertheless, Son Heung-min – recipient of the Best Footballer in Asia award nine times, remains a key figure in the team. Additionally, the in-form Wolves forward, Hwang Hee-chan, who has notched 10 Premier League goals this season, adds another exciting attacking spirit to the squad.

The team have garnered admiration, particularly for their dominant performance in the World Cup qualifiers, scoring 19 goals without conceding. However, a setback occurred as their first-choice goalkeeper, Kim Seung-gyu, has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to a knee injury suffered in a training session before the second game against Jordan. On a positive note, Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Hwang Hee-chan, who missed the first game due to injury, is now pain-free and back in training. 

Iran changed coaching in March 2023, replacing Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz with Amir Ghaleneoi. Since then, the Iranian national team have been on an impressive run, with 12 wins and 2 draws in the last 14 games. In recent matches, Iran have favored a flexible 4-2-3-1 tactical formation, with seasoned goalkeeper Alireza Beyranvand guarding the goal. This strategy proved successful in their AFC Asian Cup opener against Palestine at the Education City Stadium, securing a convincing 4-1 victory. Goals from Karim Ansarifard, Shoja Khalilzadeh, Mehdi Ghayedi, and Sardar Azmoun earned Iran all three points.

While many teams acknowledge Iran's strength, the lingering question revolves around whether the Iranian football team can achieve their 47-year quest for an AFC Asian Cup title under the leadership of Amir Ghalenoei. Having finished group actions with a 100% record, Iran will now face Syria – a third-place team from group B. 

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The 2015 champions Australia have already secured their spot in the Asian Cup last 16 by defeating Syria 1-0, maintaining their perfect record in Group B. Midfielder Jackson Irvine, with his second tournament goal, proved to be the hero again. Looking ahead, the Australian team, having ended the group games with a 1-1 draw against Uzbekistan, were crowned winner of the group. They are now in a better position to advance even beyond round 16, as they will face a third-place team. It is good to note that Australia have been finding it hard in attack despite finishing top of their group, as they have failed to record more than 1 shot on goal in their last 2 matches. 

Australia joined the AFC in 2006, transitioning from the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC). Since their move, Australia have been a formidable force in Asian football, winning the Asian Cup in 2015. In 2011, they finished as runners-up to Japan, losing in extra time. The team were eliminated in the quarterfinals in 2019 and exited on penalties in the last eight stages during their maiden appearance in 2007. 

The odds are available at Bet365 as of 24 January 2024; odds may now differ. 

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