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BEIJING, Jan. 2-- Australia, who joined the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in 2006, have changed the landscape of the sport in the region, especially when they lifted their first Asian Cup on home soil four years ago in 2017. Now, the traditional powerhouses of Asian football like Japan, Iran and South Korea are eyeing to regain their glory in the upcoming 2019 AFC Asian Cup, which will take place from January 5 to February 1 in the United Arab Emirates. It is not easy for the Socceroos to retain their title after the Asian Cup is to be expanded from 16 to 24 teams for the first time. The defending champions face a number of injury problems heading into the competition. Key playmaker Aaron Mooy, winger Martin Boyle and rising star Daniel Arzani all have been ruled out due to knee injuries. Another otherwise guaranteed starter Matthew Leckie, who has been troubled by a hamstring injury, joined the squad in Dubai, but whether he is fit for the games remains in doubt. Coach Graham Arnold will also have to find the right player who can carry the team at the critical moment following the retirement of their leading goal-scorer Tim Cahill and long-serving skipper Mile Jedinak after 2018 World Cup. Arnold has picked eight strikers into his side, yet it does not seem that they can fill the gap left by Cahill, who netted 50 times for Australia in 108 matches. Japan, the most successful country in Asian Cup history, are considered as the favorites to take the throne from Australia. | 
