The underdogs' story: How the continent's upstarts have defined the AFC Asian Cup 2019

In a tournament of many favourites, it is the region's rising football powers who have announced their arrival.

The FIFA World Cup 2014 witnessed something out of the ordinary in the Round of 16. In a tournament that sees the top teams walk away with easy wins, (bar the occasional surprise) the likes of the USA, Switzerland, Algeria, Mexico, and Chile gave their far more decorated opposition a run for their money, before succumbing to them in the closing stages of the respective matches.

The same trend was seen again in the AFC Asian Cup 2019 when several underdogs took the fight to their more fancied opposition, in what could be termed as a very equal competition, different from the selective victories from before. In the UAE at present, a welcome change has been set alight. The 2019 Asian Cup’s main story looks in all likelihood to be written by the underdogs.

Teams like Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Bahrain, Kyrgyzstan, and Thailand adopted a no-fear attitude while facing superior opponents. The White Wolves especially have been a delight to watch in the ongoing tournament. They trumped Oman in the opening game, despite being pegged back for the majority of the contest. In the group decider, they took the lead against tournament favourites Japan, before succumbing to the Samurai Blue in a closely-contested game.

Watch: Uzbekistan put up a memorable show against Australia

In the Round of 16, the Uzbeks went toe-to-toe with the continent's superpower Australia, but unfortunately lost on penalties. However, keeping aside the disappointing exit, Hector Cuper’s side displayed profound energy that helped them finish second in a tough group and take the fight to the Aussies.

Vietnam also ousted a fighting Jordan on penalties. The Jordanians had established themselves as a potent force in the tournament, defeating Australia in their tournament opener and topping Group B. While doing so, they also defeated Syria who were placed 35 positions above them in the latest FIFA rankings.

Watch: Kyrgyzstan's clash against the UAE will go down as one of the best games in the AFC Asian Cup 2019

In a similar style to the 2014 World Cup, both Bahrain and Kyrgyzstan frustrated South Korea and the hosts UAE respectively, before falling in extra-time. Bahrain equalized after falling behind before the end of the first half, while Kyrgyzstan recovered twice to equalize in the dying stages of the match and send the it into extra-time.

Adding one more to the list, Thailand also gave China a run for their money. The War Elephants took the lead against their opponents, who sit a comfortable 42 positions above them in the FIFA rankings, but unfortunately saw the match turn within the space of four minutes in the second half.

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Despite the fact that the stronger teams have progressed, there is an air of unfamiliarity surrounding the tournament, a feeling eerily similar to the FIFA World Cup 2014. One that ultimately led to a giant-culling of sorts, both during and before the 2018 World Cup. The smaller teams have displayed a sort of resilience and maturity that has got neutrals hooked to the game during this tournament.

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The comparatively weaker teams have played every match with real vigour and drive that has increased the quality of the tournament. Their evident sense of purpose when they set foot on the field has created a more balanced atmosphere around a tournament that is normally dominated by the top teams.

For the continent of Asia, which has largely played second fiddle to the likes of Europe and South America, such an entertaining change in attitude can prove fruitful in their quest to catch up with the superpowers. The underdogs have made the Asian Cup a feast for the neutrals and in their own way have engraved a sentiment in the minds of the viewers. Such a positive attitude towards football can contribute immensely to the growth and development of the sport in the community.