Their previous entrance was in 2007 when they went out through from the groups but lost at the quarter-final stage to Iraq.

That was the same year that the Iraqis shocked the continent to lift the trophy, a feat they have not come close to since with a semi-final loss last time out in Australia their best finish post-2007.

The Fifa rankings have Iraq at 88 and the Southeast Asians at 100.

Vietnam might have the lesser pedigree but they are the form team going into the match, although this is not reflected at the bookmakers.

Iraq are $1.51 to triumph while Vietnam are $8 and a draw is $3.92.

Hussein Ali of Iraq and Nguyen Quang Hai of Vietnam are seen as the star men in their sides.

You can see that game from 9.30pm on Fox Sports (channel 670).

That match is followed by the first action from group E where Saudi Arabia and North Korea come face to face in Dubai’s Rashid Stadium.

It is a repeat of the group stage in Australia four years ago, a game that was won 4-1 by the Saudis. Neither side made it out of the group though.

North Korea’s best Asian Cup was their debut in 1980 when they reached the semi-finals, the last time they won a game on the regional stage, whereas Saudi Arabia have won it three times.

Now managed by Juan Antonio Pizzi, who won the Copa America with Chile, the Saudis will want to show their steel after a mixed performance at last summer’s World Cup that began with a humbling by hosts Russia in the opening game.

They will be tested by North Korea’s Perugia forward Han Kwang-son who is set to start on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia are $1.7 for the win, with North Korea at $6.5. The draw is $3.5.

That game kicks off at midnight and it is also live on Fox Sports (channel 670).