Speaking to SNTV on Friday (8th October) argued the timing of the tournament late in the year, would ensure that players were still mentally and physically fresh as opposed to often being fatigued during the traditional summer window.

The pressure will be on for the soccer mad nation to deliver, with the 2019 Asian Cup their first major tournament win.

Sanchez argues that the win was important to give confidence, but that they need to keep moving forward.

Next on the horizon for them is the Arab Cup, which starts in November 2021, and is set to mimic the timings and conditions of the World Cup 12 months later.

In the meantime though, they face Portugal in Faro on Saturday (9th October) in an international friendly.