Despite their status as co-hosts, the Vietnamese will be seen as the underdogs in a group that features the three-time champions, the recently crowned Asian Games gold medallists and a nation that reached the final of the 1996 Asian Cup.

“Of course, we are the outsiders,” said the Austrian, currently in his third stint as Vietnam coach.

“The others would normally be seen as being stronger than us. But we won’t be nervous because we are the outsiders.”

Japan – who successfully defended the title in China three years ago after winning it for the second time in Lebanon in 2000 - will be favourites to progress to the last four with Qatar and the UAE fighting it out for the other berth in the quarter-finals.

But while the odds are stacked up against Vietnam, Riedl is hoping his team can give a good account of themselves.

“We performed well at the Asian Games even if the results weren’t so good,” he said. “We don’t want to lose but for us the results aren’t important.

“I’m not saying we want to lose but it’s important that we try hard and do our best. We always go into the game to win, no matter who is our opponent. But of course we are playing at home, so we have a chance to win. We will go in and try.

“I know the Japan coach, Ivica Osim, well and they are champions so of course it will be very hard.

“And the other teams are neighbours, so they will bring something interesting to Vietnam also. United Arab Emirates and Qatar are big rivals and it will be great to play them.”

Japan Football Association technical director Takeshi Ono was satisfied with the draw as the Japanese seek a record-breaking fourth-Asian Cup title.

“It’s difficult to know how we will do,” said the former Sanfrecce Hiroshima coach. “It’s an interesting group but there will be tough games and we will try to do our best.

“We know Qatar and UAE have very good talent and young talent but it will be tough. Vietnam I don’t know so well but the hosts are always tough so we’ll have to work hard.”