And the action on the pitch has been delivering the goods, too, with exciting matches and great goals ensuring the five-year wait for the continental competition to return has been well worth it.

A glimpse behind the scenes, post-match thoughts, training ground routines and a birthday boy all feature as the-AFC.com takes a look at the social media channels of those involved.

Qatar – Hard work pays off
Before the Qatari national team took to the pitch to register their opening-day win, it was time for one of the most spectacular opening ceremonies in AFC Asian Cup history to unfold in front of us.

The organisers gave us a peek into the backstage with more than 100 artists and a crew consisting of more than 700 members rehearsing for the last two months to deliver a wonderful show that lasted around 30 minutes. A truly incredible way to get the 18th edition of the prestigious competition underway!

Australia – Bos-ing it on the pitch
Highly rated Socceroos left-back Jordan Bos came off the bench to score with his first touch in their Group B opener against India, with the 21-year-old claiming that, “I was just jogging on and wasn’t set into the game yet and all of a sudden the ball just fell to me in the box”.

It was the youngster’s maiden international goal and one that helped Australia take a two-goal lead and confirm the three points as the 2015 champions got off to a perfect start.

India – Tangri’s Baptism of Fire
On the other hand, Igor Stimac handed a senior national team debut to Deepak Tangri with the defensive midfielder tasked with a daunting challenge to contain Australia in his introduction to international football, and he certainly did his job well!

The 24-year-old made 13 ball recoveries, six interceptions and won seven duels in a performance that earned Tangri plenty of plaudits back home and abroad. The fighting attitude will hold the Blue Tigers in good stead ahead of upcoming matches against Uzbekistan and Syria.

Japan – Three points delight red-hot Minamino
Japan saw off a first-half Vietnam fightback to register a 4-2 victory, with Takumi Minamino orchestrating the result with two goals and an assist in the absence of the influential Kaoru Mitoma.

Hajime Moriyasu’s men have now won 11 consecutive matches, scoring an incredible 49 goals during this period as they set their eyes on claiming a record-extending fifth continental crown in Qatar.

Korea Republic – Behind the lens with Lee Kang-in
Korea Republic are another side that harbour title aspirations this term, with their talented winger Lee Kang-in showing his photography skills in the Taegeuk Warriors’ training session.

Jurgen Klinsmann’s side began their campaign on Monday, with Lee scoring twice in a 3-1 win against Bahrain at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Al Rayyan.

Saudi Arabia – Green Falcons in jovial mood
Salem Al Dawsari & co. were having fun in training, taking part in a series of activities to improve team bonding and coordination under the supervision of Roberto Mancini.

Saudi Arabia, bidding for a fourth continental title, began their Group F journey with a stunning come-from-behind 2-1 win against Oman on Tuesday.

Indonesia – Team Garuda’s birthday celebration
Indonesia also began their AFC Asian Cup campaign this week with the squad and staff members celebrating young midfielder Ivar Jenner’s 20th birthday at the team hotel.

Head coach Shin Tae-yong presented Jenner with a cake as the players were all smiles ahead of their return to the continental stage for the first time since 2007.