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Alas, while the Blue Samurai saw their 2-0 lead evaporate and condense into a 3-2 defeat to Belgium, it meant not only the end of their tournament, but also the participation from Asia.
2006, there are no Asian, African or North American representatives in the last eight.
Although condemning the "new world" of football, given the inordinate number of powers already eliminated, it may be a sign that
The recent expansion of the European Championships to 24 Teams propelled the whole of Europe into tournament preparation, likely to be further accelerated by UEFA. Nations League
Added to the increased traffic of players and information across Europe, the talents of previously distant destinations are being broadcast more quickly at the top of the sport.
In turn, they strengthen their nationa l teams. The coach of Real Madrid, Denis Cheryshev, star of this tournament, is a perfect example
But Asia can leave this tournament with the head up – or at least a lot more than Brazil 2014, where five nations went to the south. American and not one returned with only one victory.
This was a terrible result, one used in arguments by critics as a justification for weakening the influence of Asia.
The answer, although not totally emphatic, was much stronger.
Victories on iconic teams from Europe, South America and Africa were won, much to the surprise of those who thought that Asia was just there to catch up with the numbers
. do not. Equally obvious is that there is still much to be done
With this in mind, let's look at how the five Asian teams behaved at the 2018 World Cup.
Japan (4 points)
The choice of Asian nations They return to the top with a vengeance and even if it ends in sorrow, they can be proud to arrive at the second round.
They defeated Colombia despite playing with an extra man for most of the match and although they lost Poland in the last group match, they chose not to push for victory, trying instead to avoid a yellow card.
The team of Akira Nishino also drew with the dangerous Senegal.
Down as they feel, it has been months to restore hope and pride. They also unearthed an unexpected hero, Takashi Inui, 30-year veteran
Iran (4 points)
Widely regarded as the team to beat at the Asian Cup in the # AFC 2019 in the United Arab Emirates, Iran did not disappoint in a very difficult group at this World Cup, beating an excellent Moroccan team.
It is true that they defended themselves incredibly deeply against Spain, and often against Portugal, they showed that they had steel at the same time. # 39; s back. Karim Ansarifard, Reza Ghoochannejhad, Mehdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun will have many more opportunities at the Asian Cup, where the much-loved Carlos Queiroz will remain on guard.
Republic of Korea (3 points) [19659015] It is fair to say that the tournament of Korea did not take place before the last match of the group stage against Germany and that 39, he has taken two late goals to ensure a victory that will be talked about for decades.
great otherwise, not to measure
Saudi Arabia (3 points)
Probably the poorest Asian nation, Saudi Arabia missed the discipline of Bert van Marwijk and they were brutally exposed in the 5- 0 defeat against Russia at the opening night.
They are also not tied with Uruguay, but the victory against Egypt eases a little embarrbadment, even if it is a dead rubber
. in qualifying for the World Cup. The manager Juan Antonio Pizzi does not seem to be the right choice
Australia (1 point)
The only Asian nation not to win a match, it is difficult to know what the Socceroos have won from their trip to Russia . A containment strategy worked well against France but they did not punish Denmark and were submerged by Peru.
The van Marwijk era has received mixed reviews for his selections, strategy and substitutions – and it is difficult to defend his defense
Graham Arnold has a great job to do to compete for the Cup. Asia, but at least the superb comrades of Daniel Arzani and Trent Sainsbury's lion-hearted defense stand out.
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