South Korea’s blockbuster injury-time aim towards Portugal meant they joined fellow Asian Soccer Confederation (AFC) members Japan and Australia within the final 16, the primary time three Asian groups had progressed from the group stage.
Australia was eradicated by Argentina, however Japan and Korea Republic line up tonight towards Croatia and Brazil, respectively.
Regardless of the shock in some soccer media, for shut observers of the sport within the area this efficiency had been a very long time coming.
“Asia is rising so shortly,” Socceroos Coach Graham Arnold mentioned final week.
“Individuals can sit again at house and their opinion is perhaps Saudi Arabia just isn’t that good, or Japan.
“Have a look at what they’ve carried out – crushed Argentina, crushed Germany.”
Having made 4 consecutive World Cups by means of the Asian qualification route, Australia’s standing as a prime nation within the AFC has turn into considerably of a given.
However this belies the rising competitiveness of the area.
The Socceroos barely scraped by means of qualification for this yr’s match with a play-off victory over Peru on penalties after ending behind Japan and Saudi Arabia.
Arnold warns Australia might be left behind if the funding of different AFC nations is not matched.
“Asia is throwing some huge cash into soccer and we have to catch up,” he mentioned.
However the Socceroos have additionally benefited from the ascendancy of the sport in Asia.
Two Australian gamers, Thomas Deng and Mitch Duke, ply their commerce in Japan’s home leagues.
Together with his deft header towards Tunisia, Duke grew to become the primary participant from the second tier of Japanese soccer to attain at a World Cup.
Regardless of lacking out on the knockout levels, Saudi Arabia shocked the world by beating Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the beginning of the match.
Japan earned sensational victories over former winners Germany and Spain, whereas fellow Asian facet Iran additionally impressed of their victory over Wales.
With the notable exception of hosts Qatar, all AFC nations have been aggressive.
The subsequent World Cup’s expanded 48-team format will see an additional 4 spots for Asian sides, reflecting a rising energy shift on this planet recreation.
You possibly can watch Japan play Croatia from 1.30am AEDT on SBS and SBS On Demand (kickoff 2.00am), whereas Korea Republic tackle Brazil from 5.30am AEDT on SBS and SBS On Demand (kickoff 6.00am).
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