China has reasons to cheer

Asia excels

Often maligned as one of FIFA's weaker regions, Asia was well represented in this global showcase.

South Korea and Japan, in particular, showed they can compete against the world's strongest teams. Fast and fearless, the Samurai Blue looked like overcoming Belgium when it led the last-16 clash 2-0. However the European side moved up the gears to strike three goals in the last 25 minutes to snatch victory in stoppage time.

South Korea didn't progress beyond its group but recorded one of the upsets of the competition when it overcame defending champion Germany 2-0 in its last game.

A special mention goes to Iran, which also failed to make it to the knockout stage despite conceding only twice in its three matches.