Japan, the other co-host of the 2002 World Cup, were also consigned to an early plane back home in the wake of a crushing 4-1 defeat by world champions Brazil.

Writing had been on the wall for Japan when they lost 1-3 to Australia in the opening match, losing three goals in a row in the last ten minutes of the match. They then fought to a scoreless draw with Croatia in the second match.

"There is some way to go before we can be equal to the great powers in the game,"said Japan's Brazilian coach Zico. "Australia and Croatia both sent in high crosses which we couldn't handle. It is something Japan will have to improve on."

"We have to compete with the very physical players that are a factor at the World Cup and we need the stamina and physical framework to match them," Zico added.

Saudi Arabia crashed out of the World Cup following their 1-0 loss to Spain in Kaiserlautern, failing to make it into the second round of the World Cup for the third straight tournament.

Saudi Arabia coach Marcos Paqueta said that the lack of international experience was one of the main reasons the team didn't go far at the World Cup.

"Besides Italy, we're probably the only team here whose players all play at home. We came to learn and we have improved. We have to bring international football closer to home.

"Saudi players are highly regarded in Asia, but its not enough. It's different when you have experience playing in Europe," Paqueta said.

Unlike Saudi Arabia, Iran boasted some Europe-based players but they had been plagued by injuries and failed to reach their full form at the World Cup.

Such players as Bayern Munich playmaker Ali Karimi, midfielder Mehdi Mahdavikia, Kaiserlautern defender Ferydoon Zandi and Hannover forward Vahid Hashemian all failed to shine, leaving coach Branco Ivankovic little choice but to introduce young and untried players as their replacements.

Following Iran's failure to qualify for the second rounds in its third World Cup appearance since 1978, Mohammed Dadkan, the head of the country's soccer federation, was fired.

Ivankovic had also announced he would step down after his contract with the federation expires on July 1.