For the first time in World Cup history, three Asian Football Confederation (AFC) countries advanced to the round of 16.
Korea defeated Portugal 2-1 in the 2022 Qatar World Cup group stage group H third match held at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, early today (3rd), and won a ticket to the round of 16 by finishing second in the group.
Following Australia and Japan, who reached the round of 16 earlier, this is the news that the AFC member countries have passed through the third group stage of this tournament.
Prior to this tournament, the highest number of AFC member countries advanced to the round of 16 in a single World Cup, with two countries, and Asian Football Confederation member countries continued their strong performance in the World Cup, which was held on the Asian continent again after 20 years.
Especially in this competition, the performances of Asian participating countries stand out.
Saudi Arabia and Iran also competed in the round of 16 until the third group stage match, and 'Socceroo' Australia showed its potential by defeating Tunisia and Denmark in the second and third matches after losing the first match to France 1-4. .
Japan also became the main character of the surprise by winning consecutive victories against Germany and Spain in Group E, which was called the group of death.
The most dramatic scene was Korea's advance to the round of 16, and they were destined to be eliminated when they drew 1-1 with Portugal. .
However, the round of 16 opponents of these three countries are formidable.
Australia has been decided by Argentina and Japan by Croatia, and South Korea's opponent in the round of 16 is determined according to the results of the Group G match starting at 4 am today, and it is most likely to be Brazil.
If Korea and Japan pass through the gates of the round of 16 side by side, they will face off against Korea and Japan in the quarterfinals.
(Photo = Yonhap News)