8.5 slots are far too many: 7 Asian teams eliminated, Iran played dirty, Korea stabbed seven times, Japan also in trouble

On June 29 Beijing time, the World Cup group stage ended, and the knockout rounds began. Asian teams faced a heavy setback: 7 of 9 teams were eliminated, with only Japan and Australia advancing to the last 32. This fact makes us lament that Asian teams are still very poor, essentially last place, and 8.5 slots are too many. However, the eliminations of Iran and South Korea were dramatic and full of mistakes. South Korea was knocked out after being "stabbed seven times" by rivals, while Iran was played out by a collusion match. Both teams' fates were extremely tragic!

Thanks to the expansion, Asian teams received 9 berths for this World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, aiming for great results. But reality was harsh. After the group stage, Asian teams took heavy hits, repeatedly suffering huge defeats and becoming numb to losing. Even Asian Cup champions Qatar lost 0-6 to Canada. In the end, 7 teams were eliminated, and five teams—Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, Iraq, Jordan, and Qatar—finished at the bottom!

Although South Korea and Iran finished third in their groups, they missed out on the best eight third-place teams and were sadly eliminated. South Korea's exit was highly dramatic. They finished their third-round match early, but after an upset loss to South Africa, their fate depended on others. Only Spain helped them once, putting aside past grudges, but all other opponents—Germany, Japan, Australia, Senegal, Iran, Ghana, and Congo—stabbed South Korea in the back. This torture lasted three days, and in the end, they couldn't avoid elimination. Being knocked out in this way was truly heartbreaking, especially since South Korea had a very favorable draw this World Cup. Yet they ended up as a laughingstock. After the match, South Korean football underwent major changes, with the head coach immediately resigning!

Compared to South Korea, Iran's elimination was more regrettable. Despite traveling long distances, they earned three draws and finished ninth among third-place teams, only to be eliminated at the last moment. Austria and Algeria played a perfect collusion match, giving Iran hope and then quickly killing it. Iran was toyed with and fell at the final moment, a tragic exit. In fact, Iran's elimination was partly due to off-field interference and also because they missed a penalty kick, so they had no one to blame but themselves.

Although Japan advanced, going further will be very difficult. Their first knockout opponent is five-time World Cup champion Brazil. If they get through, England and Argentina await. Brazil's strength has declined compared to the past, but with famous coach Ancelotti at the helm and stars like Vinícius Jr., Japan faces a huge challenge and is very likely to be eliminated. This match is also a key test of Japan's true quality.

Watch the World Cup on Migu Video!

By Tiyuan Xiaoshuo

#PenAndInkWorldCup#