by sportswriters Cao Jianjie and Li Jia
MIAMI, United States, June 27 (Xinhua) -- The final whistle on the World Cup group stage brought mixed emotions for Asian football. Japan and Australia marched on, but seven of the continent's representatives were heading home.
Japan was the standout performer, finishing second in Group F after an unbeaten campaign against the Netherlands, Tunisia and Sweden.
Hajime Moriyasu's side scored seven goals in three matches, Japan's highest tally at a single World Cup.
A 1-1 draw with Sweden on Thursday sealed Japan's place in the round of 32 and set up a meeting with five-time champion Brazil.
"We do believe there's a chance for us to win," Moriyasu said. "And then we hope that we will be able to move one step further, move on to the next stage."
Australia, which left the Oceania Football Confederation and became a full member of the Asian Football Confederation in 2006, also progressed after a goalless draw with Paraguay in Santa Clara, placing second behind the United States in Group D.
Tony Popovic's side came away with four points after opening with a 2-0 win over Türkiye before losing to the United States.
The Socceroos will face Egypt in the round of 32, giving Asia another chance to extend its presence in the tournament.
Iran came closest to joining them after finishing unbeaten in Group G.
Amir Ghalenoei's side drew with New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt, but missed out after unfavorable results elsewhere.
Its most painful moment came against Egypt, when Shoja Khalilzadeh's stoppage-time goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.
Rather than dwell on the disappointment, Iran left a handwritten note in its dressing room, thanking Seattle and the team's supporters for their backing.
South Korea also saw its campaign end in disappointment after a 1-0 defeat to South Africa left it third in Group A.
Head coach Hong Myung-bo said his team had struggled to impose itself after captain Son Heung-min started on the bench.
"We prepared well, but compared to our previous matches we made too many mistakes in midfield," Hong said. "Today's performance was simply not good enough."
Saudi Arabia entered its final Group H match with a chance to progress, but fell short after taking only two points from three games.
Qatar, Iraq, Jordan and Uzbekistan were also eliminated after difficult campaigns.
The exits of Iran and South Korea illustrated how fine the margins were for Asia's challengers.
Japan and Australia now carry Asia's hopes into the knockout stage, where tougher tests await. ■
