Dhaka, June 16 -- Asia has made a stunning start to the expanded 48-team World Cup, remaining unbeaten after six teams have already taken the field, while South America has endured a rare and worrying winless opening.

In the first five days of the tournament in North America, several so-called smaller sides have defied expectations, taking points off established powers.

Most strikingly, none of the Asian Football Confederation's (AFC) teams have lost so far, while all four South American sides in action are still without a victory.

Nine Asian teams are competing at the World Cup. Six have already played, with Australia and South Korea registering wins.

Japan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Iran have all drawn their opening matches. Iraq, alo...