Miami (US), June 28 -- 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...