FIFA World Cup
For Asia's nine representatives, their appearance on the global stage saw highs and lows but more importantly, gave them insights on what needs to be done to stand toe to toe with the world's best.
The teams will be determined to build on their experience and the-AFC.com takes a look at how the Asian sides fared, with Australia kicking off the series.
Tony Popovic's Socceroos suffered a penalty shootout heartbreak against Egypt in the Round of 32 but the Australian tactician said it had been a successful outing for his side.
With an eye on the future, Popovic opted for a relatively young squad and was proud with how his players responded to the challenge.
Drawn in Group D, Australia showcased their immense talent with a wonderful performance against Turkiye in their opening match, with goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe sealing them the three points.
The Socceroos, however, failed to get going against the United States in their next match as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat.
A performance was needed against Paraguay to seal their spot in the next round and while goals eluded them, Australia showcased grit to walk away with a goalless draw to finish second in the group.
Having sealed just a third-ever appearance in the knockout stage, Australia went into their tie against Egypt knowing they had an equal chance against the African side and so it proved, with the teams tied at 1-1 after extra time.
Egypt, however, proved sharper from the penalty spot in the shootout as they walked away with a 4-2 win.
It ended Australia's campaign but Popovic, whose contract was extended just before the tournament for him to oversee his nation's challenge at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, said he envisions a bright future for the Socceroos, especially with the emergence of a youthful core.
Six of Australia's starting lineup against Egypt were players aged 23 and below, adding to the tactician's optimism.
“We want this to inspire us to do better,” said Popovic after the Egypt defeat. “Hopefully we can take a step forward at the Asian Cup, which is coming up for us in January.”
“And then in four years’ time, let’s have bigger targets, bigger expectations. But we also know that being at the World Cup is not easy, firstly to arrive, to qualify. If you look at all the nations that don’t progress, and all the big nations that haven’t had success over a big period of time, we can’t take for granted what we’ve achieved, and we need to keep growing.
“And hopefully, if we get to this point again in four years’ time we can take that next step and progress,” Popovic concluded.
Australia, champions in 2015, will face Tajikistan, Iraq and Singapore in Group D of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.
Photos: AFP
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