World Cup 2022: Can Asian teams make it to the round of 16?

10pm December 5: Japan team - Croatia team

Before the 2022 World Cup officially took place, not many people dared to believe that the team nicknamed "Samurai Blue" would pass the group stage. Because the opponents of coach Moriyasu Hajime and his team were Spain, Germany and Costa Rica.

However, Maya Yoshida and her teammates created two earthquakes when they defeated Germany and Spain, respectively, with the same score of 2-1. It is worth mentioning that in both of those matches, the Japanese team was given the lead by the opponent in the first half.

Japanese players celebrate their victory after the match against Spain. Photo: FIFA.com

What coach Moriyasu Hajime's players have done in the group stage has made Croatia very worried. Especially with most of the players in the squad being old, the defending runner-up will face many difficulties against the fast-paced playing style of the Japanese team.

Objectively speaking, the chances of "Samurai Blue" advancing are not small. It is very likely that the Japanese team will defeat Luka Modric and his teammates, to play the role of "dark horse" atWorld Cup 2022this year. Most likely, the next victim after Germany and Spain will be Croatia.

2am December 6: South Korea vs Brazil

There is no need to argue, everyone must admit that the "Samba Dancers" have a much higher chance of winning than the team from the "land of kimchi". Simply put, in the Brazilian team, there are many famous stars, typically Neymar.

Despite causing a big surprise with a spectacular comeback against Portugal in the final match of Group H, the Korean team still revealed many shortcomings in their playing style, especially in their defense system. The 2-3 defeat against Ghana was clear evidence.

The joy of Korean players after defeating Portugal. Photo: Getty

Now, coach Paulo Bento and his team's opponent is the Brazilian team, a team that possesses some of the most dangerous "killers" in world football recently. Besides Neymar, there are also Vinicius, Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal) and Richarlison (Tottenham Hotspur).

With a defense that is not really solid, the Korean team will find it difficult to stand firm against the relentless attacks of the yellow-green team. It is almost certain that Son Heung-min and his teammates will have to end their journey at the 2022 World Cup right after the match against Brazil, in the knockout round.

Let's wait and see if Asian representatives will continue to create surprises at the biggest football festival on the planet, taking place in Qatar?