The winless World Cup showing by Asia’s four teams is a wakeup call for the region, the head of AFC said on Friday, but the lacklustre showing has not deterred calls for extra places at the finals from his members.
South Korea exited on Thursday after a 1-0 loss to Belgium condemned them to last place in Group H, the same position Japan, Iran and Australia managed in their four team pools as the region managed only a collective three points in Brazil.
It was the first time since the 1990 tournament in Italy that Asia didn’t win a game at the finals, with the AFC the only Confederation competing in Brazil not to have a representative make the last 16.
“This World Cup serves as a lesson to all Asian nations,” Asian Football Confederation President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said in a statement.
“Asia must acknowledge its shortcomings, but at the same time we must believe in our own ability.
“The AFC is determined to unlock the full potential of Asian football, and that can only be achieved through hard work, dedication and unwavering support in AFC’s efforts to have equal and sustainable football development across the continent.”
Asian teams have won just 14 matches at the World Cup since Indonesia - then the Dutch East Indies - first competed at the 1938 tournament in Italy. In comparison, South America’s six representatives in Brazil have 13 wins already in the 2014 edition.
Only six Asian sides have made it through the first stage of a World Cup, with South Korea’s fourth place at their home 2002 tournament looking a distant memory after the Brazil showing.
However, Fifa Vice-President Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, who has accused Sheikh Salman of playing politics in trying to take his role at the world governing body, believes Asia should see an increase to their four-and-a-half slots.
“Asia definitely deserves more spots for many reasons,” the Jordanian Football head told Reuters earlier in the tournament.
“Two thirds of the global population and footballers are from Asia, it’s the largest continent, we have 46 Members Associations and, most importantly, Asian football has taken impressive strides towards development. The future of football is Asia.”
