Sport

Asian Success & More At The 2022 World Cup

As we reach the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup, we look back on some of the best moments from Asian teams and beyond.
Saudi Arabia after their victory against Argentina. Photo: FIFA.
Now Reading:  
Asian Success & More At The 2022 World Cup

Three Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Nations Make It To the Round Of 16

With Japan defeating Spain and Germany to make it out top of their group before falling to Croatia, and South Korea and Australia battling powerhouses Brazil and Argentina before their campaigns came to an end, 2022 was the first time in history three AFC nations made it to the round of 16.

Saudi Arabia Beating Argentina Was A Moment To Remember

Saudi Arabians will never forget the day when they managed to defeat two-time World Cup winners Argentina 2-1. Goals by Saleh Alshehri and Salem Aldawsari that turned the tide in the second half, have surely cemented both players in Saudi footballing history.

Cho Gue-sung Becomes The Heartthrob Of The World Cup

From being a relative unknown with around 20k followers before the tournament, to now amassing not just 2.2 million fans but also a whole host of marriage proposals, even though Cho Gue-sung might not have gone as far as he hoped for with South Korea this tournament, he's still made waves. With two goals to his name, making him the first Korean to score multiple goals in a World Cup, his future is looking good indeed.

The Future Of Football Looks Bright

Whilst the other three AFC teams - Qatar, Iran and Saudi Arabia - did not make it out of their groups this year, with a world cup expanding to 48 teams for 2026's tournament, the hope is that more Asian teams will be able to up their game by the time the next world cup rolls around.

2023's Asian Cup and CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football) Gold Cup, 2024's OFC (Oceania Football Confederation) Nations Cup, 2023 and 2025's editions of the Africa Cup Of Nations will surely help to show how the future of more diverse football is growing.

Morocco Become The First Arabic And African Nation Into The Semi Finals

Against the expectations of most, Morocco defied a Portugal team containing Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Pepe, Bernado Silva and more to win the game 1-0. With stars Hakim Ziyech and Achraf Hakimi putting on some of their best performances, it was Youssef En-Nesyri with the decisive goal and goalkeeper Yassine 'Bono' Bounou that raised their game even higher.

Whether Morocco beat France on Wednesday or not is almost immaterial: this Moroccan team will be unforgettable in the annals of Arabian and African footballing history. It only remains to be seen just how gilded they can make their moment in time.

The 2022 World Cup ends on the 18th of December 2022.
Liked this? Please consider leaving us a tip here.