Sixty per cent of the world’s population lives in Asia. However, the World Cup’s knockout stages will start on Saturday with not one of them represented.

Their companies are there. Three of Fifa’s six corporate partners are based in countries from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC): Sony (Japan), Hyundai/Kia (South Korea) and Emirates (United Arab Emirates).

The interest is there. Football is booming in many Asian nations, with major European clubs and leagues scrambling to grab a slice of the market via pre-season tours, foreign language websites and all manner of merchandising links.

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But the players, they continue to disappoint. The four AFC teams (Australia, Iran, Japan and South Korea) played 12 games, drew three and lost nine. The Socceroos had the excuse of being in a tough group but the other three did not. Iran were unfortunate to concede at the last gasp to Lionel Messi but the only points had come via goalless draws by Japan against Greece and Iran against Nigeria, and South Korea’s 1-1 draw with Russia.

In 2002, when South Korea reached the semi-finals and Japan the second round, it seemed Asia had made the breakthrough. But they had the advantage of being co-hosts and had spent months preparing in training camps. In 2006 both went out in the group stage, in 2010 both in the second round. The only other occasion AFC teams have progressed beyond the group stage are in 1966, when North Korea made the quarter-finals, and 1994, when Saudi Arabia reached the second round (Australia made the second round in 2006, but had qualified though Oceania). It is not much of a return for 32 AFC entries into the World Cup, involving 12 countries.

Shape Created with Sketch. World Cup 2014: Match-by-match results Show all 62 left Created with Sketch. right Created with Sketch. Shape Created with Sketch. World Cup 2014: Match-by-match results 1/62 Germany 1 Argentina 0 Mario Gotze celebrates the winning goal in the World Cup final at the Maracana GETTY IMAGES 2/62 Brazil 0 Netherlands 3 In the third-place play-off Brazil were unable to salvage any pride as they went down 3-0 to the Dutch. Robin van Persie scored from the spot after Thiago Silva pulled Arjen Robben down. Daley Blind produced a cute finish to double the lead and Georginio Wijnaldum made it another embarrassing scoreline for the hosts with his injury-time goal. GETTY IMAGES 3/62 Netherlands 0 Argentina 0 (Netherlands win 4-2 on pens) Sergio Romero saved two spot kicks as Argentina set up the final against Germany. GETTY IMAGES 4/62 Brazil 1 Germany 7 Brazil's World Cup dreams ended in humiliating and brutal fashion as Germany inflicted their heaviest defeat in the first semi-final in Belo Horizonte. GETTY IMAGES 5/62 Argentina 1 Belgium 0 Argentina reached their first World Cup semi-final since finishing as runners-up in 1990 with victory over Belgium in Brasilia. AP 6/62 Netherlands 0 Costa Rica 0 (Netherlands win 4-3 on penalties) Goalkeeper Tim Krul came off the bench late in extra time and saved two penalties as the Netherlands beat Costa Rica in a shootout to set up a World Cup semi-final against Argentina. Getty Images 7/62 France 0 Germany 1 Germany became the first nation to reach four consecutive World Cup semi-finals as Mats Hummels' early header proved enough to see them past France at the Maracana. GETTY IMAGES 8/62 Brazil 2 Colombia 1 The hosts tooka an early lead through captain Thiago Silva and doubled it through David Luiz's stunning long range free kick. Colombia got one back with a James Rogriguez penalty but couldn't find the equaliser in a thrilling game. Getty Images 9/62 Belgium 2 United States 1 (aet) The teams could not be separated in normal time, and nor could they score most thanks to an inspired performance from Tim Howard, but in the extra 30 minutes the game exploded. Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku scored before Julian Green set up a thrilling finale, but the American dream came to an end GETTY IMAGES 10/62 Argentina 1 Switzerland 0 (aet) Switzerland proved stubborn opponents and did enough to take Argentina to extra-time. With the game just minutes away from penalties, Lionel Messi played in Angel di Maria whose first time strike was beyond the goalkeeper and into the corner GETTY IMAGES 11/62 Germany 2 Algeria 1 (aet) Andre Schurrle scored the first goal for Germany after Algeria took one of the favourites to win the tournament to extra-time. Mesut Ozil then added a second but there was just enough time for Abdelmoumene Djabou to get one back. It was too late though and the last African nation standing was out GETTY IMAGES 12/62 France 2 Nigeria 0 France celebrate after beating Nigeria thanks to goals from Paul Pogba and an own goal from Joseph Yobo GETTY IMAGES 13/62 Costa Rica 1 Greece 1 (Costa Rica win 5-3 on penalties) Umana scored the decisive spot-kick to send Costa Rica through. The Central American side went into the lead through Bryan Ruiz before Óscar Duarte saw red. Playing against 10 men, Greece found a way through just before the end of normal time thanks to Sokratis Papastathopoulos. However they could not find another and the match went to penalties 14/62 Netherlands 2 Mexico 1 Robben won a controversial late penalty as the Netherlands won in Fortaleza, with Huntelaar scoring from the spot Getty Images 15/62 Colombia 2 Uruguay 0 James Rodriguez was the star man during the triumph over Uruguay, including scoring arguably the goal of the tournament GETTY IMAGES 16/62 Brazil 1 Chile 1 (Brazil win 3-2 on penalties) The poster boy Neymar held his nerve in Belo Horizonte Getty Images 17/62 Algeria 1 Russia 1 Islam Slimani broke Russia's hearts when he equalised in the 60th minute of this match. Russia had needed a win but Slimani's goal took Algeria level at 1-1 and there were no further goals. The result meant the north African side reached the knock out phase for the first time in their history. GETTY IMAGES 18/62 South Korea 0 Russia 1 Jan Vertonghen celebrates scoring the only goal of the match during Belgium's game against South Korea. The victory ensured his side finished top of Group H with three wins from three. GETTY IMAGES 19/62 Portugal 2 Ghana 1 Cristiano Ronaldo finally got on the scoresheet and with it won his side the match. But with an inferior goal difference to the United States it wasn't enough GETTY IMAGES 20/62 United States 0 Germany 1 The United States might have lost - but their German manager Jurgen Klinsmann was delighted as his team still went through. Thomas Mueller got the only goal of the game to take his tally to four. GETTY IMAGES 21/62 Ecuador 0 France 0 Ecuador frustrate the French at the Maracana but they can't find the winner to take them through to the second round alongside their opponents AFP 22/62 Honduras 0 Switzerland 3 Xherdan Shaqiri's hat-trick helps Switzerland to beat Ecuador to the runner-up spot in Group E and progress to a second round tie against Argentina Getty Images 23/62 Bosnia-Herzegovina 3 Iran 1 Bosnia-Herzegovina finally get their first win of a poor campaign as they see off Iran and end their hopes of progression in the process. Getty Images 24/62 Nigeria 2 Argentina 3 Lionel Messi stars once again as he scores twice in the victory over Nigeria, although the Africans progress to the last-16 alongside Messi and Co. Getty 25/62 Italy 0 Uruguay 1 Luis Suarez holds his teeth while Giorgio Chiellini lies in pain during the incident that overshadowed what was an incredible result for Uruguay. The Liverpool striker appeared to bite the Italian defender, but it went unnoticed by the referee. Two minutes later Diego Godin scored the only goal of the game and with it took his side through to the next round and dumped Italy out. Getty Images 26/62 Costa Rica 0 England 0 Roy Hodgson gave the kids a chance in this dead rubber and at least they were able to claim a point for England at this World Cup. 27/62 Cameroon 1 Brazil 4 Neymar's superb two-goal show inspired Brazil as the hosts eased through to the last 16 of the World Cup, finishing top of Group A to set up a meeting with Chile. 28/62 Croatia 1 Mexico 3 Mexico captain Rafael Marquez once again led by example to help carry his side into the last 16 with a 3-1 victory over Croatia which ended their hopes of qualifying from Group A. Getty Images 29/62 Netherlands 2 Chile 0 Netherlands and Chile met in the Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo to determine who would finish top of Group B and it was the European side that came out on top. Leroy Fer and Memphis Depay scored the two goals, both of which came in the second half. GETTY IMAGES 30/62 Australia 0 Spain 3 Torres and Mata celebrate during Spain's win over Australia in which the reigning champions were able to leave the competition with their heads held higher than they might have been. The pictured pair were on the scoresheet after David Villa has opened the scoring. GETTY IMAGES 31/62 USA 2 Portugal 2 Silvestre Varela equalised in the 95th minute to keep Portugal in the competition, heading in from Cristiano Ronaldo's cross. A defeat, and Portugal would have been knocked out of the competition. GETTY IMAGES 32/62 South Korea 2 Algeria 4 Those who tuned in to a game billed as possibly the least glamorous of the 2014 World Cup were treated to one of the most thrilling matches yet. Islam Slimani, Rafik Halliche, Abdelmoumene Djabou and Yacine Brahimi scored for Algeria with Son Heung Min and Koo Jacheol on target for South Korea. GETTY IMAGES 33/62 Belgium 1 Russia 0 Divock Origi celebrates with Eden Hazard after scoring with just a couple of minutes left on the clock. It was the 19-year-old's first goal for his country and ensured the competitions dark horses went through to the next round with a game to spare GETTY IMAGES 34/62 Nigeria 1 Bosnia-Herzegovina 0 Peter Odemwingie scored the only goal of the match and with it ended Bosnia-Herzegovina's hopes of going beyond the group stage in their first ever World Cup Getty Images 35/62 Germany 2 Ghana 2 Miroslav Klose came off the bench to slavage Germany a draw and tie Ronaldo as the most prolific goalscorer in World Cup history with 15 Getty Images 36/62 Argentina 1 Iran 0 Lionel Messi is jubilant and relieved as he scores the goal in Belo Horizonte yesterday that put Argentina into the knockout stages EPA 37/62 Honduras 1 Ecuador 2 Enner Valencia scored twice for Ecuador to come from behind and win Getty Images 38/62 Switzerland 2 France 5 Olivier Giroud opened the scoring in a game where seven different players got on the scoresheet Getty Images 39/62 Italy 0 Costa Rica 1 Bryan Ruiz heads home as Costs Rica pull off a shock to qualify from Group D Getty Images 40/62 Japan 0 Greece 0 Greece captain Kostas Katsouranis was sent off in dull stalemate 41/62 Uruguay 2 England 1 Heartbreak for England as Luis Suarez scores twice in defeat Getty Images 42/62 Colombia 2 Ivory Coast 1 James Rodriguez and Juan Quintero scored as Colombia progressed to the second round Getty Images 43/62 Cameroon 0 Croatia 4 Mario Mandzukic scored twice as Croatia thrashed 10-man Cameroon. Alex Song was dismissed. GETTY IMAGES 44/62 Spain 0 Chile 2 Chile sent the holders Spain packing with goals from Eduardo Vargas and Charles Aranguiz. 45/62 Australia 2 Netherlands 3 Despite Tim Cahill's cracking volley, Australia were beaten 3-2 by the Netherlands, who scored thanks to Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie and Memphis Depay. GETTY IMAGES 46/62 Russia 1 South Korea 1 Igor Akinfeev gave away a shocking goal against South Korea but thankfully for him Aleksandr Kerzhakov quickly scored at the other end as the game ended 1-1. Fabio Capello could have been excused for feeling a sense of deja vu after his side's opening game. GETTY IMAGES 47/62 Brazil 0 Belgium 0 Neither side were able to break the deadlock with Mexico goalkeeper Francisco Ochoa in inspired form to deny a host of chances, particular a point blank header from Thiago Silva. GETTY IMAGES 48/62 Belgium 2 Algeria 1 Marouane Fellaini celebrates after coming off the bench to bring the scores level. Fellow substitute Dries Mertens then scored the winner. GETTY IMAGES 49/62 Ghana 1 USA 2 John Brooks headed a late winner for USA in a thrilling victory. The defender scored four minutes after Andre Ayew equalised. Clint Dempsey had put USA ahead in the first minute. Getty Images 50/62 Iran 0 Nigeria 0 Some rare goal-mouth action during the 0-0 draw between Iran and Nigeria. It was notable for being the first game of the tournament without a goal. That was all it was notable for. GETTY IMAGES 51/62 Germany 4 Portugal 0 Thomas Mueller scored a hat-trick for Germany in this 4-0 drubbing. Cristiano Ronaldo was unable to make much of an impact, with his team-mate Pepe taking more headlines for being shown a red card. GETTY IMAGES 52/62 Argentina 2 Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 Lionel Messi stole the headlines after his mazy run and cool finish gave Argentina a 2-1 victory. Many have tipped the South Americans to go all the way, but it took a moment of magic from Messi to clinch victory on Sunday night. Getty Images 53/62 France 3 Honduras 0 France overcame an aggressively-minded Honduras side to record a 3-0 victory, with striker Karim Benzema scoring twice and setting-up the third. Vinicius Costa | Getty Images 54/62 Switzerland 2 Ecuador 1 Switzerland substitute Haris Seferovic wheels away in celebration after he snatches a late victory for the Swiss, just moments after Ecuador missed a chance to win the game themselves. GETTY IMAGES 55/62 Ivory Coast 2 Japan 1 Gervinho celebrates his winner after the Ivory Coast came from a goal down to beat Japan in the early hours of Sunday morning. Getty Images 56/62 England 1 Italy 2 England's valiant effort was not enough in Manaus as they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Italy, with Mario Balotelli scoring a second-half winner. Getty Images 57/62 Uruguay 1 Costa Rica 3 Joel Campbell led Costa Rica to a stunning 3-1 shock victory over much-fancied Uruguay. Luis Suarez was unavailable for the South Americans, with the striker watching on in despair from the bench. GETTY IMAGES 58/62 Colombia 3 Greece 0 Colombia took their chances against a lacklustre Greece side that offered very little in resistance to the South Americans. 59/62 Chile 3 Australia 1 Alexis Sanchez helped Chile get off to a winning start as the dispatched the Socceroos 3-1 in Friday's final match. GETTY IMAGES 60/62 Spain 1 Netherlands 5 Robin van Persie netted one of the greatest headers seen in World Cup history, as the Netherlands recorded one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history in smashing the reigning champions 5-1 in a clinical display. Getty Images 61/62 Mexico 1 Cameroon 0 Mexico should have emerged as comfortable winners against the African side, after Giovanni Dos Santos saw two legitimate goals chalked off for offside. GETTY IMAGES 62/62 Brazil 3 Croatia 1 Superstar Neymay helped get the hosts off to a controversial victory after he scored twice in the defeat of Croatia. The match was blighted by a penalty decision in which Fred appeared to dive, leading to a wrath of fury coming from the Croation camp. 1/62 Germany 1 Argentina 0 Mario Gotze celebrates the winning goal in the World Cup final at the Maracana GETTY IMAGES 2/62 Brazil 0 Netherlands 3 In the third-place play-off Brazil were unable to salvage any pride as they went down 3-0 to the Dutch. Robin van Persie scored from the spot after Thiago Silva pulled Arjen Robben down. Daley Blind produced a cute finish to double the lead and Georginio Wijnaldum made it another embarrassing scoreline for the hosts with his injury-time goal. GETTY IMAGES 3/62 Netherlands 0 Argentina 0 (Netherlands win 4-2 on pens) Sergio Romero saved two spot kicks as Argentina set up the final against Germany. GETTY IMAGES 4/62 Brazil 1 Germany 7 Brazil's World Cup dreams ended in humiliating and brutal fashion as Germany inflicted their heaviest defeat in the first semi-final in Belo Horizonte. GETTY IMAGES 5/62 Argentina 1 Belgium 0 Argentina reached their first World Cup semi-final since finishing as runners-up in 1990 with victory over Belgium in Brasilia. AP 6/62 Netherlands 0 Costa Rica 0 (Netherlands win 4-3 on penalties) Goalkeeper Tim Krul came off the bench late in extra time and saved two penalties as the Netherlands beat Costa Rica in a shootout to set up a World Cup semi-final against Argentina. Getty Images 7/62 France 0 Germany 1 Germany became the first nation to reach four consecutive World Cup semi-finals as Mats Hummels' early header proved enough to see them past France at the Maracana. GETTY IMAGES 8/62 Brazil 2 Colombia 1 The hosts tooka an early lead through captain Thiago Silva and doubled it through David Luiz's stunning long range free kick. Colombia got one back with a James Rogriguez penalty but couldn't find the equaliser in a thrilling game. Getty Images 9/62 Belgium 2 United States 1 (aet) The teams could not be separated in normal time, and nor could they score most thanks to an inspired performance from Tim Howard, but in the extra 30 minutes the game exploded. Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku scored before Julian Green set up a thrilling finale, but the American dream came to an end GETTY IMAGES 10/62 Argentina 1 Switzerland 0 (aet) Switzerland proved stubborn opponents and did enough to take Argentina to extra-time. With the game just minutes away from penalties, Lionel Messi played in Angel di Maria whose first time strike was beyond the goalkeeper and into the corner GETTY IMAGES 11/62 Germany 2 Algeria 1 (aet) Andre Schurrle scored the first goal for Germany after Algeria took one of the favourites to win the tournament to extra-time. Mesut Ozil then added a second but there was just enough time for Abdelmoumene Djabou to get one back. It was too late though and the last African nation standing was out GETTY IMAGES 12/62 France 2 Nigeria 0 France celebrate after beating Nigeria thanks to goals from Paul Pogba and an own goal from Joseph Yobo GETTY IMAGES 13/62 Costa Rica 1 Greece 1 (Costa Rica win 5-3 on penalties) Umana scored the decisive spot-kick to send Costa Rica through. The Central American side went into the lead through Bryan Ruiz before Óscar Duarte saw red. Playing against 10 men, Greece found a way through just before the end of normal time thanks to Sokratis Papastathopoulos. However they could not find another and the match went to penalties 14/62 Netherlands 2 Mexico 1 Robben won a controversial late penalty as the Netherlands won in Fortaleza, with Huntelaar scoring from the spot Getty Images 15/62 Colombia 2 Uruguay 0 James Rodriguez was the star man during the triumph over Uruguay, including scoring arguably the goal of the tournament GETTY IMAGES 16/62 Brazil 1 Chile 1 (Brazil win 3-2 on penalties) The poster boy Neymar held his nerve in Belo Horizonte Getty Images 17/62 Algeria 1 Russia 1 Islam Slimani broke Russia's hearts when he equalised in the 60th minute of this match. Russia had needed a win but Slimani's goal took Algeria level at 1-1 and there were no further goals. The result meant the north African side reached the knock out phase for the first time in their history. GETTY IMAGES 18/62 South Korea 0 Russia 1 Jan Vertonghen celebrates scoring the only goal of the match during Belgium's game against South Korea. The victory ensured his side finished top of Group H with three wins from three. GETTY IMAGES 19/62 Portugal 2 Ghana 1 Cristiano Ronaldo finally got on the scoresheet and with it won his side the match. But with an inferior goal difference to the United States it wasn't enough GETTY IMAGES 20/62 United States 0 Germany 1 The United States might have lost - but their German manager Jurgen Klinsmann was delighted as his team still went through. Thomas Mueller got the only goal of the game to take his tally to four. GETTY IMAGES 21/62 Ecuador 0 France 0 Ecuador frustrate the French at the Maracana but they can't find the winner to take them through to the second round alongside their opponents AFP 22/62 Honduras 0 Switzerland 3 Xherdan Shaqiri's hat-trick helps Switzerland to beat Ecuador to the runner-up spot in Group E and progress to a second round tie against Argentina Getty Images 23/62 Bosnia-Herzegovina 3 Iran 1 Bosnia-Herzegovina finally get their first win of a poor campaign as they see off Iran and end their hopes of progression in the process. Getty Images 24/62 Nigeria 2 Argentina 3 Lionel Messi stars once again as he scores twice in the victory over Nigeria, although the Africans progress to the last-16 alongside Messi and Co. Getty 25/62 Italy 0 Uruguay 1 Luis Suarez holds his teeth while Giorgio Chiellini lies in pain during the incident that overshadowed what was an incredible result for Uruguay. The Liverpool striker appeared to bite the Italian defender, but it went unnoticed by the referee. Two minutes later Diego Godin scored the only goal of the game and with it took his side through to the next round and dumped Italy out. Getty Images 26/62 Costa Rica 0 England 0 Roy Hodgson gave the kids a chance in this dead rubber and at least they were able to claim a point for England at this World Cup. 27/62 Cameroon 1 Brazil 4 Neymar's superb two-goal show inspired Brazil as the hosts eased through to the last 16 of the World Cup, finishing top of Group A to set up a meeting with Chile. 28/62 Croatia 1 Mexico 3 Mexico captain Rafael Marquez once again led by example to help carry his side into the last 16 with a 3-1 victory over Croatia which ended their hopes of qualifying from Group A. Getty Images 29/62 Netherlands 2 Chile 0 Netherlands and Chile met in the Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo to determine who would finish top of Group B and it was the European side that came out on top. Leroy Fer and Memphis Depay scored the two goals, both of which came in the second half. GETTY IMAGES 30/62 Australia 0 Spain 3 Torres and Mata celebrate during Spain's win over Australia in which the reigning champions were able to leave the competition with their heads held higher than they might have been. The pictured pair were on the scoresheet after David Villa has opened the scoring. GETTY IMAGES 31/62 USA 2 Portugal 2 Silvestre Varela equalised in the 95th minute to keep Portugal in the competition, heading in from Cristiano Ronaldo's cross. A defeat, and Portugal would have been knocked out of the competition. GETTY IMAGES 32/62 South Korea 2 Algeria 4 Those who tuned in to a game billed as possibly the least glamorous of the 2014 World Cup were treated to one of the most thrilling matches yet. Islam Slimani, Rafik Halliche, Abdelmoumene Djabou and Yacine Brahimi scored for Algeria with Son Heung Min and Koo Jacheol on target for South Korea. GETTY IMAGES 33/62 Belgium 1 Russia 0 Divock Origi celebrates with Eden Hazard after scoring with just a couple of minutes left on the clock. It was the 19-year-old's first goal for his country and ensured the competitions dark horses went through to the next round with a game to spare GETTY IMAGES 34/62 Nigeria 1 Bosnia-Herzegovina 0 Peter Odemwingie scored the only goal of the match and with it ended Bosnia-Herzegovina's hopes of going beyond the group stage in their first ever World Cup Getty Images 35/62 Germany 2 Ghana 2 Miroslav Klose came off the bench to slavage Germany a draw and tie Ronaldo as the most prolific goalscorer in World Cup history with 15 Getty Images 36/62 Argentina 1 Iran 0 Lionel Messi is jubilant and relieved as he scores the goal in Belo Horizonte yesterday that put Argentina into the knockout stages EPA 37/62 Honduras 1 Ecuador 2 Enner Valencia scored twice for Ecuador to come from behind and win Getty Images 38/62 Switzerland 2 France 5 Olivier Giroud opened the scoring in a game where seven different players got on the scoresheet Getty Images 39/62 Italy 0 Costa Rica 1 Bryan Ruiz heads home as Costs Rica pull off a shock to qualify from Group D Getty Images 40/62 Japan 0 Greece 0 Greece captain Kostas Katsouranis was sent off in dull stalemate 41/62 Uruguay 2 England 1 Heartbreak for England as Luis Suarez scores twice in defeat Getty Images 42/62 Colombia 2 Ivory Coast 1 James Rodriguez and Juan Quintero scored as Colombia progressed to the second round Getty Images 43/62 Cameroon 0 Croatia 4 Mario Mandzukic scored twice as Croatia thrashed 10-man Cameroon. Alex Song was dismissed. GETTY IMAGES 44/62 Spain 0 Chile 2 Chile sent the holders Spain packing with goals from Eduardo Vargas and Charles Aranguiz. 45/62 Australia 2 Netherlands 3 Despite Tim Cahill's cracking volley, Australia were beaten 3-2 by the Netherlands, who scored thanks to Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie and Memphis Depay. GETTY IMAGES 46/62 Russia 1 South Korea 1 Igor Akinfeev gave away a shocking goal against South Korea but thankfully for him Aleksandr Kerzhakov quickly scored at the other end as the game ended 1-1. Fabio Capello could have been excused for feeling a sense of deja vu after his side's opening game. GETTY IMAGES 47/62 Brazil 0 Belgium 0 Neither side were able to break the deadlock with Mexico goalkeeper Francisco Ochoa in inspired form to deny a host of chances, particular a point blank header from Thiago Silva. GETTY IMAGES 48/62 Belgium 2 Algeria 1 Marouane Fellaini celebrates after coming off the bench to bring the scores level. Fellow substitute Dries Mertens then scored the winner. GETTY IMAGES 49/62 Ghana 1 USA 2 John Brooks headed a late winner for USA in a thrilling victory. The defender scored four minutes after Andre Ayew equalised. Clint Dempsey had put USA ahead in the first minute. Getty Images 50/62 Iran 0 Nigeria 0 Some rare goal-mouth action during the 0-0 draw between Iran and Nigeria. It was notable for being the first game of the tournament without a goal. That was all it was notable for. GETTY IMAGES 51/62 Germany 4 Portugal 0 Thomas Mueller scored a hat-trick for Germany in this 4-0 drubbing. Cristiano Ronaldo was unable to make much of an impact, with his team-mate Pepe taking more headlines for being shown a red card. GETTY IMAGES 52/62 Argentina 2 Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 Lionel Messi stole the headlines after his mazy run and cool finish gave Argentina a 2-1 victory. Many have tipped the South Americans to go all the way, but it took a moment of magic from Messi to clinch victory on Sunday night. Getty Images 53/62 France 3 Honduras 0 France overcame an aggressively-minded Honduras side to record a 3-0 victory, with striker Karim Benzema scoring twice and setting-up the third. Vinicius Costa | Getty Images 54/62 Switzerland 2 Ecuador 1 Switzerland substitute Haris Seferovic wheels away in celebration after he snatches a late victory for the Swiss, just moments after Ecuador missed a chance to win the game themselves. GETTY IMAGES 55/62 Ivory Coast 2 Japan 1 Gervinho celebrates his winner after the Ivory Coast came from a goal down to beat Japan in the early hours of Sunday morning. Getty Images 56/62 England 1 Italy 2 England's valiant effort was not enough in Manaus as they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Italy, with Mario Balotelli scoring a second-half winner. Getty Images 57/62 Uruguay 1 Costa Rica 3 Joel Campbell led Costa Rica to a stunning 3-1 shock victory over much-fancied Uruguay. Luis Suarez was unavailable for the South Americans, with the striker watching on in despair from the bench. GETTY IMAGES 58/62 Colombia 3 Greece 0 Colombia took their chances against a lacklustre Greece side that offered very little in resistance to the South Americans. 59/62 Chile 3 Australia 1 Alexis Sanchez helped Chile get off to a winning start as the dispatched the Socceroos 3-1 in Friday's final match. GETTY IMAGES 60/62 Spain 1 Netherlands 5 Robin van Persie netted one of the greatest headers seen in World Cup history, as the Netherlands recorded one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history in smashing the reigning champions 5-1 in a clinical display. Getty Images 61/62 Mexico 1 Cameroon 0 Mexico should have emerged as comfortable winners against the African side, after Giovanni Dos Santos saw two legitimate goals chalked off for offside. GETTY IMAGES 62/62 Brazil 3 Croatia 1 Superstar Neymay helped get the hosts off to a controversial victory after he scored twice in the defeat of Croatia. The match was blighted by a penalty decision in which Fred appeared to dive, leading to a wrath of fury coming from the Croation camp.

Why are the Asian countries so poor? In four of the biggest nations, accounting for nearly a quarter of the world’s population, football is not the national sport. India, Pakistan and Bangladesh are more interested in cricket while basketball, baseball and boxing are at least as popular in the Philippines.

China is belatedly seeking to make an impact in the sport but their domestic game, like that in Malaysia and Singapore, is beset by match-fixing. Indonesia has a particularly chaotic administration.

None of these issues affects Japan, South Korea, Iran and many other countries in the vast region. Three problems do. One is physicality. Not only do many Asian players lack the height and power of western and African players, they are perceived to do so by European teams and are thus less likely to be signed. Another is cultural or political differences, which lead to a degree of isolation. This applies particularly to players in the Arab world but also to countries such as North Korea, who played at the last World Cup. A third factor is the wealth of some domestic leagues, notably Japan, South Korea and on the Arabian peninsular, which make players less inclined than those in Africa to try their luck in Europe.

The consequence of all this is too few Asian players have experience at the highest level. Discounting the Aussies, as they are really from Oceania, of 777 players registered for the Champions League last season only five were from Asia: four Japanese and one South Korean. Just two played in the knockout stages – Manchester United’s Japanese misfit Shinji Kagawa and Bayer Leverkusen striker Son Heung-min, of South Korea. Along with Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Haghighi, Son has made an impression on these finals, but none of the other 1.4 billion people in Asia did.

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