Could Asian teams be catching up to Europe at this World Cup? | Jonathan Wilson (opens original article in a new tab)

Asian teams have maintained an unbeaten record against European sides in the early stages of the World Cup, with Japan's late draw against the Netherlands highlighting their growing competitiveness.

• Japan extended unbeaten run of Asian teams against Europe at World Cup with late equaliser against Netherlands
• South Korea defeated Czech Republic, Australia beat Turkey, and Qatar drew with Switzerland in matches involving Asian teams
• Japan's performance against Netherlands showed no sense of inferiority, with coach Hajime Moriyasu focusing on mental preparation for progression