Asian power returns to the field
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Asian power started to cut a noticeable figure at the World Cup in South Africa.
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea, despite of their 2-1 loss to multi-World Cup champions Brazil on Wednesday, created the best result against the South American side of any Asian teams at the soccer gala.
Earlier in the week, the DPRK's Asian neighbors also did a good job. South Korea swept 2004 European champions Greece 2-0 before Japan overcame Cameroon 1-0.
It was an impressive beginning for these East Asian teams at the World Cup after Japan made their World Cup finals debut 12 years ago in France with three losses while South Korea collected one draw and two defeats. The DPRK missed the soccer extravaganza for the past 44 years.
Time flied to 2002 World Cup co-hosted by Japan and South Korea. Exploiting home advantage and with high spirit, South Korea fought into the semifinals and Japan made it to the elimination round.
Players based overseas and international coaches helped the rise of Asian soccer.
Japanese star Shunsuke Nakamura and South Korean Park Ji-Sung joined the European top leagues and brought precious experience to their respective teams.
Well-accomplished coaches such as Arthur Antunes Coimbra Zico and Guus Hiddink accelerated the growth of Asian soccer which has been gearing to international standards.
