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For a while, it looked as if Asia’s biggest World Cup result was on and Japan were going to beat Brazil. A team full of energy, skill and verve looked superior to the South Americans and were sending out a statement to the rest of the world and also back home that a new dawn was indeed here.

The second half wasn’t quite so good. The energy levels could not be sustained, the Samurai Blue dropped too deep and eventually were undone in the 96th minute to lose 2-1 in this last-32 clash. Had four of the team’s best players, Kaoru Mitoma, Wataru Endo, Takumi Minamino and Takefusa Kubo, been available then it could have ended differently. In the end, Brazil’s strength in depth was a little stronger.

More than usual, however, there was support from elsewhere in Asia, with fans desperate for some continental pride. “We are representing Asia. I know that other Asian teams are not as successful,” the Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said before kick-off. “I would like us to be able to encourage other Asian teams as well, and we would like to be their hope.”

The Japanese model – long-term vision, patience and determination – has not yet caught on elsewhere, though recent results may deliver more converts. Moriyasu may reflect that if the standard in Asia was higher then Japan – who are never pushed back to defend deep for such long periods on their own continent – would be better suited to go toe-to-toe with Brazil.

It has been a dismal World Cup for Asia. Seven of its nine teams (Australia are the other survivor and face Egypt on Friday) fell at the first hurdle in this most gentle of formats, while only one of Africa’s 10 did the same.

Two should be counted as three though, really, as Iran should be given a free pass. After all, Team Melli, who drew all three games, came up against all sorts of obstacles but still came extremely close to reaching the knockout stage. Had the country not been attacked by the US and Israel in February, preparations could have proceeded with some semblance of normality. And, once in North America, receiving the same treatment as the 47 other teams would surely have been enough.

Leeway should also be given to the two debutants, Jordan and Uzbekistan, as well as Iraq. This trio have little international experience. For the most part, they were competitive, especially injury-hit Jordan, who scored in all three games. Iraq, meanwhile, were given a nightmare group with France, Norway and Senegal. The gap in quality with the top teams became apparent when the pressure was on and mistakes were made, especially at the back. Losing all nine games is obviously not a great advert – there was a hope that one of those three would make an impact – but does not tell the full story.

Uzbekistan have established a successful youth system – the lack of a consistent standard across Asia is a problem – and will return stronger for the experience. Jordan had just two players active in Europe and the World Cup should pave the way for others to follow. “Our players are young and we need to take advantage of the experience we had here and ensure we do better at a higher level of competition,” the head coach, Jamal Sellami, said. “To be at the top level we need to have more players to play at that high level.”

That is obviously an issue for Saudi Arabia and Qatar as well, who have overwhelmingly domestic-based squads. The money that fills clubs with quality foreign players and limits opportunities for locals also makes it comfortable enough for domestic talents to stay home. These two also lack any kind of long-term plan as evidenced by Saudi Arabia changing coach from Hervé Renard to Giorgios Donis in April. At least the Green Falcons drew two. Qatar’s 6-0 embarrassment at the hands of Canada must rank as the worst Asian result, given the level of the opponent.

South Korea were perhaps the most disappointing as they should have gone through. The opening win over the Czech Republic (the three teams that lost to Asian opposition – Turkey and Tunisia were the others – all finished bottom of their groups), was encouraging but followed by dreadful and passive displays against Mexico and South Africa. The coach, Hong Myung-bo, has already resigned in the face of unprecedented anger but there are other factors at play.

The Asian Football Confederation president, Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, paid tribute to Japan and Australia but Asia should look at the overall outcome and that suggests – since he has been in the job since 2013 – it is time for a fresh pair of hands.

The AFC needs to take some blame. The Champions League has been messed around with on numerous occasions and serves the bigger nations, especially Saudi Arabia, which hosts games from the quarter-finals onwards. In qualification for the World Cup, Saudi Arabia and Qatar also benefited from home advantage and a friendly schedule. Without such help, they may never have made it and, in the end, that may have been better for all concerned.

When the dust settles there will be much to discuss – but not a lot of time. The Asian Cup kicks off in Saudi Arabia in January and the cycle starts again. There is an opportunity for others take a deep breath and then follow Japan’s example and think about the long term. If they do that, they may end up following the Samurai Blue into future knockout stages.