Author: Scott Musgrave

The Japanese had never progressed beyond the group stage in a World Cup away from home soil. In South Africa they did just that, and the country is satisfied.

Uruguay have emerged as a surprise package, but Holland stand in their way and the Oranje will be confident of booking a spot in the final. We preview the match.

Paraguay have a great recent record of reaching the knockout phase at the World Cup and they’ve done so again here. Can they beat Japan on go further though? We preview the match.

Uruguay could well be the surprise package of this World Cup, but South Korea, fresh from facing Argentina, could also pose a real threat. We preview the last 16 match.

Denmark and Japan both have their sights set on the last 16 and this shootout in Rustenburg has the makings of a classic. We preview what looks an exciting match.

Australia still have an opportunity to qualify from Group D after a draw with 10 men against Ghana. Serbia though, are dangerous, and want to go through themselves. We preview the match.

Japan stand on the brink of qualification through to the knockout phase of the World Cup, but they must first deal with Denmark. And concerns over their goalscoring continue.

Japan are an Asian power, but they still must improve on the world stage. With a raft of talented players though, there is no reason why they cannot enjoy a good World Cup.

South Korea will be hoping for a repeat of their run to the semi-final in the World Cup in South Africa. We profile the Group B hopefuls.

Asian players have never tended to move much between countries in their own confederation, however the 3+1 rule is changing that. And it is an initiative to be praised.