ALARMING regression has been witnessed in the Asian teams at the FIFA World Cup. A record nine representatives from the continent went to the global showpiece that has been expanded to 48 teams for the ongoing edition. But just two, Japan and Australia, progressed beyond the group stage: at the last World Cup in Qatar, Japan, Australia and South Korea had advanced to the last 16. Japan’s journey in North America was ended by Brazil in the last 32, leaving just Australia —........

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