The world was taken aback by surprise when Asian teams lagged behind in the World Cup 2014. Asian teams in the tournament were made up of Asia-Pacific countries, East and Central Asia, namely, Japan, South Korea, Iran and Australia.

An American soccer coach now based in Asia, Tom Byer, said:

"It is quite amazing how badly all of the teams did."

All of the teams from Asia were never able to get to round 16, following elimination in the group stage. The teams were only able to achieve success in this tournament through achieving high draws. All four Asian teams scored only nine goals in totality.

Japanfooty.com, an English Japanese soccer commentary site's founder, Angus Mc Leod released a statement, saying:

"In the case of Japan and South Korea, there are very few positives that we can take from the tournament."

"Both were a huge let-down, particularly Japan."

The most disappointing part was how the teams seemed to have had a sizable difference between their performances in 2010's World Cup in South Africa this year's tournament.

Japan and South Korea made it to the round 16 in 2010's tournament. South Korea back then, outsmarted a goal against Uruguay. On the other hand, Japan only lost penalty kicks to Paraguay.

It seemed teams from the Pacific have failed to adjust to the metrics of dynamic tournament through the years. Rowan Simons, a senior vice-president of Guinness World Records specializing in Chinese soccer, had these final thoughts:

"When Japan and South Korea burst onto the international stage a decade plus ago, they brought a new style of football with quick passing and movement that surprised the traditional powers."

"Opponents have worked out how to play against them, while their own styles have failed to evolve."