South Korea and Japan, the two co-host nations of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, have booked their place in the last 16 of the 2010 tournament.
Both team needed a draw in their last group match to secure the passage. The Koreans did just enough with a 2-2 stalemate with Nigeria, while the Japanese advanced handsomely with a 3-1 victory over Denmark.
Both the Asian countries have never reached the last 16 of the World Cup on foreign soil prior to this. It’s a remarkable achievement that both are doing so.
North Korea are playing their final match today, but the chances for them to qualify for the last 16 are extremely slim. Australia, also an Asian rep, have bowed out of the tournament despite winning their last group match.