The continent of Asia was indeed well-represented in World Cup 2022, as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Japan, Australia, and South Korea all defied the World Cup 2022 odds here in Qatar.
From Saudi Arabia and Iran’s stunning victories over Argentina and Wales respectively, to Japan, Australia, and South Korea making it to the Round of 16 – although all of them were eliminated by Croatia, Argentina, and Brazil – it’s safe to say that Asian football is headed to an upward trajectory.
So who made it on our list this time? Continue to read on below as SBOTOP lists down the standout Asian performers in the World Cup.
Ritsu Doan, Japan
Several heroes have stepped up for Japan here in World Cup 2022, but it was Ritsu Doan who set the tone for them in this tournament.
During the group stage, Japan would often find themselves trailing by one goal, but Doan has changed the complexion of those games by scoring the equalising goals in the second half.
His two goals from four matches were against Spain and Germany – two of the favourites to come out of Group E – and yes, Japan did defeat them to finish on top of their group.
Doan’s defining moment at Qatar was not even a goal of his own, although he had a hand in it. His ball that led to a controversial goal by Ao Tanaka after a cut-back by Kaoru Mitoma essentially booked their tickets to the Round of 16.
Despite losing to Croatia in the knockouts, it was a memorable campaign for Doan and the rest of the Samurai Blue. Japan are going to be fun to watch in the years to come.
Salem Al-Dawsari, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, ranked 51st in the world by FIFA, pulled off one of the most shocking World Cup 2022 results as they came from behind to beat Argentina in the opener.
After Lionel Messi scored the spot-kick in the 10th minute, Saleh Al-Shehri scored in the bottom corner to equalise in the 48th minute, and then Salem Al-Dawsari delivered the knockout punch five minutes later.
The winning sequence saw Al-Dawsari dribble past multiple defenders and launch a right-footed ball that Emiliano Martinez couldn’t reach. The Al Hilal winger was on cloud nine as he celebrated with a back flip.
He ended up as the team’s top scorer in this tournament with two goals as he recorded another goal during their 2-1 group stage defeat to Mexico. Unfortunately, it was their second straight loss after beating Argentina, so they finished at the bottom of Group C.
Mehdi Taremi, Iran
Mehdi Taremi was the best player for Iran here in World Cup 2022. He notched two goals and one assist in this tournament, although his team came up short – finishing third in Group B.
Taremi was the only bright spot in their 6-2 defeat to England as he scored those two goals. And in their 2-0 win against Wales, he was the one who assisted Ramin Rezaelan for their second goal in stoppage time.
Because of his performance in Qatar, the Porto forward has been gaining interest ahead of the winter transfer window despite turning 30 years of age last July.
Reports claim that Chelsea and Lazio are keeping tabs on him. Taremi is valued at £22-M and he can be a solid addition to bolster the attacking depth of those two teams with his physicality and guile.
Cho Gue-Sung, Korea Republic
Cho Gue-Sung is another player who became much more famous following a superb World Cup 2022 campaign. Marriage proposals aside, the K-League scoring champion led the Taeguk Warriors in goals scored with two in this competition.
Those two scores came within three minutes in their loss to Ghana. The Black Stars were up by two goals in the first half, but Gue-Sung gave them a sliver of hope when he had two brilliant headers to draw level.
Gue-Sung started off as a sub, but has been a fixture in the starting XI ever since. He, Hwang Hee-Chan, and Heung-Min Son are expected to lead the line for South Korea in the foreseeable future.
Like the other players on this list, Cho Gue-Sung’s stock has improved and he is reportedly being eyed by Scottish Premiership side Celtic and Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.
Should Gue-Sung move to Parkhead in January, he is going to be the team’s third signing of the winter transfer window, followed by fellow Asian Yuki Kobayashi from Vissel Kobe and Canadian wing-back Alistair Johnson from CF Montreal.
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