Japan: The flag-bearer of Asian countries in FIFA World Cup 2018

Japan has become the only Asian country in the 21st edition of football World Cup 2018 to progress into the Round of 16. They also created history to enter Last 16 with the help of FIFA's new tie-breaking 'fair play' regulation, which compared the sides' disciplinary records across their three group matches.

Under the system, a yellow card counts as minus one point, while an indirect red is minus three. A direct red card would cost four points.

With two fewer yellow cards, Japan's tally of minus-four points was two better than Senegal, who may feel aggrieved at being sent home for a reason other than the quality of their football.

Well, Japan are now the sole flag-bearer of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in the Round of 16.

The journey started in 2014 when qualifiers were held by AFC and five nations had sailed through from Asia after completing all the process.

The best five teams - Iran, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Australia (4 direct slots and 1 inter-confederation play-off slot) started the race to Russia.

Football is a sport which is usually dominated by European an South American nations but in recent years, Asian countries have proved their mettle in the football world.

The first Asian nation at the World Cup was Indonesia when the team qualified for the 1938 tournament and since then the participation legacy started.

Although, the Asian countries lacked behind the dominating countries like Germany, Brazil, Spain, Argentina etc, but it is very impressive the way few of the Asian countries have promoted club football to encourage young talents like India, China etc.

Here is how the Asian countries have performed in World Cup 2018:

Japan: Akira Nishino's side the Samurai Blue' were lucky in the lot to go through but also their performance was remarkably good in their all three matches. They will play against Belgium on July 2 at Rostov Arena to continue their fight in this world cup.

Iran: The Iranians particular have impressed with their gameplay as they gave a tough competition to Portugal in the decider match and lost with a narrow margin.

South Korea: South Korea are out but will take some comfort in having beaten the defending champions Germany. Iceland, in their first World Cup, almost made it and will remember how they held Messi and Co to a 1-1 draw.

Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia were humiliated in their first match but they gained their momentum and defeated Egypt in the final group game.

Australia: Australians lost their first match against France, but the way they started their campaign, it appeared that they would progress in next stages but Tim Cahill starer Australia failed, however, marked an unforgettable impression with their efforts andperformance.

We all remember when North Korea became the first country from Asia to reach the Quater finals in 1966 but we are waiting when the most coveted hand-and-ball trophy will come to Asia.