While Asia's World Cup is over, the world's largest continent is quietly satisfied with its performance in South Africa.
Asia sent four teams to South Africa and two - South Korea and Japan - survived the first stage to reach the second round for the first time ever at an overseas World Cup.
For the two teams, and Asia as a whole, it was a case of mission accomplished, especially after the disappointing performance of 2006 when all four Asian sides failed to make it out of the group stage.
There were concerns heading into the tournament that an expected strong performance by the six African teams in the continent's first World Cup could put pressure on Asia's allocation at future finals.
``At least two should reach the second round,'' Japan Football Association vice president and FIFA executive committee member Junji Ogura predicted before the World Cup. ``This is our dream and we hope they will do well.''
The dream came true and the fact that two Asian teams progressed while only one African team managed to do so has given Asian football newfound respect around the world.
Japan and South Korea were even within touching distance of a place in the quarterfinals.
Japan was eliminated by Paraguay only after a penalty shootout, while South Korea had chances to defeat Uruguay before succumbing to a late goal in a 2-1 loss.
``Both nations showed the world that Asia is improving step by step,'' Japan's 2002 World Cup coach Philippe Troussier told The AP in a telephone interview. ``Both teams were very good, especially with free kicks. Half of Japan's goals and three of Korea's came from free kicks. In this respect, Asia led the way at the World Cup.''
Park Chu-young was the first player to score direct from a free kick, bending a shot inside the post in South Korea's 2-2 draw with Nigeria that clinched a place in the last 16.
In seven previous World Cups, South Korea had progressed only past the first stage once, reaching the semifinal in 2002 as co-host with Japan. Now though, captain Park Ji-sung believes its performance in South Africa demonstrates the potential of the continent.
``For now Asian football is improving more and more,'' the Manchester United midfielder said. ``We must show the world that Asian teams are not weak teams. We are getting better and better, and one day we can beat some of the great teams.''
Japan arrived in South Africa under a cloud after a string of poor results in its warmup matches, but an opening win over Cameroon silenced the critics, then a 3-1 victory over Denmark had local and international media singing the team's praises.
A spectacular free kick from Keisuke Honda set the team on its way and the CSKA Moscow striker emerged as one of the stars of the tournament. Honda, 24, was paid a glowing tribute by Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger.
``This Japanese team is based on a solid and collective defense in which everybody knows exactly what to do,'' Wenger said.
``When they get the ball they can give it to Honda - and the magic starts. When they get that genius Honda playing up front, he has shown what a top-class player he is.''
Australia, which made the last 16 representing Oceania in 2006, failed to advance from the group stage on goal difference in its first World Cup appearance as a member of the Asian Football Confederation.
A hapless 4-0 defeat in the opening match against Germany gave the Socceroos too much to do and a draw with Ghana followed by a win over Serbia were not quite enough.
``I'm disappointed,'' said coach Pim Verbeek after Australia's elimination. ``We have four points, I was hoping it was enough but the goal difference against Germany killed us. After losing the first game 4-0 we had to win the other two. We came so close and I am proud of the team.''
The main disappointment for Asia was North Korea.
After a bright start against Brazil in the opening match of a tough group, in which the 1966 World Cup quarterfinalist lost 2-1, the team was then thrashed 7-0 by Portugal and finished with a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Ivory Coast.
Midfielder An Yong Hak reflected on the World Cup after the final match.
``We went into this game knowing there was a big difference in the level of playing,'' he told The AP. ``Still, playing on the same field with them, bumping into them, it was a good experience. A very good experience.''
Mun Si Song, a former member of North Korea's football federation, told the official AFC website that the team performed well in difficult circumstances.
``The end result might look unpleasant. But please bear in mind that the team has qualified to the World Cup after 44 years,'' Mun said.
``I am not saying that they deserved accolades, but considering the difficulties the team faced on the road to South Africa compared to others, they, at least, should not be condemned. The only thing I need to admit is the team was lacking experience and international exposure.''
