Asian teams progress with a historic win in the first round of the World Cup
Hu Shichen/Liu Ye
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Saudi Arabia will take on Uruguay tonight in Group A’s round two match. The Saudis are one of the five teams from the AFC in Russia which, after Japan's victory last night, is now second only to those from UEFA. 
Taiseer Aljassam of Saudi Arabia looks on during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group A match between Russia and Saudi Arabia at Luzhniki Stadium, June 14, 2018, in Moscow, Russia./VCG Photo

Taiseer Aljassam of Saudi Arabia looks on during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group A match between Russia and Saudi Arabia at Luzhniki Stadium, June 14, 2018, in Moscow, Russia./VCG Photo

It didn't start well as Saudi Arabia were thrashed 5-0 in the opening match to Russia last Thursday.
In group B, Iran then defeated Morocco a day later for the country's first World Cup win since 1998.
In group C, the 2015 AFC Cup winners Australia lost to France 2-1 after two VAR decisions undid the Socceroos chances for success.
While in Group F, a penalty from Andreas Granqvist gave Sweden a 1-0 win over South Korea at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. 
Yuya Osako of Japan celebrates with his team mates after scoring the go-ahead goal during the second half of the World Cup group stage match against Colombia in Saransk, Russia, June 19, 2018. Japan won 2-1./VCG Photo

Yuya Osako of Japan celebrates with his team mates after scoring the go-ahead goal during the second half of the World Cup group stage match against Colombia in Saransk, Russia, June 19, 2018. Japan won 2-1./VCG Photo

And a late Yuya Osako header helped Japan beat 10-man Columbia with a 2-1 victory in Group H, after Carlos Sanchez was sent off in only three minutes for a deliberate handball in the box, the first red card at the Russia 2018 World Cup and the second fastest red card in tournament history.
Additionally, it is a historic first win for Japan over Colombia, which makes Japan the first Asian country to defeat a South American team at a World Cup. 
Looking back from four years ago, Japan lost the game with 1-4 to Colombia. Not only Japan, but also other Asian teams (South Korea, Iran and Saudi Arabia) didn’t win a single game in the Brazil 2014 World Cup. This time, Japan and Iran obtained victories, overturning the embarrassing situation and gaining respect.
For those Asian teams, there are still several competitive opponents expected in the next round, meaning victory is never assured. However, they have made progress with a good start.