KEIR RADNEDGE in DOHA: The World Cup has been here before. Not only in an Asian setting but with Japan and South Korea in the Round of 16 knockout stage. This is a repeat of 2002 when the neighbours were cohosts.

This time they are joined by Australia though the Socceroos count as Asian politically through membership of the Asian Football Confederation rather than geographically.

A glance at the last 16 in 2002 compared with now in Qatar suggests that the balance of power, for all FIFA’s development missions, has not tilted as the headlining victories here of Japan and South Korea might suggest.

Japan took two mighty scalps in Germany and Spain while the Koreans concluded their group campaign with a last-gasp 2-1 win over Portugal which sent once-mighty Uruguay home. However Saudi Arabia proved one-day wonders after their shock defeat of Argentina, Iran had the distraction of more weighty issues and hosts Qatar were merely enormously disappointing.

Overall, a case of plus ca change. Compare: in 2002 the last 16 comprised nine from Europe (this time eight), two from South America (no change), one from Africa (two now) and CONCACAF two (now one).

The next World Cup finals will expand to 48 teams. The format is a matter of discussion. Another issue the FIFA Council might usefully address is the balance of qualifying numbers. Obviously all the non-European confederations are competitively handicapped by their minority representations. Now is the moment to rebalance.

This, of course, may open up further rifts between FIFA and UEFA.

The last matchday of the 2022 World Cup saw Group G conclude with Brazil top despite a reduced team losing 1-0 to Cameroon while runners-up spot went to Switzerland who defeated Serbia 3-2 in an all-European showdown.

In Group H Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal were certain of progress before stumbling against South Korea. Ghana’s revenge clash with Uruguay – reviving memories of the drama of 2010 – ended in the anti-climax of both suffering an early exit. For the record, Uruguay won 2-0.

So far this World Cup has lost former four-times winners Germany plus fellow Europeans Belgium, Denmark, Serbia and Wales; South America has lost twice-champions Uruguay and Ecuador; African fallers were Cameroon, Ghana and Tunisia; Asia lost Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Iran; finally CONCACAF’s departures were Canada, Costa Rica and Mexico.

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