Documenting the performance of Asian countries at the FIFA World Cup in 20th Century.

1994 World Cup, USA

Postage Stamp

honoring

1994 Football World Cup

Unexpectedly, Asian teams had a respectable showing at the World Cup, the first time in the continent's history. South Korea and first-time participant Saudi Arabia represented Asia at the 1994 FIFA World Cup.

South Korea played well against Spain and earned a draw after going down in the match. They lost the decisive game against the world champions Germany by 3-2 and finished 20th in the rankings.

Saudi Arabia became the first Asian team since North Korea to make it past the group stage when they scored one of the most memorable World Cup goals of all time to beat Belgium. Their fairytale campaign ended with a 3-1 defeat against Sweden.

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1998 World Cup, France

Soccer World Cup of 1998 in France, commemorative stamp.

Japan, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea all finished last in their group. Iran was the only team from Asia to win a match. Iran-United States match, as expected, attracted a lot of attention owing to each country's political allegiance after the Iranian Revolution. But sportsmanship and game spirit won that day as both sides bestowed one another with presents and flowers.

Iran ended US hopes of advancing to the next round by defeating them by 2-1. Germany defeated Iran in their final and third game of the group stage to knock them out of the competition.