Asian Teams Disappoint

For those of thought Japan-Korea signalled the start of a new new hierarchy in world football Germany 2006 will demand a rethink.

Four years ago Senegal shocked France in the opening game and went on to the quarter-finals. Meanwhile Turkey and South Korea found their way to the last four while Argentina and France went home early. For all that the final was contested by the powerhouses Germany and Brazil and this year football's old world teams have been dismissive of their new world challengers.