The top Asian sides have always been capable of upsetting the big name sides.
In Russia, Japan were 2-0 up against Belgium in their round of 16 game, and went toe to toe, before the Belgians last minute breakaway winner. Great game of football.
South Korea stunned the German two zip.
Australia pushed France, but overall were probably disappointing.
Iran pushed Spain, drew with Portugal. Saudi Arabia recovered from a 5-0 Russian thumping, to beat Egypt.
Still think the other Asian nations are playing catchup though. The depth isn't there yet. If the AWs had to qualify for an expanded WC (with 8 Asian WC spots) thorough Asia, I'd back them to qualify - IF they consistently had their best players available for qualifiers.
If Sth Korea beat Bahrain, 4 of the above 5 nations who were at the Russia 2018, will be in the Asian Cup QFs. Only Saudi have definitely missed out to date, and only because they lost to Japan.
Vietnam & Thailand do look improvers. War has ravaged Iraq & Syria.
Socceroos will struggle to do well this time in UAE, as too many injuries
Reasonable summary... I would add the money in Asian Football today will have a impact ... how much I am not sure ... whats interesting a number of Asian countries are seeing the """soft power influence""" sport can have ...
However I don't think you appreciate or maybe have not acknowledged the improvement especially in middle eastern countries in particular ..
I hope one day the Oceania is done away with and it becomes part of Asia but me thinks maybe the PI nations don't see it that way.
I don't know much about next tier down (below Saudi & Iran) ME nations.
Iraq did win the Asian Cup 12 years ago, and I was real surprised how hard Syria pushed the Socceroos over 2 legs in 5th placed playoffs, October 2017. Took Aussie to ET, and from memory the Syrians hit the post and could have won on away goals.
Still generally their players pretty much all play in the ME leagues, and ain't such good travellers. Generalisation.
It's a real pity Omar Abdulrahman isn't in one of the big European leagues. He's an unbelievable talent. He could put ME/UAE football on the map like Salah has done for Egypt. Would help if he shortened his last name as well!
Also a real shame he's injured for the Asian Cup, it would be fun watching him run around against the Socceroos in QF.