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