ASIA may be a poor cousin in terms of the regional federations of FIFA but this past week, at least in one sense, it came out way ahead of Europe.
The two biggest live matches on offer were World Cup play-offs - Italy v Russia (ESPN and TVB Jade) and Japan v Iran (STAR Sports).
And the latter match beat the former hands down for excitement and entertainment as Japan's 'tora, tora, tora' approach was in stark contrast to Italy's 'what we have we hold' attitiude and Russia's dismal air of indifference.
In fact, STAR and Wharf's coverage of the Asian World Cup qualifiers over the past two mon-ths deserves a special mention as the two qualifying groups produced plenty of skill and drama.
STAR's more comprehensive coverage was rewarded with some great goals and climaxed fittingly in the best game of all as Japan won in the final minute of golden goal extra-time against Iran.
What a thriller, enhanced by the near-hysterical excitement of commentator John Dykes whose welcome enthusiasm is to be admired if sometimes it goes over the top.