I've notice that a lot of teams facing stronger/better opposition are defending only in the middle of the pitch and in their 18 yard box when being attacked. For example, both Oman and Palestine allowed Australia and Japan respectively to control the flanks during build up play and only really made attempts to regain the ball in the centre of the pitch.

I understand that it's a desperate tactic, but why persist with it when it continues to fail and allows more chances to be created for the opposition?