US defender Jonathan Spector has emphasised the importance of not focusing too much on England or Wayne Rooney ahead of their World Cup Group C opener in Rustenburg.
Spector, who has spent nearly eight years in England, knows first-hand about the problems England can cause. The US defender also knows directly of Rooney's talent, as the 24-year-old shared an Old Trafford dressing room with the England star when they were teenagers and they have faced on opposing sides many times since.
Despite this, Spector knows the importance of not getting fixated on the opposition, and that includes Rooney.
“He’s certainly a very talented player, we all know that.
"But he’s not the only player on England that has ability; they’re a good side. We haven’t really gone over tactically how we’re going to approach the game, but I think it’s important not just to focus on them, we need to be concerned with ourselves.
"There are certainly two teams in this game, and we need to worry about what we’re going to do and how we’re going to approach the game. It’s not just about what they have and what we need to do to stop them.”
The US have had a mixed build-up to their game with England. A 4-2 loss to the Czech Republic was followed by a 2-1 win against Turkey. They now play in a friendly against Australia on June 5 before facing England on June 12.
It will be only the second time the US have faced England in a competitive match - the first coming in 1950 when England were handed a shock 1-0 defeat by the US. Spector hopes the current US side can emulate that result.
"It was well before our time but there’s a pretty well-known movie that came out in the US about it. I personally saw it and I think a lot of the other guys have as well.
"Obviously it’s a proud moment for the US and it’s something we’d like to repeat. But it was a long time ago, and there are different players on each team now.”
4 Haziran 2010 Cuma
ENGLAND
FRANCE 1998:
Another World Cup, another penalty shoot-out elimination, but this time against Argentina in the second round.
A 2-1 defeat against Romania in Toulouse ensured a second-placed group finish for Glenn Hoddle's team and a meeting with the Argentine's in St Etienne.
Michael Owen's wonder goal and David Beckham's dismissal for kicking out at Diego Simeone are enduring images, but shoot-out misses by Paul Ince and David Batty prompted England's exit.
JAPAN/SOUTH KOREA 2002:
England avenged their 1986 and 1998 defeats against Argentina when David Beckham's penalty sealed a 1-0 group victory in Sapporo.
Despite group draws against Sweden and Nigeria, England progressed to the second round where Sven-Goran Eriksson's team completed a comfortable 3-0 victory over Denmark.
Yet again, the Brazilians stood between England and World Cup glory and despite Michael Owen's opening goal, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho - courtesy of David Seaman's inability to save his long-range free-kick - progressed to the semi-finals.
GERMANY 2006:
England's so-called 'golden generation' flew to Germany telling the world that they were ready to win the World Cup, but Sven-Goran Eriksson's team under-performed before a quarter-final defeat - on penalties again - at the hands of Portugal.
With Wayne Rooney's metatarsal injury hovering over Eriksson, England reached the second round following victories against Paraguay and Trinidad & Tobago and a draw against Sweden which was marred by a serious knee injury suffered by Michael Owen.
David Beckham's free-kick saw off Ecuador in round two, but Rooney's red card in the 0-0 quarter-final draw against Portugal preceded a 3-1 shoot-out defeat.
Another World Cup, another penalty shoot-out elimination, but this time against Argentina in the second round.
A 2-1 defeat against Romania in Toulouse ensured a second-placed group finish for Glenn Hoddle's team and a meeting with the Argentine's in St Etienne.
Michael Owen's wonder goal and David Beckham's dismissal for kicking out at Diego Simeone are enduring images, but shoot-out misses by Paul Ince and David Batty prompted England's exit.
JAPAN/SOUTH KOREA 2002:
England avenged their 1986 and 1998 defeats against Argentina when David Beckham's penalty sealed a 1-0 group victory in Sapporo.
Despite group draws against Sweden and Nigeria, England progressed to the second round where Sven-Goran Eriksson's team completed a comfortable 3-0 victory over Denmark.
Yet again, the Brazilians stood between England and World Cup glory and despite Michael Owen's opening goal, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho - courtesy of David Seaman's inability to save his long-range free-kick - progressed to the semi-finals.
GERMANY 2006:
England's so-called 'golden generation' flew to Germany telling the world that they were ready to win the World Cup, but Sven-Goran Eriksson's team under-performed before a quarter-final defeat - on penalties again - at the hands of Portugal.
With Wayne Rooney's metatarsal injury hovering over Eriksson, England reached the second round following victories against Paraguay and Trinidad & Tobago and a draw against Sweden which was marred by a serious knee injury suffered by Michael Owen.
David Beckham's free-kick saw off Ecuador in round two, but Rooney's red card in the 0-0 quarter-final draw against Portugal preceded a 3-1 shoot-out defeat.
NIGERIA
Nigeria's World Cup record: 1994 2nd rd, 1998 2nd rd, 2002 1st rd.
How Nigeria qualified for World Cup 2010: African Group B winners.
The Trainer: Shaibu Amodu (Nigerian, 51). Appointed: April 2008. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: None.
Amodu is in his fourth spell as manager of Nigeria, following previous stints in 1994-95, 1998-99 and 2001-2002.
The Country: The Super Eagles qualified in sensational fashion with a 3-2 win against Kenya in Nairobi. Nigeria needed victory to have any chance of denying Tunisia and they fought back from 1-0 down to lead 2-1, but conceded a 79th-minute equaliser, only for Obafemi Martins to seal an exciting win.
Afterwards Shaibu said: "This is a characteristic Nigerian side which you can never rule out when it is faced with adversity. It's unbelieavable."
The country’s football history has relates with Britain. Nigeria played their first unofficial match in October 1949, while still a British colony. The team played matches in England against different teams such as Dulwich Hamlet, Bishop Auckland and South Liverpool. Nigeria’s most important achievement was a gold medal in the 2nd All-Africa tournement, with 3rd place comes to end in 1976 and 1978's African Cup of Nations to follow.
Ampdu continues coming back to take charge but he has yet to coach at the World Cup finals. He has some well-known players in his charge comprising team leader Nwanko Kanu. Furthermore, Nigeria can boast Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel, Bolton’s Danny Shittu, Everton’s Joseph Yobo and Yakubu Aiyegbeni, and Seyi Olofinjana of Hull. Fulham’s Dickson Etuhu, Charlton’s Sam Sodje and another Everton striker, Victor Anichebe, may also feature for the Super Eagles in South Africa.
How Nigeria qualified for World Cup 2010: African Group B winners.
The Trainer: Shaibu Amodu (Nigerian, 51). Appointed: April 2008. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: None.
Amodu is in his fourth spell as manager of Nigeria, following previous stints in 1994-95, 1998-99 and 2001-2002.
The Country: The Super Eagles qualified in sensational fashion with a 3-2 win against Kenya in Nairobi. Nigeria needed victory to have any chance of denying Tunisia and they fought back from 1-0 down to lead 2-1, but conceded a 79th-minute equaliser, only for Obafemi Martins to seal an exciting win.
Afterwards Shaibu said: "This is a characteristic Nigerian side which you can never rule out when it is faced with adversity. It's unbelieavable."
The country’s football history has relates with Britain. Nigeria played their first unofficial match in October 1949, while still a British colony. The team played matches in England against different teams such as Dulwich Hamlet, Bishop Auckland and South Liverpool. Nigeria’s most important achievement was a gold medal in the 2nd All-Africa tournement, with 3rd place comes to end in 1976 and 1978's African Cup of Nations to follow.
Ampdu continues coming back to take charge but he has yet to coach at the World Cup finals. He has some well-known players in his charge comprising team leader Nwanko Kanu. Furthermore, Nigeria can boast Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel, Bolton’s Danny Shittu, Everton’s Joseph Yobo and Yakubu Aiyegbeni, and Seyi Olofinjana of Hull. Fulham’s Dickson Etuhu, Charlton’s Sam Sodje and another Everton striker, Victor Anichebe, may also feature for the Super Eagles in South Africa.
SOUTH KOREA
South Korea World Cup record: 1954 1st rd, 1986 1st rd, 1990 1st rd, 1994 1st rd, 1998 1st rd, 2002 4th, 2006 1st rd.
How South Korea qualified for World Cup 2010: Asia Group 2 winners
The Coach: Huh Jung-Moo (South Korean, 54). Appointed: December 2007. WC experience: Player: 1986. Coach: None.
Huh has previously coached the Korea Republic national football team twice before.
The Country: Huh was re-appointed coach of the Korea Republic in December 2007, after the leading candidates, Wolves’ Mick McCarthy and former Liverpool manager Gérard Houllier both rejected the job.
And he led the country to a seventh successive World Cup finals place thanks to a 2-0 victory over United Arab Emirates in Dubai. Park Chu-young and Ki Sung-yueng grabbed the goals as Huh’s outfit strolled to a place in South Africa.
He said: "I'm really happy that we made it. We are all satisfied with a performance that saw us ensure a place in South Africa. The players were excellent throughout the qualifiers, they did a great job."
Key to their success is captain Park Ji-Sung, the Manchester United midfielder. He is the only Korean player to win the Champions League and the first Asian to play in a final of the tournament.
Park came to prominence in the 2006 World Cup finals. He scored the equalising goal in the second Group G Match against eventual finalists France and was voted Man of the match. Between these two World Cup Finals, his shirt number shifted from 21 to 7, and he played in every match for South Korea.
And in October 2008 he captained South Korea for the first time in a friendly match against Uzbekistan. Korea went on to win 3-0. Since then he has been the captain for the remainder of the AFC qualification campaign for 2010 and was the top scorer of his team with five goals.
How South Korea qualified for World Cup 2010: Asia Group 2 winners
The Coach: Huh Jung-Moo (South Korean, 54). Appointed: December 2007. WC experience: Player: 1986. Coach: None.
Huh has previously coached the Korea Republic national football team twice before.
The Country: Huh was re-appointed coach of the Korea Republic in December 2007, after the leading candidates, Wolves’ Mick McCarthy and former Liverpool manager Gérard Houllier both rejected the job.
And he led the country to a seventh successive World Cup finals place thanks to a 2-0 victory over United Arab Emirates in Dubai. Park Chu-young and Ki Sung-yueng grabbed the goals as Huh’s outfit strolled to a place in South Africa.
He said: "I'm really happy that we made it. We are all satisfied with a performance that saw us ensure a place in South Africa. The players were excellent throughout the qualifiers, they did a great job."
Key to their success is captain Park Ji-Sung, the Manchester United midfielder. He is the only Korean player to win the Champions League and the first Asian to play in a final of the tournament.
Park came to prominence in the 2006 World Cup finals. He scored the equalising goal in the second Group G Match against eventual finalists France and was voted Man of the match. Between these two World Cup Finals, his shirt number shifted from 21 to 7, and he played in every match for South Korea.
And in October 2008 he captained South Korea for the first time in a friendly match against Uzbekistan. Korea went on to win 3-0. Since then he has been the captain for the remainder of the AFC qualification campaign for 2010 and was the top scorer of his team with five goals.
SLOVENIA
Slovenia's World Cup record: 2002 1st rd.
How Slovenia qualified for World Cup 2010: European play-off winners.
The Coach: Matjaž Kek (Slovenian, 48). Appointed: January 2007. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: None.
Kek has worked his way up the Slovenian ladder, coaching the country’s Under-15 and Under-16 teams before progressing to the senior side.
The Country: The only surprise of the play-offs came in Slovenia with Kek admitting that his country had "realised a dream" by winning against Russia to a place at the World Cup finals after Milivoje Novakovic's five goals saved them second place in their group.
Zlatko Dedic scored the game's only goal to put Slovenia through on away goals at the expense of Guus Hiddink's side, who had two men sent off in a tragic and bad-tempered match. But Kek was without doubt that his side played better on the night and deserved to go through.
He said: "It was a historic match for us. I want to thank every one of my players. The whole country was behind us and we could feel their support. Our victory was deserved. It is a huge honour to be among the best teams in the world. Slovenia has realised a dream.”
A dream, indeed, when one thinks that they played their first match only in 1992 after the split of Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1991. Before that, Slovenian players played for the Yugoslavia national football team.
Slovenia were shock qualifiers for Euro 2000, when they won against Ukraine in a playoff. They turned some heads during the tournament, drawing with Yugoslavia and Norway, and only defeating to Spain 2–1. Slovenia achieved another major achievement two years later, qualifying for the 2002 World Cup, this time winning against Romania in a playoff.
They were not defeated a match in their complete qualifying matches with six wins and six draws. However, they did not do as good in the finals, as they went home without point. Despite defeating to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, they were the only team to win against Italy on their way to coming first with a shock 1–0 win on home turf.
How Slovenia qualified for World Cup 2010: European play-off winners.
The Coach: Matjaž Kek (Slovenian, 48). Appointed: January 2007. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: None.
Kek has worked his way up the Slovenian ladder, coaching the country’s Under-15 and Under-16 teams before progressing to the senior side.
The Country: The only surprise of the play-offs came in Slovenia with Kek admitting that his country had "realised a dream" by winning against Russia to a place at the World Cup finals after Milivoje Novakovic's five goals saved them second place in their group.
Zlatko Dedic scored the game's only goal to put Slovenia through on away goals at the expense of Guus Hiddink's side, who had two men sent off in a tragic and bad-tempered match. But Kek was without doubt that his side played better on the night and deserved to go through.
He said: "It was a historic match for us. I want to thank every one of my players. The whole country was behind us and we could feel their support. Our victory was deserved. It is a huge honour to be among the best teams in the world. Slovenia has realised a dream.”
A dream, indeed, when one thinks that they played their first match only in 1992 after the split of Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1991. Before that, Slovenian players played for the Yugoslavia national football team.
Slovenia were shock qualifiers for Euro 2000, when they won against Ukraine in a playoff. They turned some heads during the tournament, drawing with Yugoslavia and Norway, and only defeating to Spain 2–1. Slovenia achieved another major achievement two years later, qualifying for the 2002 World Cup, this time winning against Romania in a playoff.
They were not defeated a match in their complete qualifying matches with six wins and six draws. However, they did not do as good in the finals, as they went home without point. Despite defeating to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, they were the only team to win against Italy on their way to coming first with a shock 1–0 win on home turf.
NEW ZELAND
New Zealand's World Cup record: 1982 1st rd.
How New Zealand qualified for World Cup 2010: Oceania/Asia qualifier.
The Coach: Rickie Herbert (New Zealander, 48. Appointed: Feb 2005. WC experience: Player: 1982. Coach: None.
Herbert spent most of his playing career in New Zealand and Australia apart from a spell at Wolves, where he played under Tommy Docherty.
The Country: The All Whites used to battle with Australia for top honours in the Oceania Football Confederation. But with the Socceroos switching the Asia for World Cup qualification, the Kiwis faced less formidable opposition in an attempt to reach the finals for the first time since 1982.
Their white strip, by the way, was originally based on the colour of England's shirts and name is quite the opposite with the rugby union team, the All Blacks. New Zealand confirmed qualification with a 1-0 aggregate play-off victory over Bahrain, winning the second game in Wellington in front of a New Zealand record football crowd of 35,100 thanks to a header from Plymouth striker Rory Fallon.
But it also required a penalty save from goalkeeper Mark Paston, who denied Sayed Mohamed five minutes after the interval in the return leg, to confirm the Kiwi’s passage.
How New Zealand qualified for World Cup 2010: Oceania/Asia qualifier.
The Coach: Rickie Herbert (New Zealander, 48. Appointed: Feb 2005. WC experience: Player: 1982. Coach: None.
Herbert spent most of his playing career in New Zealand and Australia apart from a spell at Wolves, where he played under Tommy Docherty.
The Country: The All Whites used to battle with Australia for top honours in the Oceania Football Confederation. But with the Socceroos switching the Asia for World Cup qualification, the Kiwis faced less formidable opposition in an attempt to reach the finals for the first time since 1982.
Their white strip, by the way, was originally based on the colour of England's shirts and name is quite the opposite with the rugby union team, the All Blacks. New Zealand confirmed qualification with a 1-0 aggregate play-off victory over Bahrain, winning the second game in Wellington in front of a New Zealand record football crowd of 35,100 thanks to a header from Plymouth striker Rory Fallon.
But it also required a penalty save from goalkeeper Mark Paston, who denied Sayed Mohamed five minutes after the interval in the return leg, to confirm the Kiwi’s passage.
PARAGUAY
Paraguay's World Cup record: 1930 1st rd, 1950 1st rd, 1958 1st rd, 1986 2nd rd, 1998 2nd rd, 2002 2nd rd, 2006 1st rd.
How Paraguay qualified for World Cup 2010: South America group, 3rd.
The Coach: Gerardo Martino (Argentine, 46). Appointed: Feb 2007. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: None.
A former Argentina international, Martino replaced the Uruguayan, Anibal Ruiz. His knowledge and success while coaching Paraguayan clubs made him the best man for the job.
The Country: Paraguay are no strangers to the World Cup, having featured in seven previous tournaments. They secured their place at a fourth-straight World Cup finals with two games to spare after a 1-0 win over Argentina. Nelson Valdez's goal earned his side victory over Diego Maradona's struggling outfit in the South American qualifying group.
Martino says: "In the national team, you work for two possibilities - you can work for having a job or for making history. I want to work for the second option."
Paraguay's current squad is undergoing a transition following the retirement of key players such as Carlos Gamarra, Francisco Arce, Celso Ayala, and goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert. Their under-19 side won the Milk Cup in 2002, 2003 and 2006, and players such as Nelson Haedo Valdez, Julio dos Santos, José Montiel and Oscar Cardozo are thought key to the re-building of the team.
Justo Villar, the Albirroja goalkeeper and captain: "It might look as though we sailed through the qualifying campaign, but nothing could be further from the truth. We led the standings for half the campaign, and then just when we were about to wrap things up, we had a shaky spell, which raised doubts among the fans. That's why we celebrated in style when we finally made it."
How Paraguay qualified for World Cup 2010: South America group, 3rd.
The Coach: Gerardo Martino (Argentine, 46). Appointed: Feb 2007. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: None.
A former Argentina international, Martino replaced the Uruguayan, Anibal Ruiz. His knowledge and success while coaching Paraguayan clubs made him the best man for the job.
The Country: Paraguay are no strangers to the World Cup, having featured in seven previous tournaments. They secured their place at a fourth-straight World Cup finals with two games to spare after a 1-0 win over Argentina. Nelson Valdez's goal earned his side victory over Diego Maradona's struggling outfit in the South American qualifying group.
Martino says: "In the national team, you work for two possibilities - you can work for having a job or for making history. I want to work for the second option."
Paraguay's current squad is undergoing a transition following the retirement of key players such as Carlos Gamarra, Francisco Arce, Celso Ayala, and goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert. Their under-19 side won the Milk Cup in 2002, 2003 and 2006, and players such as Nelson Haedo Valdez, Julio dos Santos, José Montiel and Oscar Cardozo are thought key to the re-building of the team.
Justo Villar, the Albirroja goalkeeper and captain: "It might look as though we sailed through the qualifying campaign, but nothing could be further from the truth. We led the standings for half the campaign, and then just when we were about to wrap things up, we had a shaky spell, which raised doubts among the fans. That's why we celebrated in style when we finally made it."
PORTUGAL
Portugal's World Cup record: 1966 3rd, 1986 1st rd, 2002 1st rd, 2006 4th.
How Portugal qualified for World Cup 2010: European play-off winners.
The CTrainer: Carlos Queiroz (Mozambique, 56). Appointed: July 2008. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: None.
Queiroz could take recomendation from Sir Alex Ferguson if he has a difficulty next summer, having worked as his assistant, but he is a trainer in his own right having led Portugal in the '90s, as well as South Africa and Real Madrid.
The Country: Portugal ended England’s dreams in 2006 when the world’s most famous winker, Cristiano Ronaldo, helped engineer Wayne Rooney’s departure. The Portugal team leader failed to take the play-offs against Bosnia-Herzegovina, but still the country got through to qualify for their third consecutive finals.
A second-half strike by Raul Meireles was sufficient to break Bosnian hearts and send 2006 semi-finalists Portugal during the finals. The Portuguese had won a hard-fought first leg 1-0 courtesy of a close-range header by Bruno Alves.
But Portugal limped through the first half of their qualifying programme prior to a late rally, winning only five of their 10 group games and finishing two points behind Denmark. Indeed, it was only in the last game that they succeeded in reaching the play-offs, so they will not arrive in South Africa highly confident, though if Ronaldo is fit, they have one player who can turn any game.
Their top scorer in the qualifiers was Simao with just four goals, and they will hope that Chelsea midfielder Deco, now 32, can get pleasure one more impressive finals performance. Others who are key to Portugal’s achievement include more players from Stamford Bridge: Jose Bosingwa, Paolo Ferreira and Ricardo Carvalho.
How Portugal qualified for World Cup 2010: European play-off winners.
The CTrainer: Carlos Queiroz (Mozambique, 56). Appointed: July 2008. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: None.
Queiroz could take recomendation from Sir Alex Ferguson if he has a difficulty next summer, having worked as his assistant, but he is a trainer in his own right having led Portugal in the '90s, as well as South Africa and Real Madrid.
The Country: Portugal ended England’s dreams in 2006 when the world’s most famous winker, Cristiano Ronaldo, helped engineer Wayne Rooney’s departure. The Portugal team leader failed to take the play-offs against Bosnia-Herzegovina, but still the country got through to qualify for their third consecutive finals.
A second-half strike by Raul Meireles was sufficient to break Bosnian hearts and send 2006 semi-finalists Portugal during the finals. The Portuguese had won a hard-fought first leg 1-0 courtesy of a close-range header by Bruno Alves.
But Portugal limped through the first half of their qualifying programme prior to a late rally, winning only five of their 10 group games and finishing two points behind Denmark. Indeed, it was only in the last game that they succeeded in reaching the play-offs, so they will not arrive in South Africa highly confident, though if Ronaldo is fit, they have one player who can turn any game.
Their top scorer in the qualifiers was Simao with just four goals, and they will hope that Chelsea midfielder Deco, now 32, can get pleasure one more impressive finals performance. Others who are key to Portugal’s achievement include more players from Stamford Bridge: Jose Bosingwa, Paolo Ferreira and Ricardo Carvalho.
SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa's World Cup record: 1998 1st rd, 2002 1st rd.
How South Africa qualified for World Cup 2010: Hosts
The Coach: Carlos Alberto Parreira (Brazilian, 66). Appointed: October 2009. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: 1982 (Kuwait), 1990 (UAE), 1994 (Brazil), 2006 (Brazil).
Parreira is noted for having been one of only two coaches that has led four national teams to the World Cup.
The Country: South Africa failed to impress local supporters by not scoring a single goal in the African Nations Cup of 2006. In light of these poor performances it was decided that the hiring of a more experienced manager was essential. Rumours began to circulate, suggesting that England coach Sven-Göran Eriksson was to be the man for the job.
Former Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira accepted the job in 2007 targeting the World Cup finals but he resigned in April 2008 due to family reasons. However, last month, he returned after a short spell with Fluminese.
They will need all his expertise. South Africa hosted the 2009 Fifa Confederations Cup, a year before their World Cup, and finished in fourth place, coming through the group stages with a win over New Zealand and a draw with Iraq, despite a loss to Spain. They then lost in the semi-finals to Brazil, conceding a late free-kick after holding the South Americans at bay for most of the match.
In the 3rd-place play-off, they lost to Spain after extra time, despite leading 1-0 at one stage. For many commentators, the ability of Bafana Bafana to stand up to the South American and European champions showed just how far the team - and players such as Kagisho Dikgacoi - had come.
How South Africa qualified for World Cup 2010: Hosts
The Coach: Carlos Alberto Parreira (Brazilian, 66). Appointed: October 2009. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: 1982 (Kuwait), 1990 (UAE), 1994 (Brazil), 2006 (Brazil).
Parreira is noted for having been one of only two coaches that has led four national teams to the World Cup.
The Country: South Africa failed to impress local supporters by not scoring a single goal in the African Nations Cup of 2006. In light of these poor performances it was decided that the hiring of a more experienced manager was essential. Rumours began to circulate, suggesting that England coach Sven-Göran Eriksson was to be the man for the job.
Former Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira accepted the job in 2007 targeting the World Cup finals but he resigned in April 2008 due to family reasons. However, last month, he returned after a short spell with Fluminese.
They will need all his expertise. South Africa hosted the 2009 Fifa Confederations Cup, a year before their World Cup, and finished in fourth place, coming through the group stages with a win over New Zealand and a draw with Iraq, despite a loss to Spain. They then lost in the semi-finals to Brazil, conceding a late free-kick after holding the South Americans at bay for most of the match.
In the 3rd-place play-off, they lost to Spain after extra time, despite leading 1-0 at one stage. For many commentators, the ability of Bafana Bafana to stand up to the South American and European champions showed just how far the team - and players such as Kagisho Dikgacoi - had come.
URUGUAY
Uruguay's World Cup record: 1930 Winners, 1950 Winners, 1954 SF, 1962 1st rd, 1966 QF, 1970 4th, 1974 1st rd, 1986 2nd rd, 1990 2nd, 2002 1st rd.
How Uruguay qualified for World Cup 2010: Play-off winners.
The Coach: Oscar Tabárez (Uruguayan, 62). Appointed: 2006. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: 1990.
The former AC Milan manager first saw service with his country in 1983 when he took charge of Uruguay’s Under-20s, and assumed control of the senior side in 2006.
The Country: Uruguay were the last country to qualify for the finals, overcoming Costa Rica on Wednesday night. And afterwards, Tabárez vowed to take an improved side to the finals.
A 1-1 home draw with Costa Rica booked Uruguay a ticket to South Africa with a 2-1 aggregate win in the qualifying play-off. "It was very tough," said Tabárez. "This match mirrored the tie as a whole. I'm very happy. Fortunately, we made it, in spite of the way we did it. There is a lot to improve on.
“We'll do so and we'll have the World Cup to prove it. I'm very happy, mostly for the kids. The ones who are younger than eight years old have never seen this and now they can live it."
Captain Diego Lugano was disappointed Uruguay had to go through the play-offs. "I am happy to qualify, but not for the way we've clinched it," the Fenerbahce defender said. "It is unbelievable that we have to suffer this way."
Midfielder Alvaro Fernández added: "We'll never make it into the World Cup comfortably, but it has a special taste."
How Uruguay qualified for World Cup 2010: Play-off winners.
The Coach: Oscar Tabárez (Uruguayan, 62). Appointed: 2006. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: 1990.
The former AC Milan manager first saw service with his country in 1983 when he took charge of Uruguay’s Under-20s, and assumed control of the senior side in 2006.
The Country: Uruguay were the last country to qualify for the finals, overcoming Costa Rica on Wednesday night. And afterwards, Tabárez vowed to take an improved side to the finals.
A 1-1 home draw with Costa Rica booked Uruguay a ticket to South Africa with a 2-1 aggregate win in the qualifying play-off. "It was very tough," said Tabárez. "This match mirrored the tie as a whole. I'm very happy. Fortunately, we made it, in spite of the way we did it. There is a lot to improve on.
“We'll do so and we'll have the World Cup to prove it. I'm very happy, mostly for the kids. The ones who are younger than eight years old have never seen this and now they can live it."
Captain Diego Lugano was disappointed Uruguay had to go through the play-offs. "I am happy to qualify, but not for the way we've clinched it," the Fenerbahce defender said. "It is unbelievable that we have to suffer this way."
Midfielder Alvaro Fernández added: "We'll never make it into the World Cup comfortably, but it has a special taste."
JAPAN
Japan's World Cup record: 1998 1st rd, 2002 2nd rd, 2006 1st rd.
How Japan qualified for World Cup 2010: Asia, Group 1 Runners-up.
The Coach: Takeshi Okada (Japan, 53). Appointed: December 2007. WC experience: Player; None. Coach: 1998.
After Ivica Osim suffered a stroke while serving as coach of Japan's national team, Okada was named as his successor.
The Country: Japan became the first team to book their place after earning a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Uzbekistan in Tashkent. Shunji Okazaki claimed the only goal of the game after nine minutes to book a fourth successive finals berth.
Japan's first major achievement in international football came in the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, where the team won the bronze medal. This raised awareness of the sport in Japan but absence of a professional domestic league hindered its growth and Japan had to wait 30 years before qualifying for the World Cup.
In 1991, the owners of the semi-professional Japan Soccer League agreed to disband the league and re-form as the professional J League to raise the sport's profile and to strengthen the national team programme. With the launch of the new league in 1993, interest in football and the national team grew.
Japan co-hosted the 2002 World Cup with South Korea. Despite being held to a 2-2 draw by Belgium in their opening game, the Japanese team reached the second round with a 1-0 win over Russia and a 2-0 victory against Tunisia. However, they subsequently exited the tournament during the Round of 16, after losing 1-0 to the eventual third-place finishers, Turkey.
How Japan qualified for World Cup 2010: Asia, Group 1 Runners-up.
The Coach: Takeshi Okada (Japan, 53). Appointed: December 2007. WC experience: Player; None. Coach: 1998.
After Ivica Osim suffered a stroke while serving as coach of Japan's national team, Okada was named as his successor.
The Country: Japan became the first team to book their place after earning a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Uzbekistan in Tashkent. Shunji Okazaki claimed the only goal of the game after nine minutes to book a fourth successive finals berth.
Japan's first major achievement in international football came in the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, where the team won the bronze medal. This raised awareness of the sport in Japan but absence of a professional domestic league hindered its growth and Japan had to wait 30 years before qualifying for the World Cup.
In 1991, the owners of the semi-professional Japan Soccer League agreed to disband the league and re-form as the professional J League to raise the sport's profile and to strengthen the national team programme. With the launch of the new league in 1993, interest in football and the national team grew.
Japan co-hosted the 2002 World Cup with South Korea. Despite being held to a 2-2 draw by Belgium in their opening game, the Japanese team reached the second round with a 1-0 win over Russia and a 2-0 victory against Tunisia. However, they subsequently exited the tournament during the Round of 16, after losing 1-0 to the eventual third-place finishers, Turkey.
CAMEROON
Cameroon's World Cup record: 1982 1st rd, 1990 QF, 1994 1st rd, 1998 1st rd, 2002 1st rd.
How Cameroon qualified for World Cup 2010: African Group A Winners.
The Coach: Paul Le Guen (French, 45). Appointed: July 2009. WC experience: Player: 1994 (France). Coach: None.
Le Guen failed to impress in charge of Rangers but, after replacing Otto Pfister, he turned Cameroon’s fortunes around to become an instant hero.
The Country: Cameroon rose to prominence in 1982 finals when an increase from 16 to 24 teams meant there would be two representatives from Africa. And they did not disappoint with Roger Milla featuring for the first time. In the 1990 finals, Milla became a household name as he led the Indomitable Lions to the quarter-finals before they lost to Bobby Robson’s England, but only after a fight.
Cameroon qualified for the next three finals but went out at the first round stage on each occasion. They failed to qualify for the finals in Germany and looked as if they could miss out again.
Under former coach Otto Pfister, Cameroon lost to Togo and were held to a draw by Morocco and the German was sacked. Bottom of their group, Cameroon’s hopes of reaching the finals in their own continent were not good. But the arrival of Le Guen coincided with an upturn in fortunes with the Frenchman guiding the country to a valuable win against Gabon in Libreville.
Samuel Eto’o, an international since he was 14, was made captain and last week Cameroon beat Morroco 2-0 in Fez in their last match of their campaign and qualified for the finals.
The style police are waiting for Cameroon’s kit. For the 2002 African Cup of Nations in Mali they wore sleeveless shirts and, two years later, they tried to wear a one-piece kit - but it was banned by Fifa.
How Cameroon qualified for World Cup 2010: African Group A Winners.
The Coach: Paul Le Guen (French, 45). Appointed: July 2009. WC experience: Player: 1994 (France). Coach: None.
Le Guen failed to impress in charge of Rangers but, after replacing Otto Pfister, he turned Cameroon’s fortunes around to become an instant hero.
The Country: Cameroon rose to prominence in 1982 finals when an increase from 16 to 24 teams meant there would be two representatives from Africa. And they did not disappoint with Roger Milla featuring for the first time. In the 1990 finals, Milla became a household name as he led the Indomitable Lions to the quarter-finals before they lost to Bobby Robson’s England, but only after a fight.
Cameroon qualified for the next three finals but went out at the first round stage on each occasion. They failed to qualify for the finals in Germany and looked as if they could miss out again.
Under former coach Otto Pfister, Cameroon lost to Togo and were held to a draw by Morocco and the German was sacked. Bottom of their group, Cameroon’s hopes of reaching the finals in their own continent were not good. But the arrival of Le Guen coincided with an upturn in fortunes with the Frenchman guiding the country to a valuable win against Gabon in Libreville.
Samuel Eto’o, an international since he was 14, was made captain and last week Cameroon beat Morroco 2-0 in Fez in their last match of their campaign and qualified for the finals.
The style police are waiting for Cameroon’s kit. For the 2002 African Cup of Nations in Mali they wore sleeveless shirts and, two years later, they tried to wear a one-piece kit - but it was banned by Fifa.
ALGERIA
Algeria's World Cup record: 1982 1st rd, 1986 1st rd.
How Algeria qualified for World Cup 2010: Africa Group C Play-Off.
The Coach: Rabah Saadane (Algerian, 63). Appointed: 2007. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: 1986.
Saadane is in his fifth spell as coach of the national team after earlier stints between 1981 and 2004, including leading the team in the World Cup in 1986.
The Country: After a tempestuous 2-0 defeat in Cairo, where four players were injured when Egyptian fans attacked the Algerian team bus, a play-off was needed to determine the winners of the African Group C.
The game was played in neutral Sudan and, following the 1-0 win, hundreds of thousands flooded into the streets across Algeria, celebrating with flags, fireworks and car horns.
Out of Africa, little is known about Les Verts, who reached only their third finals thanks to Antar Yahia's spectacular first half goal in Khartoum on Wednesday. The centre-half volleyed home five minutes before half-time and a solid rearguard effort in the second half kept out Egypt.
Algeria will have some familiar faces at the finals, with four of their players currently based in England. Nadir Belhadj, Portsmouth’s defender-midfielder, who arrived from Lens, is a key player.
Another recent arrival at Fratton Park, Hassan Yebda, will also be representing his country in South Africa, while former Fulham winger Hameur Bouazza, born in France and now at Blackpool, is also in the squad. And Hull City’s Kamel Ghilas, also born in France, is a well established Algerian international.
How Algeria qualified for World Cup 2010: Africa Group C Play-Off.
The Coach: Rabah Saadane (Algerian, 63). Appointed: 2007. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: 1986.
Saadane is in his fifth spell as coach of the national team after earlier stints between 1981 and 2004, including leading the team in the World Cup in 1986.
The Country: After a tempestuous 2-0 defeat in Cairo, where four players were injured when Egyptian fans attacked the Algerian team bus, a play-off was needed to determine the winners of the African Group C.
The game was played in neutral Sudan and, following the 1-0 win, hundreds of thousands flooded into the streets across Algeria, celebrating with flags, fireworks and car horns.
Out of Africa, little is known about Les Verts, who reached only their third finals thanks to Antar Yahia's spectacular first half goal in Khartoum on Wednesday. The centre-half volleyed home five minutes before half-time and a solid rearguard effort in the second half kept out Egypt.
Algeria will have some familiar faces at the finals, with four of their players currently based in England. Nadir Belhadj, Portsmouth’s defender-midfielder, who arrived from Lens, is a key player.
Another recent arrival at Fratton Park, Hassan Yebda, will also be representing his country in South Africa, while former Fulham winger Hameur Bouazza, born in France and now at Blackpool, is also in the squad. And Hull City’s Kamel Ghilas, also born in France, is a well established Algerian international.
SLOVENIA
Slovenia's World Cup record: 2002 1st rd.
How Slovenia qualified for World Cup 2010: European play-off winners.
The Coach: Matjaž Kek (Slovenian, 48). Appointed: January 2007. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: None.
Kek has worked his way up the Slovenian ladder, coaching the country’s Under-15 and Under-16 teams before progressing to the senior side.
The Country: The only shock of the play-offs came in Slovenia with Kek admitting that his country had "realised a dream" by beating Russia to a place at the World Cup finals after Milivoje Novakovic's five goals secured them second place in their group.
Zlatko Dedic scored the game's only goal to put Slovenia through on away goals at the expense of Guus Hiddink's side, who had two men sent off in a dramatic and bad-tempered match. But Kek was in no doubt that his side performed better on the night and deserved to go through.
He said: "It was a historic match for us. I want to thank every one of my players. The whole country was behind us and we could feel their support. Our victory was deserved. It is a huge honour to be among the best teams in the world. Slovenia has realised a dream.”
A dream, indeed, when one considers that they played their first match only in 1992 after the split of Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1991. Before that, Slovenian players played for the Yugoslavia national football team.
Slovenia were surprise qualifiers for Euro 2000, when they beat Ukraine in a playoff. They turned some heads during the tournament, drawing with Yugoslavia and Norway, and only losing to Spain 2–1. Slovenia achieved another major success two years later, qualifying for the 2002 World Cup, this time defeating Romania in a playoff.
They did not lose a match in their whole qualifying campaign, recording six wins and six draws. However, they did not do as well in the finals, as they went home pointless. Despite failing to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, they were the only team to beat Italy on their way to winning the tournament with a shock 1–0 victory on home turf.
How Slovenia qualified for World Cup 2010: European play-off winners.
The Coach: Matjaž Kek (Slovenian, 48). Appointed: January 2007. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: None.
Kek has worked his way up the Slovenian ladder, coaching the country’s Under-15 and Under-16 teams before progressing to the senior side.
The Country: The only shock of the play-offs came in Slovenia with Kek admitting that his country had "realised a dream" by beating Russia to a place at the World Cup finals after Milivoje Novakovic's five goals secured them second place in their group.
Zlatko Dedic scored the game's only goal to put Slovenia through on away goals at the expense of Guus Hiddink's side, who had two men sent off in a dramatic and bad-tempered match. But Kek was in no doubt that his side performed better on the night and deserved to go through.
He said: "It was a historic match for us. I want to thank every one of my players. The whole country was behind us and we could feel their support. Our victory was deserved. It is a huge honour to be among the best teams in the world. Slovenia has realised a dream.”
A dream, indeed, when one considers that they played their first match only in 1992 after the split of Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1991. Before that, Slovenian players played for the Yugoslavia national football team.
Slovenia were surprise qualifiers for Euro 2000, when they beat Ukraine in a playoff. They turned some heads during the tournament, drawing with Yugoslavia and Norway, and only losing to Spain 2–1. Slovenia achieved another major success two years later, qualifying for the 2002 World Cup, this time defeating Romania in a playoff.
They did not lose a match in their whole qualifying campaign, recording six wins and six draws. However, they did not do as well in the finals, as they went home pointless. Despite failing to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, they were the only team to beat Italy on their way to winning the tournament with a shock 1–0 victory on home turf.
DENMARK
Denmark's World Cup record: 1986 1st rd, 1998 QF, 2002 2nd rd.
How Denmark qualified for World Cup 2010: European group 1 winners
The Coach: Morten Olsen (Danish, 60). Appointed: July 2000. WC experience: Player: 1986. Coach: 2002.
The Country: Denmark are in their fourth finals with Martin Olsen enjoying one of the most extended runs of any of the coaches in South Africa. The country’s vociferous and colourful fans, known as the 'roligans' will be a welcome addition to the finals.
Danish domestic football is enjoying a purple patch and that could explain how the Olsen-Banden, or the Olsen Gang, as they are affectionately known, did so well in qualifying. The Danes finished two points clear of Portugal, who they beat twice, and they will rely heavily on the likes of Thomas Sorensen, Lars Jacobsen and Nicklas Bendtner, who will fly the Premier League flag.
And in Olsen they have a positive leader. After qualifying he said: “Denmark will not be one of the favourites but if we have our best players available, which wasn't the case in the qualification phase, we can achieve a lot.”
That says much about the optimism of a nation that has reached their first major tournament since the 2004 European Championship courtesy, of a 1-0 win over Sweden in Copenhagen. Midfielder Jakob Poulsen's goal was enough to see off Sweden and ensure the Danes’ progression with one round of games remaining in Group One.
After failing to qualify for the 2006 World Cup finals Olsen considered resigning, having received several offers from club teams, but decided to stay and extended his contract until after the 2010 FIFA World Cup, spurred on by his and the team's popularity among the Danish population. What a good decision that proved to be
How Denmark qualified for World Cup 2010: European group 1 winners
The Coach: Morten Olsen (Danish, 60). Appointed: July 2000. WC experience: Player: 1986. Coach: 2002.
The Country: Denmark are in their fourth finals with Martin Olsen enjoying one of the most extended runs of any of the coaches in South Africa. The country’s vociferous and colourful fans, known as the 'roligans' will be a welcome addition to the finals.
Danish domestic football is enjoying a purple patch and that could explain how the Olsen-Banden, or the Olsen Gang, as they are affectionately known, did so well in qualifying. The Danes finished two points clear of Portugal, who they beat twice, and they will rely heavily on the likes of Thomas Sorensen, Lars Jacobsen and Nicklas Bendtner, who will fly the Premier League flag.
And in Olsen they have a positive leader. After qualifying he said: “Denmark will not be one of the favourites but if we have our best players available, which wasn't the case in the qualification phase, we can achieve a lot.”
That says much about the optimism of a nation that has reached their first major tournament since the 2004 European Championship courtesy, of a 1-0 win over Sweden in Copenhagen. Midfielder Jakob Poulsen's goal was enough to see off Sweden and ensure the Danes’ progression with one round of games remaining in Group One.
After failing to qualify for the 2006 World Cup finals Olsen considered resigning, having received several offers from club teams, but decided to stay and extended his contract until after the 2010 FIFA World Cup, spurred on by his and the team's popularity among the Danish population. What a good decision that proved to be
HONDURAS
Honduras World Cup record: 1982 1st rd.
How Honduras qualified for World Cup 2010: CONCACAF 3rd place.
The Coach: Reinaldo Rueda (Colombian, 52). Appointed: January 2007. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: None.
Rueda's claim to fame came during his years as the Colombian Youth Coach. With the Colombian Under-20 team, he finished 3rd in the 2003 World Youth Championship. He also led the Colombian Under-17 team to a 4th place in 2003.
The Country: Historians will remember La guerra del fútbol, which was actually a four-day war fought by El Salvador and Honduras in 1969, caused by political conflicts between the countries tha coincided with the inflamed rioting during the second North American qualifying round for the 1970 World Cup.
Fast forward to 2009 and on October 14, Honduras qualified for the 2010 World Cup finals, after a 1-0 win against El Salvador. Coach Reinaldo Rueda said: "Today it's the Honduras fans' and their team's turn to celebrate, thanks to the work of many years. Now we have months of work, months of matches and let's hope this victory works out for the good of all."
How Honduras qualified for World Cup 2010: CONCACAF 3rd place.
The Coach: Reinaldo Rueda (Colombian, 52). Appointed: January 2007. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: None.
Rueda's claim to fame came during his years as the Colombian Youth Coach. With the Colombian Under-20 team, he finished 3rd in the 2003 World Youth Championship. He also led the Colombian Under-17 team to a 4th place in 2003.
The Country: Historians will remember La guerra del fútbol, which was actually a four-day war fought by El Salvador and Honduras in 1969, caused by political conflicts between the countries tha coincided with the inflamed rioting during the second North American qualifying round for the 1970 World Cup.
Fast forward to 2009 and on October 14, Honduras qualified for the 2010 World Cup finals, after a 1-0 win against El Salvador. Coach Reinaldo Rueda said: "Today it's the Honduras fans' and their team's turn to celebrate, thanks to the work of many years. Now we have months of work, months of matches and let's hope this victory works out for the good of all."
CHILE
Chile's World Cup record: 1930 1st rd, 1950 1st rd, 1962 3rd, 1966 1st rd, 1974 1st rd, 1982 1st rd, 1998 1st rd.
How Chile qualified for World Cup 2010: South American Group, 2nd.
The Coach: Marcelo Bielsa (Argentine, 54). Appointed: July 2007. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: 2002 (Argentina).
Bielsa replaced Daniel Passarella as coach of Argentina and took them to the 2002 finals, but failed to progress beyond the first round.
The Country: Chile are in the finals for the first time in 12 years and it is generally accepted that it is down to the style of Bielsa, who likes to fast-track young talent and encourages a more attacking approach away from home.
Bielsa refuses to grant exclusive interviews to the press and he has been known to field every last question from the assembled media during press conferences. But when talk has turned to the intricacies of the game, a three or even four-hour press conference has been known to take place.
He is a fanatic of football videos and on occasion Bielsa checks pitch measurements by pacing them out before deciding on a particular formation
Chile reached South Africa courtesy of a 4-2 victory over Colombia, and they were indebted to substitute Jorge Valdivia who scored one goal and created the other three. The fact they finished only second to South American group winners Brazil, just a point behind and with more wins (10), tells a story about the success Bielsa has brought to the country.
He glories in the nickname El Loco Bielsa, or "Madman Bielsa". However, Bielsa has produced a solid team with no recognised stars, largely comprising young, physically fit and unyielding workers. The man to watch could be Humberto Suazo, a 28-year-old on the books at Mexican club Monterrey, and who topped the South American scoring charts with 10 goals.
How Chile qualified for World Cup 2010: South American Group, 2nd.
The Coach: Marcelo Bielsa (Argentine, 54). Appointed: July 2007. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: 2002 (Argentina).
Bielsa replaced Daniel Passarella as coach of Argentina and took them to the 2002 finals, but failed to progress beyond the first round.
The Country: Chile are in the finals for the first time in 12 years and it is generally accepted that it is down to the style of Bielsa, who likes to fast-track young talent and encourages a more attacking approach away from home.
Bielsa refuses to grant exclusive interviews to the press and he has been known to field every last question from the assembled media during press conferences. But when talk has turned to the intricacies of the game, a three or even four-hour press conference has been known to take place.
He is a fanatic of football videos and on occasion Bielsa checks pitch measurements by pacing them out before deciding on a particular formation
Chile reached South Africa courtesy of a 4-2 victory over Colombia, and they were indebted to substitute Jorge Valdivia who scored one goal and created the other three. The fact they finished only second to South American group winners Brazil, just a point behind and with more wins (10), tells a story about the success Bielsa has brought to the country.
He glories in the nickname El Loco Bielsa, or "Madman Bielsa". However, Bielsa has produced a solid team with no recognised stars, largely comprising young, physically fit and unyielding workers. The man to watch could be Humberto Suazo, a 28-year-old on the books at Mexican club Monterrey, and who topped the South American scoring charts with 10 goals.
SPAIN
Spain World Cup record: 1934 QF, 1950 4th, 1962 1st rd, 1966 1st rd, 1978 1st rd, 1982 2nd rd, 1986 QF, 1990 2nd rd, 1994 QF, 1998 1st rd, 2002 QF, 2006 2nd rd.
How Spain qualified for World Cup 2010: European group 5 winners
The Coach: Vicente del Bosque (Spaniard, 58). Appointed: June 2008. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: None.
The former Real Madrid trainer substituted Luis Aragonés following Spain’s achievement in Euro 2008.
The Country: Spain carried on their achievement in the Euro 2008 finals by walking through the World Cup qualifiers. They were able to match the feats of England and Holland, qualifying for the 2010 finals with two qualifying group matches to spare thanks to a workmanlike 3-0 defeat of Estonia in Merida.
Cesc Fabregas, Santi Cazorla and Juan Mata got the goals to make it eight straight victories for the European champions, with Bosnia-Herzegovina's 1-1 tie with Turkey ensuring their smooth progress to the finals for the ninth straight time. Arsenal’s Fabregas said: "This goal is very important for me, especially for the confidence it gives me. It's a pleasure to play with these players and in front of these fans. Eight wins out of eight, not many countries can say that."
But much will depend on the fitness of Fernando Torres. The striker is in remarkable form but an upsetting injury threatens to spoil both his season and Liverpool’s campaign; del Bosque will be keen that Torres recover from his problems well in advance of the finals, where Spain are real favourites to win the tournament for the first time.
How Spain qualified for World Cup 2010: European group 5 winners
The Coach: Vicente del Bosque (Spaniard, 58). Appointed: June 2008. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: None.
The former Real Madrid trainer substituted Luis Aragonés following Spain’s achievement in Euro 2008.
The Country: Spain carried on their achievement in the Euro 2008 finals by walking through the World Cup qualifiers. They were able to match the feats of England and Holland, qualifying for the 2010 finals with two qualifying group matches to spare thanks to a workmanlike 3-0 defeat of Estonia in Merida.
Cesc Fabregas, Santi Cazorla and Juan Mata got the goals to make it eight straight victories for the European champions, with Bosnia-Herzegovina's 1-1 tie with Turkey ensuring their smooth progress to the finals for the ninth straight time. Arsenal’s Fabregas said: "This goal is very important for me, especially for the confidence it gives me. It's a pleasure to play with these players and in front of these fans. Eight wins out of eight, not many countries can say that."
But much will depend on the fitness of Fernando Torres. The striker is in remarkable form but an upsetting injury threatens to spoil both his season and Liverpool’s campaign; del Bosque will be keen that Torres recover from his problems well in advance of the finals, where Spain are real favourites to win the tournament for the first time.
SWITZERLAND
Switzerland's World Cup record: 1934 QF, 1938 QF, 1950 1st rd, 1954 QF, 1962 1st rd, 1966 1st rd, 1994 2nd rd, 2006 2nd rd.
How Switzerland qualified for World Cup 2010: European Group 2 Winners
The Coach: Ottmar Hitzfeld (German, 60). Appointed: July 2008. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: None.
Der General is in international management for the first time, having refused the possibility to coach his national Germany in between two spells at Bayern Munich.
The Country: Switzerland have reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup on three times, most recently in 1954. Since then they have reached the finals only five times.
The Swiss got the point they needed to qualify in their final match against Israel but not without a struggle - Hitzfeld's side were hanging on even after their hosts had Avihay Yadin sent off after 59 minutes. The Swiss went on an eight-match unbeaten run after a shock conquer by Luxembourg to accomplish the finals.
Hitzfeld said: "The goal was to qualify and we scored - the goal is succeed. Compliments to the whole team and to each and every player. It's another achievement for me and a dream being fulfilled, it's a present that Switzerland has given me."
Hitzfeld will expect that Arsenal’s Philippe Senderos gets more first-team action ahead of the finals but another player, Johan Djourou, could be struggling with a knee hurt that required a surgical operation with the player ruled out for six months.
The opportunities of survival will hinge on the form and fitness of team leader Alexander Frei, formerly with Borussia Dortmund and now at Basle, while Blaise Nkufo requires to keep scoring.
How Switzerland qualified for World Cup 2010: European Group 2 Winners
The Coach: Ottmar Hitzfeld (German, 60). Appointed: July 2008. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: None.
Der General is in international management for the first time, having refused the possibility to coach his national Germany in between two spells at Bayern Munich.
The Country: Switzerland have reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup on three times, most recently in 1954. Since then they have reached the finals only five times.
The Swiss got the point they needed to qualify in their final match against Israel but not without a struggle - Hitzfeld's side were hanging on even after their hosts had Avihay Yadin sent off after 59 minutes. The Swiss went on an eight-match unbeaten run after a shock conquer by Luxembourg to accomplish the finals.
Hitzfeld said: "The goal was to qualify and we scored - the goal is succeed. Compliments to the whole team and to each and every player. It's another achievement for me and a dream being fulfilled, it's a present that Switzerland has given me."
Hitzfeld will expect that Arsenal’s Philippe Senderos gets more first-team action ahead of the finals but another player, Johan Djourou, could be struggling with a knee hurt that required a surgical operation with the player ruled out for six months.
The opportunities of survival will hinge on the form and fitness of team leader Alexander Frei, formerly with Borussia Dortmund and now at Basle, while Blaise Nkufo requires to keep scoring.
AUSTRALIA
Australia's World Cup record: 1974 1st rd, 2006 2nd rd.
How Australia qualified for World Cup 2010: Asia, Group A winners
The Coach: Pim Verbeek (Holland, 53). Appointed: Dec 2007. WC experience: Player: none. Coach: 2002 South Korea assistant, 2006 Australia assistant.
Verbeek was assistant to Guus Hiddink in 2002, reaching the semi-finals, and worked alongside Dick Advocaat when he led Australia to the finals in 2006.
The Country: There are those who believe there was political movement involved when Australia were switched from Oceania to Asia for qualiying purposes. It was certainly not taxing for the Socceroos, who eased into the finals without so much as even conceding a goal in the six matches it took them to qualify. A 0-0 draw against Qatar in Doha confirmed qualification for Verbeek's team after they won 14 points in Group A of the final Asian qualifying phase.
Verbeek has been criticised by for playing boring football but the methodical Dutchman insists he is a results-orientated coach. He may be unknown generally, but his experience is vast, and he was key to South Korea’s success in 2002.
An average player, he has coached in Holland, Japan, South Korea and Germany as well as spells as national coach in the UEA and Dutch Antilles.
By September 2009, Australia had risen to 14th in the Fifa world rankings, their highest ever placing, and many believe the squad is now experienced enough to take the country to another level.
Their players are familiar enough: nine of the current squad play in England, including all three goalkeepers. And in Fulham’s Mark Schwarzer, now 37 and an international for 16 years, they have one of the most consistent in the Premier League.
In addition to Everton’s Tim Cahill, Lucas Neill and Blackburn’s Brett Emerton, their squad is supplemented by players who operate in countries as diverse as Russia, China, Italy, Turkey, Holland and Germany.
How Australia qualified for World Cup 2010: Asia, Group A winners
The Coach: Pim Verbeek (Holland, 53). Appointed: Dec 2007. WC experience: Player: none. Coach: 2002 South Korea assistant, 2006 Australia assistant.
Verbeek was assistant to Guus Hiddink in 2002, reaching the semi-finals, and worked alongside Dick Advocaat when he led Australia to the finals in 2006.
The Country: There are those who believe there was political movement involved when Australia were switched from Oceania to Asia for qualiying purposes. It was certainly not taxing for the Socceroos, who eased into the finals without so much as even conceding a goal in the six matches it took them to qualify. A 0-0 draw against Qatar in Doha confirmed qualification for Verbeek's team after they won 14 points in Group A of the final Asian qualifying phase.
Verbeek has been criticised by for playing boring football but the methodical Dutchman insists he is a results-orientated coach. He may be unknown generally, but his experience is vast, and he was key to South Korea’s success in 2002.
An average player, he has coached in Holland, Japan, South Korea and Germany as well as spells as national coach in the UEA and Dutch Antilles.
By September 2009, Australia had risen to 14th in the Fifa world rankings, their highest ever placing, and many believe the squad is now experienced enough to take the country to another level.
Their players are familiar enough: nine of the current squad play in England, including all three goalkeepers. And in Fulham’s Mark Schwarzer, now 37 and an international for 16 years, they have one of the most consistent in the Premier League.
In addition to Everton’s Tim Cahill, Lucas Neill and Blackburn’s Brett Emerton, their squad is supplemented by players who operate in countries as diverse as Russia, China, Italy, Turkey, Holland and Germany.
SERBIA
Serbia's World Cup record: None.
How Serbia qualified for World Cup 2010: European Group 7 winners
The Coach: Radomir Antic (Serbian, 60). Appointed: August 2008. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: None.
The former Luton player is held in high regard in England. Witness the reception he received in London as a guest at the League Managers Aassociation’s 1,000 club dinner in November.
The Country: Serbia’s national team was previously Yugoslavia, from 15 January 1992 until 4 February 2003, and then as the Serbia and Montenegro national football team until 3 June 2006 when Serbia declared independence as the successor state to the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. It was officially renamed the Serbia national football team on 28 June 2006, while the Montenegro national football team was created to represent the new state of Montenegro.
But that has in no way diluted their capabilities, as seen in qualifying when they finished ahead of France. Serbia beat Romania 5-0 in Belgrade to earn automatic qualification for the 2010 World Cup as unassailable leaders of European qualifying Group Seven.
Antic saw enough to go to South Africa with confidence: "I'm extremely happy, as we sealed a World Cup spot in style,” he said. “If we continue like this in South Africa, we will be a power to reckon with at the World Cup."
One man to watch out for is Milan Jovanovic, the 28-year-old Standard Liege winger. He has nine international goals and has a reputation for being a free-kick specialist. And, of course, there is a Manchester United representative, in Nemanja Vidic, whose fitness will be key to Serbian success.
How Serbia qualified for World Cup 2010: European Group 7 winners
The Coach: Radomir Antic (Serbian, 60). Appointed: August 2008. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: None.
The former Luton player is held in high regard in England. Witness the reception he received in London as a guest at the League Managers Aassociation’s 1,000 club dinner in November.
The Country: Serbia’s national team was previously Yugoslavia, from 15 January 1992 until 4 February 2003, and then as the Serbia and Montenegro national football team until 3 June 2006 when Serbia declared independence as the successor state to the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. It was officially renamed the Serbia national football team on 28 June 2006, while the Montenegro national football team was created to represent the new state of Montenegro.
But that has in no way diluted their capabilities, as seen in qualifying when they finished ahead of France. Serbia beat Romania 5-0 in Belgrade to earn automatic qualification for the 2010 World Cup as unassailable leaders of European qualifying Group Seven.
Antic saw enough to go to South Africa with confidence: "I'm extremely happy, as we sealed a World Cup spot in style,” he said. “If we continue like this in South Africa, we will be a power to reckon with at the World Cup."
One man to watch out for is Milan Jovanovic, the 28-year-old Standard Liege winger. He has nine international goals and has a reputation for being a free-kick specialist. And, of course, there is a Manchester United representative, in Nemanja Vidic, whose fitness will be key to Serbian success.
GHANA
The Coach: Milovan Rajevac (Serbian, 55). Appointed: August 2008. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: None.
Rajevac is a Serbian who played for Borac Cacak, Red Star Belgrade, FK Vojvodina and Sloboda Tuzla.
Ghana's World Cup record: 2006 2nd rd.
How Ghana qualified for World Cup 2010: African Group D winners
The Country: The Black Stars were the only African side to advance to Round 2 of the World Cup in 2006, the sixth consecutive occasion an Africa nation had progressed beyond the group stages of a finals tournament. And, for the stats geeks, Ghana were the youngest team in the 2006 finals - with an average age of 23 yrs and 352 days.
Ghana beat Sudan 2-0 in Accra to become the first African side to reach the 2010 World Cup in South Africa from the qualifiers. Inter Milan's Sulley Muntari - once of Portsmouth - and Chelsea's Michael Essien scored the goals in each half to give Ghana an unassailable lead at the top of qualifying Group D.
Essien said: "The people of Ghana wanted us to win and we did not let them down. What a fantastic feeling to be the first African country to qualify for the first World Cup to be staged in Africa."
And Anthony Annan hit a late equaliser as Ghana completed their successful qualifying campaign with a 2-2 home draw against Mali.
Rajevac is a Serbian who played for Borac Cacak, Red Star Belgrade, FK Vojvodina and Sloboda Tuzla.
Ghana's World Cup record: 2006 2nd rd.
How Ghana qualified for World Cup 2010: African Group D winners
The Country: The Black Stars were the only African side to advance to Round 2 of the World Cup in 2006, the sixth consecutive occasion an Africa nation had progressed beyond the group stages of a finals tournament. And, for the stats geeks, Ghana were the youngest team in the 2006 finals - with an average age of 23 yrs and 352 days.
Ghana beat Sudan 2-0 in Accra to become the first African side to reach the 2010 World Cup in South Africa from the qualifiers. Inter Milan's Sulley Muntari - once of Portsmouth - and Chelsea's Michael Essien scored the goals in each half to give Ghana an unassailable lead at the top of qualifying Group D.
Essien said: "The people of Ghana wanted us to win and we did not let them down. What a fantastic feeling to be the first African country to qualify for the first World Cup to be staged in Africa."
And Anthony Annan hit a late equaliser as Ghana completed their successful qualifying campaign with a 2-2 home draw against Mali.
NORTH KOREA
North Korea's World Cup record: 1966 QF.
How North Korea qualified for World Cup 2010: Asia Group 1 RU
The Coach: Kim Jong-Hun (North Korean). WC experience: Player: None. Coach: None.
Little is known about the country’s team or the coach - who was said to have suffered a stroke - but with Sven Goran Eriksson linked with the job, it is unsure whether Kim will lead them in South Africa.
The Country: North Korea qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time since 1966 following a goalless draw in Saudi Arabia, watched by 66,000 fans.
Iran's failure to defeat South Korea in Seoul earlier meant that North Korea only needed a draw in Riyadh. North Korea's Kim Yong Jun was sent off in the fifth minute of injury-time, but by then his team were all but through.
Their programme included a 1-1 home draw against rivals South Korea, and though they lost in Seoul and in Iran, they won enough points to reach South Africa.
Memories abound, since then, about the 1966 World Cup in England when North Korea - a team of 11 army officers - famously beat Italy at Middlesbrough's Ayresome Park. In the quarter-finals they led Portugal 3-0 at one stage before going down 5-3 as Eusebio inspired a remarkable comeback at Goodison Park.
Recently, the country played its first international football match in Europe since 1966, in France against Republic of Congo, but few hints of what is to come was on offer, with six key players absent.
The national team, which is a young side, is possibly North Korea’s most globalised institution, as it includes some Japanese-born players, such as Jong Tae-Se and one - Hong Yong-Jo - who plays in Russia.
How North Korea qualified for World Cup 2010: Asia Group 1 RU
The Coach: Kim Jong-Hun (North Korean). WC experience: Player: None. Coach: None.
Little is known about the country’s team or the coach - who was said to have suffered a stroke - but with Sven Goran Eriksson linked with the job, it is unsure whether Kim will lead them in South Africa.
The Country: North Korea qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time since 1966 following a goalless draw in Saudi Arabia, watched by 66,000 fans.
Iran's failure to defeat South Korea in Seoul earlier meant that North Korea only needed a draw in Riyadh. North Korea's Kim Yong Jun was sent off in the fifth minute of injury-time, but by then his team were all but through.
Their programme included a 1-1 home draw against rivals South Korea, and though they lost in Seoul and in Iran, they won enough points to reach South Africa.
Memories abound, since then, about the 1966 World Cup in England when North Korea - a team of 11 army officers - famously beat Italy at Middlesbrough's Ayresome Park. In the quarter-finals they led Portugal 3-0 at one stage before going down 5-3 as Eusebio inspired a remarkable comeback at Goodison Park.
Recently, the country played its first international football match in Europe since 1966, in France against Republic of Congo, but few hints of what is to come was on offer, with six key players absent.
The national team, which is a young side, is possibly North Korea’s most globalised institution, as it includes some Japanese-born players, such as Jong Tae-Se and one - Hong Yong-Jo - who plays in Russia.
IVORY COAST
Ivory Coast's World Cup record: 2006 1st rd.
How Ivory Coast qualified for World Cup 2010: African Group E winners
The Trainer: Vahid Halilhodžic (Boznia & Herzegovinia, 57). Appointed: May 2008. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: None.
Halilhodžic was capped 15 times, scoring eight goals for the Yugoslav national team. He was twice the leading scorer of the French league with Nantes and after retiring, he coached a number of teams, including Lille and Rennes, and Paris Saint-Germain.
The Country: Until 2005, their greatest achievement was winning the 1992 African Cup of Nations, beating Ghana on penalties at the Stade de l'Amitie in Dakar, Senegal. But Les Éléphants were unable to qualify for the second round in 2006 after losing to Argentina and Holland in the “group of death”. They did manage to win one game in Germany, against Serbia and Montenegro, coming back from down 0-2 to win 3-2 on a late penalty by Bonaventure Kalou.
But with Dider Drogba in attack, anything could happen. The Africans drew 1-1 with Malawi in Blantyre to become the second African side to reach the World Cup in South Africa from the qualifiers.
Drogba came on as a substitute to score the crucial equalising goal for the visitors after Jacob Ngwira's opener. Drogba said: "I am very happy indeed because Ivory Coast is going to the World Cup for the second time."
How Ivory Coast qualified for World Cup 2010: African Group E winners
The Trainer: Vahid Halilhodžic (Boznia & Herzegovinia, 57). Appointed: May 2008. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: None.
Halilhodžic was capped 15 times, scoring eight goals for the Yugoslav national team. He was twice the leading scorer of the French league with Nantes and after retiring, he coached a number of teams, including Lille and Rennes, and Paris Saint-Germain.
The Country: Until 2005, their greatest achievement was winning the 1992 African Cup of Nations, beating Ghana on penalties at the Stade de l'Amitie in Dakar, Senegal. But Les Éléphants were unable to qualify for the second round in 2006 after losing to Argentina and Holland in the “group of death”. They did manage to win one game in Germany, against Serbia and Montenegro, coming back from down 0-2 to win 3-2 on a late penalty by Bonaventure Kalou.
But with Dider Drogba in attack, anything could happen. The Africans drew 1-1 with Malawi in Blantyre to become the second African side to reach the World Cup in South Africa from the qualifiers.
Drogba came on as a substitute to score the crucial equalising goal for the visitors after Jacob Ngwira's opener. Drogba said: "I am very happy indeed because Ivory Coast is going to the World Cup for the second time."
MEXICO
Mexico's World Cup record: 1930 1st rd, 1950 1st rd, 1954 1st rd, 1958 1st rd, 1962 1st rd, 1966 1st rd, 1970 QF, 1978 1st rd, 1986 QF, 1994 2nd rd, 1998 2nd rd, 2002 2nd rd, 2006 2nd rd.
How Mexico qualified for World Cup 2010: CONCACAF 4th place.
The Coach: Javier Aguirre (Mexican, 50). Appointed: April 2009. WC experience: Player: 1986. Coach: 2002.
Javier Aguirre Onaindía, aka 'El Vasco', played in the finals and now goes there for a second time as a boss.
The Country: Mexico was disqualified from the 1990 World Cup (and any other international competition) after using players over the age limit allowed by Fifa in the qualifying round for the Olympic Games in Seoul 1988.
The punishment originally was only going to be applied to the Olympic team and not the World Cup team, but the penalty later affected all Mexican national representatives of all sports for two years.
In the 1990s, after appointing coach César Luis Menotti, Mexican football began experiencing greater success. An important turning point was its participation in the 1993 Copa America, where they finished second in the tournament, losing to Argentina 2-1 in the final.
And Mexico made sure of their 14th appearance at the finals with a game to spare after a comprehensive 4-1 victory over El Salvador - despite a swarm of bees in the goalmouth halting play for 10 minutes. Aguirre's side won six of their nine games to seize the initiative in the group after the job had been started under previous coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.
Captain Rafa Marquez: "This is a great team and Javier Aguirre is a great coach. We worked hard and got the job done, the credit goes to all to my teammates and to the coach. They are all amazing."
How Mexico qualified for World Cup 2010: CONCACAF 4th place.
The Coach: Javier Aguirre (Mexican, 50). Appointed: April 2009. WC experience: Player: 1986. Coach: 2002.
Javier Aguirre Onaindía, aka 'El Vasco', played in the finals and now goes there for a second time as a boss.
The Country: Mexico was disqualified from the 1990 World Cup (and any other international competition) after using players over the age limit allowed by Fifa in the qualifying round for the Olympic Games in Seoul 1988.
The punishment originally was only going to be applied to the Olympic team and not the World Cup team, but the penalty later affected all Mexican national representatives of all sports for two years.
In the 1990s, after appointing coach César Luis Menotti, Mexican football began experiencing greater success. An important turning point was its participation in the 1993 Copa America, where they finished second in the tournament, losing to Argentina 2-1 in the final.
And Mexico made sure of their 14th appearance at the finals with a game to spare after a comprehensive 4-1 victory over El Salvador - despite a swarm of bees in the goalmouth halting play for 10 minutes. Aguirre's side won six of their nine games to seize the initiative in the group after the job had been started under previous coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.
Captain Rafa Marquez: "This is a great team and Javier Aguirre is a great coach. We worked hard and got the job done, the credit goes to all to my teammates and to the coach. They are all amazing."
ARGENTINA
Argentina World Cup record: 1930 2nd, 1934 1st rd, 1958 1st rd, 1962 1st rd, 1966 QF, 1974 2nd rd, 1978 Winners, 1982 2nd rd, 1986 Winners, 1990 RU, 1994 2nd rd, 1998 QF, 2002 1st rd, 2006 QF.
How Argentina qualified for World Cup 2010: fourth place in Conmebol (South America)
The Coach: Diego Maradona (Argentine, 49). Appointed: Nov 2008. WC experience: Player: 1982 2nd rd, 1986 Winners, 1990 RU, 1994 2nd rd. Coach: none.
Maradona has won the World Cup and been sent home in disgrace for using an illegal substance. And as a manager, he has much to prove.
The Country: Argentina have won the World Cup twice and a finals tournament without the Albicelestes is unthinkable, yet it very nearly happened with Maradona’s nation securing qualification only in their final game, the 1-0 win in Uruguay securing a 15th finals appearance.
On 16 October 2008, following the controversy over the historic defeat against Chile in the qualifiers, manager Alfio Basile tended his resignation, paving the way for Maradona, the country’s greatest player, to take the helm.
It, too, was a controversial appointment. He won 91 caps and scored 34 goals for Argentina, and that spanned four World Cup finals, including the 1986 World Cup where he captained Argentina to final success over West Germany. Maradona won the Golden Ball award as the tournament's best player, a tournament in which he will also be remembered for the infamous “Hand of God”, when he palmed the ball past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton in the quarter-finals.
His reign has been as controversial as his appointment and qualifying was not easy: it took Mario Bolatti's late goal secure Argentina’s place in South Africa. And his squad is one of the weakest in recent history so hopes for a successful campaign in South Africa are not great.
And to add to their problems Maradona was banned from by Fifa for two months following his remarks after Argentina qualified. He told journalists they "take it up the arse", grabbed his crotch and insisted the world's media should "suck it and keep on sucking".
How Argentina qualified for World Cup 2010: fourth place in Conmebol (South America)
The Coach: Diego Maradona (Argentine, 49). Appointed: Nov 2008. WC experience: Player: 1982 2nd rd, 1986 Winners, 1990 RU, 1994 2nd rd. Coach: none.
Maradona has won the World Cup and been sent home in disgrace for using an illegal substance. And as a manager, he has much to prove.
The Country: Argentina have won the World Cup twice and a finals tournament without the Albicelestes is unthinkable, yet it very nearly happened with Maradona’s nation securing qualification only in their final game, the 1-0 win in Uruguay securing a 15th finals appearance.
On 16 October 2008, following the controversy over the historic defeat against Chile in the qualifiers, manager Alfio Basile tended his resignation, paving the way for Maradona, the country’s greatest player, to take the helm.
It, too, was a controversial appointment. He won 91 caps and scored 34 goals for Argentina, and that spanned four World Cup finals, including the 1986 World Cup where he captained Argentina to final success over West Germany. Maradona won the Golden Ball award as the tournament's best player, a tournament in which he will also be remembered for the infamous “Hand of God”, when he palmed the ball past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton in the quarter-finals.
His reign has been as controversial as his appointment and qualifying was not easy: it took Mario Bolatti's late goal secure Argentina’s place in South Africa. And his squad is one of the weakest in recent history so hopes for a successful campaign in South Africa are not great.
And to add to their problems Maradona was banned from by Fifa for two months following his remarks after Argentina qualified. He told journalists they "take it up the arse", grabbed his crotch and insisted the world's media should "suck it and keep on sucking".
GREECE
Greece's World Cup record: 1994 1st rd.
How Greece qualified for World Cup 2010: European play-off winners.
The Coach: Otto Rehhagel (German, 71). Appointed: Aug 2001. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: None.
Rehhagel is the only person who, as player and as manager, has participated in over 1000 Bundesliga matches. This also explains his nickname Kind der Bundesliga (child of the Bundesliga).
The Country: Greece was seeded in the first pot for the draw of the European qualification zone and their campaign began and ended with matches against Luxembourg. Two losses to Switzerland placed the Greeks one point behind the Swiss group winners, leaving Greece's 2010 World Cup hopes to be decided in a play-off with Group 6 runner-up Ukraine.
And the Greeks confirmed a night of celebration back hom when they secured a hard-fought 1-0 win in the return leg (watch YouTube). Panathinaikos striker Dimitris Salpingidis claimed the only goal of the match sending Greece, the 2004 European champions, into their second World Cup finals after a 16-year absence.
On a rain-soaked pitch of the half-empty, 50,000-seater Donbass Arena, Ukraine’s former Chelsea striker and national captain Andriy Shevchenko missed a chance to put his team into the lead in the eighth minute and Greece replied with a header by Celtic forward Giorgos Samaras, which went just inches above the crossbar from a well-struck Giorgos Karagounis free-kick.
Sofoklis Plavios, chairman of the Greek Football Federation, was jubilant after Wednesday's victory. "I can't find words to describe the atmosphere in the dressing room," he said. "This triumph is unbelievable. No one is saying anything. They're just celebrating and hugging each other. The boys believed in themselves and have brought joy to Greeks. It is an amazing feat to eliminate Ukraine at home."
How Greece qualified for World Cup 2010: European play-off winners.
The Coach: Otto Rehhagel (German, 71). Appointed: Aug 2001. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: None.
Rehhagel is the only person who, as player and as manager, has participated in over 1000 Bundesliga matches. This also explains his nickname Kind der Bundesliga (child of the Bundesliga).
The Country: Greece was seeded in the first pot for the draw of the European qualification zone and their campaign began and ended with matches against Luxembourg. Two losses to Switzerland placed the Greeks one point behind the Swiss group winners, leaving Greece's 2010 World Cup hopes to be decided in a play-off with Group 6 runner-up Ukraine.
And the Greeks confirmed a night of celebration back hom when they secured a hard-fought 1-0 win in the return leg (watch YouTube). Panathinaikos striker Dimitris Salpingidis claimed the only goal of the match sending Greece, the 2004 European champions, into their second World Cup finals after a 16-year absence.
On a rain-soaked pitch of the half-empty, 50,000-seater Donbass Arena, Ukraine’s former Chelsea striker and national captain Andriy Shevchenko missed a chance to put his team into the lead in the eighth minute and Greece replied with a header by Celtic forward Giorgos Samaras, which went just inches above the crossbar from a well-struck Giorgos Karagounis free-kick.
Sofoklis Plavios, chairman of the Greek Football Federation, was jubilant after Wednesday's victory. "I can't find words to describe the atmosphere in the dressing room," he said. "This triumph is unbelievable. No one is saying anything. They're just celebrating and hugging each other. The boys believed in themselves and have brought joy to Greeks. It is an amazing feat to eliminate Ukraine at home."
FRANCE
France's World Cup record: 1930 1st rd, 1934 1st rd, 1938 QF, 1954 1st rd, 1958 3rd, 1966 1st rd, 1978 1st rd, 1982 4th, 1986 3rd, 1998 Winners, 2002 1st rd, 2006 RU.
How France qualified for World Cup 2010: European play-off winners
The Trainer: Raymond Domenech (French, 57). Appointed: July 2004. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: 2006. He won eight caps as a player and he has made hard work of qualifying for two World Cup finals, even he did reach the final in between.
The Country: France are like England: they have won on home territory and the expectation ahead of every tournament is that they will win the World Cup again.
France came close last time, losing on penalties in the final to Italy when Zinedine Zidane attracted most of the headlines. It should not be forgotten that Les Bleus started the 2006 campaign badly, only just qualifying for the knockout stages, so the luck of their success against the Republic of Ireland should be taken in context.
France's campaign for 2010 qualification got off to a disappointing start with a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Austria in Vienna and speculation followed regarding the future of Domenech.
Despite qualification the jury is still out on the coach. A man who is of Spanish and Catalan descent admitted he had problems with former Arsenal player Robert Pires ... because of his Scorpio star sign.
Pires said at the time: "I must be annoying him. It's like being at school. It's like I'm 20 years old and playing football for the first time." South Africa could be the same
How France qualified for World Cup 2010: European play-off winners
The Trainer: Raymond Domenech (French, 57). Appointed: July 2004. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: 2006. He won eight caps as a player and he has made hard work of qualifying for two World Cup finals, even he did reach the final in between.
The Country: France are like England: they have won on home territory and the expectation ahead of every tournament is that they will win the World Cup again.
France came close last time, losing on penalties in the final to Italy when Zinedine Zidane attracted most of the headlines. It should not be forgotten that Les Bleus started the 2006 campaign badly, only just qualifying for the knockout stages, so the luck of their success against the Republic of Ireland should be taken in context.
France's campaign for 2010 qualification got off to a disappointing start with a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Austria in Vienna and speculation followed regarding the future of Domenech.
Despite qualification the jury is still out on the coach. A man who is of Spanish and Catalan descent admitted he had problems with former Arsenal player Robert Pires ... because of his Scorpio star sign.
Pires said at the time: "I must be annoying him. It's like being at school. It's like I'm 20 years old and playing football for the first time." South Africa could be the same
ITALY
Italy's World Cup record: 1934 Winners, 1938 Winners, 1950 1st rd, 1954 1st rd, 1962 1st rd, 1966 1st rd, 1970 RU, 1974 1st rd, 1978 4th, 1982 Winners, 1986 1st rd, 1990 3rd rd, 1994 RU, 1998 QF, 2002 2nd rd, 2006 Winners.
How Italy qualified for World Cup 2010: European Group 8 winners.
The Coach: Marcello Lippi (Italian, 61). Appointed: June 2008 (second spell). WC experience: Player: None. Coach: 2006.
He was born in Viareggio, in northern Tuscany, Lippi was Italy’s trainer from 16 July 2004 to 12 July 2006 and led Italy to win the 2006 World Cup. He was re-appointed as Italian head coach in the summer of 2008.
The Country: Italy confirmed the opportunity to protect their world title in South Africa in impressive fashion, equalising in the last minute in Ireland to steal a 2-2 draw and top spot in Group Eight. Mauro Camoranesi cancelled out Glenn Whelan's opener for Ireland, but Sean St Ledger's goal looked to be taking the group to the final round of matches until Alberto Gilardino's crucial late goal.
Later, Italy striker Gilardino said: "The game was tight until the end. And qualifying for the World Cup, this is even more beautiful. We deserved the draw. When they scored to make it 2-1, we were not attentive. Thank goodness we equalised."
But the Azzurri have a routine of raising the pulse. Italy won their fourth World Cup, winning against France in Berlin on penalties following a 1-1 tie at the end of added time which of course included that headbutt by Zinedine Zidane on Marco Materazzi.
How Italy qualified for World Cup 2010: European Group 8 winners.
The Coach: Marcello Lippi (Italian, 61). Appointed: June 2008 (second spell). WC experience: Player: None. Coach: 2006.
He was born in Viareggio, in northern Tuscany, Lippi was Italy’s trainer from 16 July 2004 to 12 July 2006 and led Italy to win the 2006 World Cup. He was re-appointed as Italian head coach in the summer of 2008.
The Country: Italy confirmed the opportunity to protect their world title in South Africa in impressive fashion, equalising in the last minute in Ireland to steal a 2-2 draw and top spot in Group Eight. Mauro Camoranesi cancelled out Glenn Whelan's opener for Ireland, but Sean St Ledger's goal looked to be taking the group to the final round of matches until Alberto Gilardino's crucial late goal.
Later, Italy striker Gilardino said: "The game was tight until the end. And qualifying for the World Cup, this is even more beautiful. We deserved the draw. When they scored to make it 2-1, we were not attentive. Thank goodness we equalised."
But the Azzurri have a routine of raising the pulse. Italy won their fourth World Cup, winning against France in Berlin on penalties following a 1-1 tie at the end of added time which of course included that headbutt by Zinedine Zidane on Marco Materazzi.
HOLLAND
The Coach: Bert van Marwijk (Dutch, 57). Appointed: Aug 2008. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: none.
Lambertus "Bert" van Marwijk played for the Holland. In 1982, he started his transition into coaching, retiring as a player in 1988 and becoming a full time trainer. In 2002, he won the title the UEFA Cup champion with Feyenoord.
The Country: So much gift, so little aptitude. Holland won 2-1 away to Iceland to become the first European side to qualify for next summer's championship.
Holland's World Cup record: 1934 1st rd, 1938 1st rd, 1974 RU, 1982 RU, 1990 2nd rd, 1994 QF, 1998 4th, 2006 2nd rd.
How Holland qualified for World Cup 2010: European Group 9 winners
Goals from Nigel de Jong and Mark van Bommel - the manager’s son-in-law - put van Marwijk's team in the driving seat before Kristjan Orn Sigurdsson pulled a goal back. Van Marwijk said: "My goal was to qualify for the finals so now we have a year to prepare. Winning six straight World Cup qualifiers deserves a compliment."
Indeed, and Holland seems to be rising again. And if Holland was not successful at recent major tournaments, it was not because of a lackness of talent. Rather, as those involved will testify, the Dutch have tended to lack the consistency and dogged determination that generally separates champions from also-rans at these intensely competitive international happenings.
As captain Giovanni van Bronkhorst, formerly of Arsenal, argued: "When you have a big tournament with all the best teams, you have to be on top form in every single match if you're going to win. We saw that at Euro 2008, when we played really well but had one bad game against the Russians and were knocked out. That's got to be a lesson for us in South Africa."
Lambertus "Bert" van Marwijk played for the Holland. In 1982, he started his transition into coaching, retiring as a player in 1988 and becoming a full time trainer. In 2002, he won the title the UEFA Cup champion with Feyenoord.
The Country: So much gift, so little aptitude. Holland won 2-1 away to Iceland to become the first European side to qualify for next summer's championship.
Holland's World Cup record: 1934 1st rd, 1938 1st rd, 1974 RU, 1982 RU, 1990 2nd rd, 1994 QF, 1998 4th, 2006 2nd rd.
How Holland qualified for World Cup 2010: European Group 9 winners
Goals from Nigel de Jong and Mark van Bommel - the manager’s son-in-law - put van Marwijk's team in the driving seat before Kristjan Orn Sigurdsson pulled a goal back. Van Marwijk said: "My goal was to qualify for the finals so now we have a year to prepare. Winning six straight World Cup qualifiers deserves a compliment."
Indeed, and Holland seems to be rising again. And if Holland was not successful at recent major tournaments, it was not because of a lackness of talent. Rather, as those involved will testify, the Dutch have tended to lack the consistency and dogged determination that generally separates champions from also-rans at these intensely competitive international happenings.
As captain Giovanni van Bronkhorst, formerly of Arsenal, argued: "When you have a big tournament with all the best teams, you have to be on top form in every single match if you're going to win. We saw that at Euro 2008, when we played really well but had one bad game against the Russians and were knocked out. That's got to be a lesson for us in South Africa."
BRASIL
Brazil's World Cup record: 1930 1st rd, 1934 1st rd, 1938 3rd, 1950 RU, 1954 QF, 1958 Winners, 1962 Winners, 1966 1st rd, 1970 Winners, 1974 4th, 1978 3rd, 1982 2nd rd, 1986 QF, 1990 2nd rd, 1994 Winners, 1998 RU, 2002 Winners, 2006 QF.
How Brazil qualified for World Cup 2010: South American Group, 1st.
The Trainer: Dunga (Brazilian, 46). Appointed: July 2006. WC experience: Player: 1990, 1994, 1998. Coach: None.
Dunga was thought as a subsitution for Vanderlei Luxemburgo in 2000 but it was not for another six years until he took charge, replacing Carlos Alberto Parreira.
The Country: Brazil are joint much-loved, with Spain, to come first at the sixth World Cup, not that surprising given their pedigree, history and capability to repeatedly produce outstanding players. There is a saying in football that “The English invented it, the Brazilians perfected it” and few would argue.
The “Little Canary”, as they affectionately known, are the only team to have appeared in every World Cup finals and they made sure that record would continue in the best possible fashion, beating Argentina 3-1 in Rosario.
Two goals from striker Luis Fabiano and another from defender Luisao was enough as they inflicted only the second home defeat in World Cup qualifiers on Diego Maradona's struggling side.
But it was not all plain sailing. A 0-0 tie at home to Bolivia was a low point and then they were held by Colombia in the next home tie, prompting the fans to chant “Goodbye Dunga” again.
But a coach who efforted in the media through the last World Cup finals is benefiting from the form of Kaka and Robinho. In Dunga they have a man who has won the World Cup, in 1994, while they have some of the world’s most brilliant players. He used no fewer than 39 players during the qualification process, and the belief is that Brazil have strength in depth ahead of South Africa.
Ronaldo, a World Cup winner in 1994 and 2002, was dropped by Dunga but remains confident, 33 years old , that he could still feature in South Africa, though such a recall remains unsure.
How Brazil qualified for World Cup 2010: South American Group, 1st.
The Trainer: Dunga (Brazilian, 46). Appointed: July 2006. WC experience: Player: 1990, 1994, 1998. Coach: None.
Dunga was thought as a subsitution for Vanderlei Luxemburgo in 2000 but it was not for another six years until he took charge, replacing Carlos Alberto Parreira.
The Country: Brazil are joint much-loved, with Spain, to come first at the sixth World Cup, not that surprising given their pedigree, history and capability to repeatedly produce outstanding players. There is a saying in football that “The English invented it, the Brazilians perfected it” and few would argue.
The “Little Canary”, as they affectionately known, are the only team to have appeared in every World Cup finals and they made sure that record would continue in the best possible fashion, beating Argentina 3-1 in Rosario.
Two goals from striker Luis Fabiano and another from defender Luisao was enough as they inflicted only the second home defeat in World Cup qualifiers on Diego Maradona's struggling side.
But it was not all plain sailing. A 0-0 tie at home to Bolivia was a low point and then they were held by Colombia in the next home tie, prompting the fans to chant “Goodbye Dunga” again.
But a coach who efforted in the media through the last World Cup finals is benefiting from the form of Kaka and Robinho. In Dunga they have a man who has won the World Cup, in 1994, while they have some of the world’s most brilliant players. He used no fewer than 39 players during the qualification process, and the belief is that Brazil have strength in depth ahead of South Africa.
Ronaldo, a World Cup winner in 1994 and 2002, was dropped by Dunga but remains confident, 33 years old , that he could still feature in South Africa, though such a recall remains unsure.
GERMANY
Germany's World Cup record: 1934 3rd, 1938 1st rd, 1954 Winners, 1958 4th, 1962 QF, 1966 RU, 1970 3rd, 1974 Winners, 1978 2nd rd, 1982 RU, 1986 RU, 1990 Winners, 1994 QF, 1998 QF, 2002 RU, 2006 3rd.
How Germany qualified for World Cup 2010: European Group 4 winners
The Trainer: Joachim Loew (German, 49). Appointed: July 2006. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: Germany (assistant).
The Country: Germany is identical with the World Cup finals; they have not passed up a finals tournament since 1950 and that record was extended as they booked their place with a 1-0 win away to their group opponent Russia.
Miroslav Klose's first-half strike verified the accomplishment and saw Germany, who played the last 22 minutes with 10 men after Jerome Boateng was sent off, win the group with one round of matches remaining.
Germany has won the World Cup three times, behind only Brazil (five titles) and Italy (four titles). It has came to end as runners-up four times, two more than any other side. In terms of semi-final appearances, Germany leads with 11.It is one more than Brazil's.Brazil's is 10.
In the last 14 World Cup tournaments, Germany has always qualified for the quarter-finals; Germany has also qualified for every one of the 16 World Cups it has gone into - it did not go into the first competition in 1930 for financial reasons, and could not qualify for or compete in the post-war 1950 World Cup as the DFB was reinstated as a Fifa member only two months after this tournament.
But they are a world power. In the finals, the likes of Miroslav Klose and the stable Michael Ballack will fly the flag.
How Germany qualified for World Cup 2010: European Group 4 winners
The Trainer: Joachim Loew (German, 49). Appointed: July 2006. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: Germany (assistant).
The Country: Germany is identical with the World Cup finals; they have not passed up a finals tournament since 1950 and that record was extended as they booked their place with a 1-0 win away to their group opponent Russia.
Miroslav Klose's first-half strike verified the accomplishment and saw Germany, who played the last 22 minutes with 10 men after Jerome Boateng was sent off, win the group with one round of matches remaining.
Germany has won the World Cup three times, behind only Brazil (five titles) and Italy (four titles). It has came to end as runners-up four times, two more than any other side. In terms of semi-final appearances, Germany leads with 11.It is one more than Brazil's.Brazil's is 10.
In the last 14 World Cup tournaments, Germany has always qualified for the quarter-finals; Germany has also qualified for every one of the 16 World Cups it has gone into - it did not go into the first competition in 1930 for financial reasons, and could not qualify for or compete in the post-war 1950 World Cup as the DFB was reinstated as a Fifa member only two months after this tournament.
But they are a world power. In the finals, the likes of Miroslav Klose and the stable Michael Ballack will fly the flag.
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