Did You Know?: 
World Cup finalists record. Uruguay: Inaugural winners in 1930 and again in 1950. Semi finals in 1970. Quarter finals in 1966. Only one appearance in a finals tournament 1990 (going out in the first round in 2002). Usually very skillful, but with a somewhat cynical streak (though, arguably, they hide it a bit better than Argentina). Never a pushover but often unlovely and unloved.
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World Cup finalists record. South Africa. Hosts in 2010, and making their third finals appearance (after previously appearing in 1998 and 2002). The hosting national traditionally does quite well - even Japan made it to the second round in 2002.
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World Cup finalists record. Mexico. Regular finalists (banned in 1990 for using over-age players in an Olympic qualifying tournament, they've only missed out on qualification for two World Cups since the war - in 1974 and 1982). Usually a good bet for the second round but, significantly, the only two occasions that they've reached the quarter finals have been in 1970 and 1986. Both, when the tournament was held in their own country.
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World Cup finalists record. France. Champions, on home turf, in 1998. Runners up - fortunately - in 2006 and semi finalists twice, in 1982 and 1986 with a previous golden generation of talent. Failed to qualify in 1994 thanks to David Ginola's last minute calamity against Bulgaria. Thierry Henry is now the sole survivors of The Boys of '98. Were awful in 2002 and not much better last time around yet still made the final. Gallic flair or Gallic indifference this time around? You can never tell with the French.
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World Cup finalists record. Argentina: Champions (in very dodgy circumstances) at home in 1978 and, almost entirely thanks to one man - and his hand - in 1986. Much unloved runners up in 1990 when their cynicism and practicality in the face of not much available talent reached new heights. Quarter finalists four time, including a notorious one in 1966. Only ever failed to qualify once, in 1970. Great, often breath-taking winners but, by and large, very sour and sore losers. The Millwall of international football - no one likes them, but they (genuinely) don't care.
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World Cup finalists record. Nigeria. The Super Eagles, first qualified in 1994 and were within a minute of reaching the quarter finals four years later before the intervention of Baggio. Like all of the recent developing African nations, they are often a joy to watch and now have much European experience to draw upon. One day soon, an African country is going to fulfill Pele's prediction and win the World Cup. It might be this year.
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World Cup finalists record. South Korea. Asia's top team for the last couple of decades - and most successful side ever. They have qualified for every finals tournament since 1986 and, memorably, reached the semi finals when playing on their home ground in 2002. Never seem anywhere near as comfortable, or as stylish, when they are playing aboard, however.
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World Cup finalists record. Greece. Only the second ever World Cup qualification for the Greeks in 2010. And their last, in 1994, was a best-forgotten embarrassment of three heavy defeats. Against all odds, however, they did win the 2004 European Championship so, on their day, they're clearly no mugs. This time around, the first thing they'll be hoping for is a goal, something they couldn't manage at all in USA 94.
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World Cup finalists record. England. Snubbed the tournament's very existence for the first twelve years. Winners, at home, in 1966 - you know, World Cup Willie And All That. Semi finals, and agonisingly unlucky with possibly their best ever side, in 1990. Quarters finals in 1970, 1986, 2002 and 2006 - each one a novel-sized story of triumph and tragedy in and of itself. Failed to qualify in 1974 and 1978 (Poland and Italy, respectively, knocking them out). And, also, in 1994 when a disastrous manager, one very dodgy refereeing decision in Amsterdam and a Norway side that simply had more fight in them were all factor. Usually manage to include in every World Cup campaign something stupid, something dramatic and something wonderful. In that, in many ways, they're the most predictable team in the tournament. Look to have their strongest side since Bobby Robson's boys in Italy. So, quarter finals again?!
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World Cup finalists record. USA. Nine previous finals appearances - including a third place in 1930. These days, they're pretty much regulars at the finals for the last twenty years and, now most of their best players have top class European club experience. Still, they appear to have difficulty in actually calling the game by its correct name. Philistines.
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World Cup finalists record. Algeria. Third time qualifiers, their memorable debut in 1982 ended in scandal and outrage (not of their making, one hastens to add). This will be their first time at the World Cup in twenty four years. They look to be the weakest of the six African qualifiers this time around.
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World Cup finalists record. Slovenia. Second time qualifiers after a so-so debut in 2002 having previously been a - minor - part of the old Yugoslavian set-up. They beat Russia in a play-off to make the finals this time around which, whilst these days might not be the boast it once was, is still something they can take great pride in. Quick, skillful and with bags of overseas experience.
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World Cup finalists record. Germany. Champions in 1954, 1974 (at home) and 1990 - all before unification with the East. Runners up in 1966 (oh, yes they were), 1982, 1986 and 2002. Semi finalists in 1934, 1958, 1970 and 2006. Quarters finals in 1962, 1994 and 1998. Basically, apart from 1950 - when they were banned because they'd just spent six years trying to kill everyone in the whole world - they're pretty much certainties to be there and there abouts and you should never write them off. Apparently. Of course, every time we like to kid ourselves and say 'yes, that's all very well but this is clearly the weakest German team in living memory.' And then, they still make the semi finals. Underestimate them at your peril.
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World Cup finalists record. Australia. Only one qualification before this millennium (in 1974) but, since they got themselves out the Oceania qualification group and relocated - technically, if not geographically - to Asia, this is the second time in a row they've made it to the finals. The Aussies have always loved footie but now, they have some terrific players with plenty of international experience. Could do even better than their unfortunate second round exit to Italy last time.
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World Cup finalists record. Serbia. As the bulk of the old Yugoslavia they had a good World Cup record - semi finalists in 1962, reaching the quarters in 1954, 1958 and 1990. Since the break up of the Balkans, they've been more sporadic and, as Serbia and Montenegro in 2006 they were, frankly, a bloody disgrace (particularly in that match against Argentina when they made the Argies look far better than they actually were). Will be hoping to match some of the recent of endeavours of their much-loathed neighbours Croatia of late.
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World Cup finalists record. Ghana. Second time qualifiers having - impressively - made the second round in 2006. They have a fine recent record in the African Cup of Nations. Could - like so many of the African sides - be ready for a major impact this time around particularly as most of their best players now ply their trade for major clubs in Europe.
Did You Know?: World Cup finalists record. The Netherlands. Two first round exits in 1934 and 1938 led to over thirty years of pretty much nothing at international level.
Then came total football and the magnificent Dutch were runners up in 1974 and 1978, semi finalists in 1998 and reached the quarters in 1994. They are still annoyingly erratic and difficult to predict - as recently as 2002 they failed to qualify despite reaching the semi finals of the European Championships two years either side. And, in Euro 2008 they looked like certain winners for two matches and then lost, disappointingly, to the Russians. If they decide to come to the party and bring their own music, if they can keep from squabbling among themselves, if they have a bit of the luck they've sometimes lacked ... if, if, if ... Is the world ready for the Clockwork Oranj again?
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World Cup finalists record. Denmark. Quarter finalists in 1998. Didn't qualify last time around, which was a bit of a surprise. Long gone are the days when Danish football was something of a joke compared to its neighbours of Germany, Holland and Sweden. Qualified in some style (from a very hard group). One to watch out for.
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World Cup finalists record. Japan. Fourth qualification in a row for the men from the Far East although they've only once been as far as the second round - and that was in 2002 when they played at home. And, sadly, this looks to be, by fair, their weakest squad since 1998.
Did You Know?: World Cup finalists record. Cameroon. Les Lion Indomptables.
Almost single-handedly raised African football from the gutter of patronisation and dismissal with their performances in 1982 (drawing the eventual champions Italy) and 1990 (reaching the quarter finals and pushing England to the brink of elimination). Since then, they've been regular qualifiers (although they missed out in 2006) but have never progressed beyond the first round and have usually looked somewhat disorganised, if individually extremely talented. They're about due good tournament.
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World Cup finalists record. Italy. The Azzurri. Champions twice in the thirties and again in 1982 and 2006. Runners up in 1970 and 1994. Semi finalists in 1978 and 1990 (at home). Made the quarters in 1986 and 1998. Usually, if they don't make it past the first round it's because they've been and gone and done something monumentally pure dead stupid (see, for instance, 1966, 1974 and Euro 96). Roll out the clichés - they always start slowly. They're a team that thinks in many circumstances, nil-nil is a good result. They seldom get a hiding off anyone. They can be ruthless and cynical. They can also be artisans of rare and stunning beauty. They can often be both at the same time. Bet against them if you dare.
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World Cup finalists record. Paraguay. Third qualification in a row and sixth over all, although they've never made it past the second round in any of their previous appearances. They did, however, finish higher than both Argentina and Uruguay in the qualifiers, which suggests this might just be their breakthrough year on the world stage.
Did You Know?: World Cup finalists record. New Zealand. Winner of the - rather rubbish - Oceania group, and conquerors of the mighty Bahrain in a play-off for the right to be at their second World Cup.
Much has changed since 1982, their players are now professional and mostly play in Europe, Australia and America. This tournament is unlikely to be anything much more than a learning curve for them but it's nice to have them back in the big time and they come from probably the most lovely country on the planet so, they deserve a break.
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World Cup finalists record. Slovakia. First time qualifiers in their own right although, as part of the old Czechoslovakia, they had - at least a part of - a very proud World Cup tradition going right the way back the 1930s. Qualified top of a strong group that included neighbours and rivals the Czech Republic. Have some very good players and could be something of a surprise package. This year's Croatia, if you like. Watch, now they'll turn out to be this year's Serbia and Montenegro after I've given them that sort of build up.
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World Cup finalists record. Brazil. Winners in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002. Runners up in 1950 and 1998. Semi finalists in 1938. Quite literally, kicked out of the tournament in 1966. Tried to adapt to a more European physical style in 1974 and were much the poorer for it - both literally and metaphorically. Looked like world beaters in 1982 but fell in the second round due to defensive frailty. Quarter finalists last time. Blah, blah, blah, Boys of 70. Blah, blah, blah, Pele. Blah, blah, blah, samba magic. Yeah. Might be. When Brazil turn it on they really do turn it on. But, it's got to be said, some of the aura that surrounds them is because of exploits from a time before even the parents of many of the current team were born, let along the current team itself. And yet ... when Brazil some to the party, the whole party smiles. And that's a good thing.
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World Cup finalists record. North Korea. Second time finalists, and their first appearance on the world stage in forty four years. Just like that team, we know very little about them except that they're in a tough tough group and will need something special to get through it. Mind you, they said that about Pak Doo-Ik and his chums in 1966 as well and look what happened there.
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World Cup finalists record. Côte d'Ivoire. Second time qualifiers. Made a joyful, if ultimately unsuccessful, impact four years ago. Like Cameroon and Nigeria they are usually there or there abouts in the African Cup of Nations and their best players light up the Premiership, La Liga and Ligue 1. As with 2006, they've found themselves in a rock hard group but if they're ever going to make the leap from 'delightful to watch but they'll never win anything' to something more solid, they'll never have a better chance.
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World Cup finalists record. Portugal. Semi finalists, in 1966 when everybody (except, maybe Pele) adored them. Quarter finals in 2006, when pretty much everyone loathed them on general principle. It's remarkable what a touch of Ronaldo can add to a country's reputation, isn't it? A recent fine record in the European Championship (they haven't failed to make the quarter final since 1992) has never been matched at world level and their 2002 campaign was an utter shambles. As with many teams - the Dutch, the Italian, and especially, the Spanish - with this lot it's often a question of which Portugal team turns up. If it's the slick, ball-playing side of Euro 2004, this could be a sight to see. If it's the nasty, underachieving class on 2002, that could be a sight to see as well.
Did You Know?: World Cup finalists record. Spain. The Red Fury. With the quality of players they have through the years, the fact that the best they've got to show for it at World Cup level are a handful of quarter final appearances (most recently in 2002) is staggering. The fact that,
until they won the 2008 European Championships Spain's perpetual ability to screw it up each time they played in a major tournament was a kind of running pan-continental joke, tells its own story. (To be fair, they did also win the then European Nations Cup in 1964). This is, possibly, the finest Spanish side ever and they were genuinely thrilling two years ago when for once differences better Catalans and Castilians were shelved for the greater good. Again, though, it's that old question of which one of them is going to turn up. If it's the sulky, bitter, internally fractious Spain of so many previous World Cups then it's unlikely we'll see Carles Puyol holding up the trophy at the end of June. But, it might not be. And, if it isn't, the next month might, just, be worth all the hype.
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World Cup finalists record. Switzerland. Only once, in 1954, have Switzerland made it beyond the second round. Four years ago, they went out in the worst possible fashion, failing to score a single penalty against Ukraine after one of the most horrible football matches I've ever had the misfortune to sit through one hundred and twenty minutes of. This is probably their most experienced ever side and they've got a very good coach. They're actually in a group that they should feel quite confident of qualifying from. But, if they do, it's to be hoped they've been practicing both penalties and the concept of adventurism for the last four years.
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World Cup finalists record. Chile. No, actually it's quite warm today. Sorry. Eighth qualification, though they have never done better than in 1962 (at home) when they finished third. Qualified in 1974 because FIFA were happy to appease the thuggish torturers who ran the country in those days and made the politically naive decision to try and force the Soviet Union to take part in a play off in a stadium stained by the blood of thousands of disparus. Still, water under the bridge, eh? Made the second round on the last appearance in 1998. Finished second of the South American group behind Brazil and had some notable scalps along the way - including a memorable victory over neighbours and fierce rivals Argentina.
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World Cup finalists record. Honduras. Second time qualifiers. Won a lot of friends during their last appearance, in 1982. Before that, the closest they'd got to the finals had been in 1970 when they'd ended up fighting a war with the neighbours El Salvador partly over the circumstances of their play-off. Sadly, they appear to be the weakest of the CONCACAF teams. And, New Zealand aside, of the whole tournament.
World Cup finalists record. Uruguay: Inaugural winners in 1930 and again in 1950. Semi finals in 1970. Quarter finals in 1966. Only one appearance in a finals tournament 1990 (going out in the first round in 2002). Usually very skillful, but with a somewhat cynical streak (though, arguably, they hide it a bit better than Argentina). Never a pushover but often unlovely and unloved.Did You Know?:
World Cup finalists record. South Africa. Hosts in 2010, and making their third finals appearance (after previously appearing in 1998 and 2002). The hosting national traditionally does quite well - even Japan made it to the second round in 2002.Did You Know?:
World Cup finalists record. Mexico. Regular finalists (banned in 1990 for using over-age players in an Olympic qualifying tournament, they've only missed out on qualification for two World Cups since the war - in 1974 and 1982). Usually a good bet for the second round but, significantly, the only two occasions that they've reached the quarter finals have been in 1970 and 1986. Both, when the tournament was held in their own country.Did You Know?:
World Cup finalists record. France. Champions, on home turf, in 1998. Runners up - fortunately - in 2006 and semi finalists twice, in 1982 and 1986 with a previous golden generation of talent. Failed to qualify in 1994 thanks to David Ginola's last minute calamity against Bulgaria. Thierry Henry is now the sole survivors of The Boys of '98. Were awful in 2002 and not much better last time around yet still made the final. Gallic flair or Gallic indifference this time around? You can never tell with the French.Did You Know?:
World Cup finalists record. Argentina: Champions (in very dodgy circumstances) at home in 1978 and, almost entirely thanks to one man - and his hand - in 1986. Much unloved runners up in 1990 when their cynicism and practicality in the face of not much available talent reached new heights. Quarter finalists four time, including a notorious one in 1966. Only ever failed to qualify once, in 1970. Great, often breath-taking winners but, by and large, very sour and sore losers. The Millwall of international football - no one likes them, but they (genuinely) don't care.Did You Know?:
World Cup finalists record. Nigeria. The Super Eagles, first qualified in 1994 and were within a minute of reaching the quarter finals four years later before the intervention of Baggio. Like all of the recent developing African nations, they are often a joy to watch and now have much European experience to draw upon. One day soon, an African country is going to fulfill Pele's prediction and win the World Cup. It might be this year.Did You Know?:
World Cup finalists record. South Korea. Asia's top team for the last couple of decades - and most successful side ever. They have qualified for every finals tournament since 1986 and, memorably, reached the semi finals when playing on their home ground in 2002. Never seem anywhere near as comfortable, or as stylish, when they are playing aboard, however.Did You Know?:
World Cup finalists record. Greece. Only the second ever World Cup qualification for the Greeks in 2010. And their last, in 1994, was a best-forgotten embarrassment of three heavy defeats. Against all odds, however, they did win the 2004 European Championship so, on their day, they're clearly no mugs. This time around, the first thing they'll be hoping for is a goal, something they couldn't manage at all in USA 94.Did You Know?:
World Cup finalists record. England. Snubbed the tournament's very existence for the first twelve years. Winners, at home, in 1966 - you know, World Cup Willie And All That. Semi finals, and agonisingly unlucky with possibly their best ever side, in 1990. Quarters finals in 1970, 1986, 2002 and 2006 - each one a novel-sized story of triumph and tragedy in and of itself. Failed to qualify in 1974 and 1978 (Poland and Italy, respectively, knocking them out). And, also, in 1994 when a disastrous manager, one very dodgy refereeing decision in Amsterdam and a Norway side that simply had more fight in them were all factor. Usually manage to include in every World Cup campaign something stupid, something dramatic and something wonderful. In that, in many ways, they're the most predictable team in the tournament. Look to have their strongest side since Bobby Robson's boys in Italy. So, quarter finals again?!Did You Know?:
World Cup finalists record. USA. Nine previous finals appearances - including a third place in 1930. These days, they're pretty much regulars at the finals for the last twenty years and, now most of their best players have top class European club experience. Still, they appear to have difficulty in actually calling the game by its correct name. Philistines.Did You Know?:
World Cup finalists record. Algeria. Third time qualifiers, their memorable debut in 1982 ended in scandal and outrage (not of their making, one hastens to add). This will be their first time at the World Cup in twenty four years. They look to be the weakest of the six African qualifiers this time around.Did You Know?:
World Cup finalists record. Slovenia. Second time qualifiers after a so-so debut in 2002 having previously been a - minor - part of the old Yugoslavian set-up. They beat Russia in a play-off to make the finals this time around which, whilst these days might not be the boast it once was, is still something they can take great pride in. Quick, skillful and with bags of overseas experience.Did You Know?:
World Cup finalists record. Germany. Champions in 1954, 1974 (at home) and 1990 - all before unification with the East. Runners up in 1966 (oh, yes they were), 1982, 1986 and 2002. Semi finalists in 1934, 1958, 1970 and 2006. Quarters finals in 1962, 1994 and 1998. Basically, apart from 1950 - when they were banned because they'd just spent six years trying to kill everyone in the whole world - they're pretty much certainties to be there and there abouts and you should never write them off. Apparently. Of course, every time we like to kid ourselves and say 'yes, that's all very well but this is clearly the weakest German team in living memory.' And then, they still make the semi finals. Underestimate them at your peril.Did You Know?:
World Cup finalists record. Australia. Only one qualification before this millennium (in 1974) but, since they got themselves out the Oceania qualification group and relocated - technically, if not geographically - to Asia, this is the second time in a row they've made it to the finals. The Aussies have always loved footie but now, they have some terrific players with plenty of international experience. Could do even better than their unfortunate second round exit to Italy last time.Did You Know?:
World Cup finalists record. Serbia. As the bulk of the old Yugoslavia they had a good World Cup record - semi finalists in 1962, reaching the quarters in 1954, 1958 and 1990. Since the break up of the Balkans, they've been more sporadic and, as Serbia and Montenegro in 2006 they were, frankly, a bloody disgrace (particularly in that match against Argentina when they made the Argies look far better than they actually were). Will be hoping to match some of the recent of endeavours of their much-loathed neighbours Croatia of late.Did You Know?:
World Cup finalists record. Ghana. Second time qualifiers having - impressively - made the second round in 2006. They have a fine recent record in the African Cup of Nations. Could - like so many of the African sides - be ready for a major impact this time around particularly as most of their best players now ply their trade for major clubs in Europe.Did You Know?: World Cup finalists record. The Netherlands. Two first round exits in 1934 and 1938 led to over thirty years of pretty much nothing at international level.
Then came total football and the magnificent Dutch were runners up in 1974 and 1978, semi finalists in 1998 and reached the quarters in 1994. They are still annoyingly erratic and difficult to predict - as recently as 2002 they failed to qualify despite reaching the semi finals of the European Championships two years either side. And, in Euro 2008 they looked like certain winners for two matches and then lost, disappointingly, to the Russians. If they decide to come to the party and bring their own music, if they can keep from squabbling among themselves, if they have a bit of the luck they've sometimes lacked ... if, if, if ... Is the world ready for the Clockwork Oranj again?Did You Know?:
World Cup finalists record. Denmark. Quarter finalists in 1998. Didn't qualify last time around, which was a bit of a surprise. Long gone are the days when Danish football was something of a joke compared to its neighbours of Germany, Holland and Sweden. Qualified in some style (from a very hard group). One to watch out for.Did You Know?:
World Cup finalists record. Japan. Fourth qualification in a row for the men from the Far East although they've only once been as far as the second round - and that was in 2002 when they played at home. And, sadly, this looks to be, by fair, their weakest squad since 1998.Did You Know?: World Cup finalists record. Cameroon. Les Lion Indomptables.
Almost single-handedly raised African football from the gutter of patronisation and dismissal with their performances in 1982 (drawing the eventual champions Italy) and 1990 (reaching the quarter finals and pushing England to the brink of elimination). Since then, they've been regular qualifiers (although they missed out in 2006) but have never progressed beyond the first round and have usually looked somewhat disorganised, if individually extremely talented. They're about due good tournament.Did You Know?:
World Cup finalists record. Italy. The Azzurri. Champions twice in the thirties and again in 1982 and 2006. Runners up in 1970 and 1994. Semi finalists in 1978 and 1990 (at home). Made the quarters in 1986 and 1998. Usually, if they don't make it past the first round it's because they've been and gone and done something monumentally pure dead stupid (see, for instance, 1966, 1974 and Euro 96). Roll out the clichés - they always start slowly. They're a team that thinks in many circumstances, nil-nil is a good result. They seldom get a hiding off anyone. They can be ruthless and cynical. They can also be artisans of rare and stunning beauty. They can often be both at the same time. Bet against them if you dare.Did You Know?:
World Cup finalists record. Paraguay. Third qualification in a row and sixth over all, although they've never made it past the second round in any of their previous appearances. They did, however, finish higher than both Argentina and Uruguay in the qualifiers, which suggests this might just be their breakthrough year on the world stage.Did You Know?: World Cup finalists record. New Zealand. Winner of the - rather rubbish - Oceania group, and conquerors of the mighty Bahrain in a play-off for the right to be at their second World Cup.
Much has changed since 1982, their players are now professional and mostly play in Europe, Australia and America. This tournament is unlikely to be anything much more than a learning curve for them but it's nice to have them back in the big time and they come from probably the most lovely country on the planet so, they deserve a break.Did You Know?:
World Cup finalists record. Slovakia. First time qualifiers in their own right although, as part of the old Czechoslovakia, they had - at least a part of - a very proud World Cup tradition going right the way back the 1930s. Qualified top of a strong group that included neighbours and rivals the Czech Republic. Have some very good players and could be something of a surprise package. This year's Croatia, if you like. Watch, now they'll turn out to be this year's Serbia and Montenegro after I've given them that sort of build up.Did You Know?:
World Cup finalists record. Brazil. Winners in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002. Runners up in 1950 and 1998. Semi finalists in 1938. Quite literally, kicked out of the tournament in 1966. Tried to adapt to a more European physical style in 1974 and were much the poorer for it - both literally and metaphorically. Looked like world beaters in 1982 but fell in the second round due to defensive frailty. Quarter finalists last time. Blah, blah, blah, Boys of 70. Blah, blah, blah, Pele. Blah, blah, blah, samba magic. Yeah. Might be. When Brazil turn it on they really do turn it on. But, it's got to be said, some of the aura that surrounds them is because of exploits from a time before even the parents of many of the current team were born, let along the current team itself. And yet ... when Brazil some to the party, the whole party smiles. And that's a good thing.Did You Know?:
World Cup finalists record. North Korea. Second time finalists, and their first appearance on the world stage in forty four years. Just like that team, we know very little about them except that they're in a tough tough group and will need something special to get through it. Mind you, they said that about Pak Doo-Ik and his chums in 1966 as well and look what happened there.Did You Know?:
World Cup finalists record. Côte d'Ivoire. Second time qualifiers. Made a joyful, if ultimately unsuccessful, impact four years ago. Like Cameroon and Nigeria they are usually there or there abouts in the African Cup of Nations and their best players light up the Premiership, La Liga and Ligue 1. As with 2006, they've found themselves in a rock hard group but if they're ever going to make the leap from 'delightful to watch but they'll never win anything' to something more solid, they'll never have a better chance.Did You Know?:
World Cup finalists record. Portugal. Semi finalists, in 1966 when everybody (except, maybe Pele) adored them. Quarter finals in 2006, when pretty much everyone loathed them on general principle. It's remarkable what a touch of Ronaldo can add to a country's reputation, isn't it? A recent fine record in the European Championship (they haven't failed to make the quarter final since 1992) has never been matched at world level and their 2002 campaign was an utter shambles. As with many teams - the Dutch, the Italian, and especially, the Spanish - with this lot it's often a question of which Portugal team turns up. If it's the slick, ball-playing side of Euro 2004, this could be a sight to see. If it's the nasty, underachieving class on 2002, that could be a sight to see as well.Did You Know?: World Cup finalists record. Spain. The Red Fury. With the quality of players they have through the years, the fact that the best they've got to show for it at World Cup level are a handful of quarter final appearances (most recently in 2002) is staggering. The fact that,
until they won the 2008 European Championships Spain's perpetual ability to screw it up each time they played in a major tournament was a kind of running pan-continental joke, tells its own story. (To be fair, they did also win the then European Nations Cup in 1964). This is, possibly, the finest Spanish side ever and they were genuinely thrilling two years ago when for once differences better Catalans and Castilians were shelved for the greater good. Again, though, it's that old question of which one of them is going to turn up. If it's the sulky, bitter, internally fractious Spain of so many previous World Cups then it's unlikely we'll see Carles Puyol holding up the trophy at the end of June. But, it might not be. And, if it isn't, the next month might, just, be worth all the hype.Did You Know?:
World Cup finalists record. Switzerland. Only once, in 1954, have Switzerland made it beyond the second round. Four years ago, they went out in the worst possible fashion, failing to score a single penalty against Ukraine after one of the most horrible football matches I've ever had the misfortune to sit through one hundred and twenty minutes of. This is probably their most experienced ever side and they've got a very good coach. They're actually in a group that they should feel quite confident of qualifying from. But, if they do, it's to be hoped they've been practicing both penalties and the concept of adventurism for the last four years.Did You Know?:
World Cup finalists record. Chile. No, actually it's quite warm today. Sorry. Eighth qualification, though they have never done better than in 1962 (at home) when they finished third. Qualified in 1974 because FIFA were happy to appease the thuggish torturers who ran the country in those days and made the politically naive decision to try and force the Soviet Union to take part in a play off in a stadium stained by the blood of thousands of disparus. Still, water under the bridge, eh? Made the second round on the last appearance in 1998. Finished second of the South American group behind Brazil and had some notable scalps along the way - including a memorable victory over neighbours and fierce rivals Argentina.Did You Know?:
World Cup finalists record. Honduras. Second time qualifiers. Won a lot of friends during their last appearance, in 1982. Before that, the closest they'd got to the finals had been in 1970 when they'd ended up fighting a war with the neighbours El Salvador partly over the circumstances of their play-off. Sadly, they appear to be the weakest of the CONCACAF teams. And, New Zealand aside, of the whole tournament. 
