Chile
/ 14 March 2010

Chile

Chile’s recent renaissance has been capped by a return to the finals following a 12-year absence.

Spain
/ 14 March 2010

Spain

Spain’s performance in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup can only be given top marks.

Portugal
/ 14 March 2010

Portugal

Finalists at Euro 2004 and semifinalists at Germany 2006, Portugal have displayed some dazzling football in recent years, but without ever winning.

Korea DPR
/ 14 March 2010

Korea DPR

Korea DPR seemingly came from nowhere to storm into the Asian Zone’s final round of qualifying, where they defied sizeable odds.

Brazil
/ 14 March 2010

Brazil

It almost goes without saying that Brazil, the five-times world champions, go into every World Cup heavily favoured to win yet again.

Slovakia
/ 14 March 2010

Slovakia

Appearing for the first time in a major international competition, Slovakia are striving to relive the glory years of the former Czechoslovakia.

New Zealand
/ 14 March 2010

New Zealand

After a disastrous campaign in 2006, New Zealand has bounced back to qualify for their first appearance on the world stage in 28 years.

Paraguay
/ 14 March 2010

Paraguay

Having just put together their best ever qualification campaign, Paraguay are entitled to think big ahead of their fourth consecutive appearance.

Italy
/ 14 March 2010

Italy

Defending champions Italy will naturally be one of the leading favourites at South Africa 2010.

Cameroon
/ 14 March 2010

Cameroon

Though their light may have faded somewhat since they brightened up the world stage at Italia 1990, Cameroon are not to be underestimated.

Japan
/ 14 March 2010

Japan

With one of the strongest squads in Asian soccer, Japan, winners of three of the last five editions of the AFC Asian Cup, have high hopes for SA.

Denmark
/ 14 March 2010

Denmark

After a six-year absence, Denmark is once again set to explode on the elite world soccer scene.

The Netherlands
/ 14 March 2010

The Netherlands

The final or bust. The <i>Oranje</i> have set lofty aims for their campaign in South Africa, 32 years after their 3-1 extra-time defeat by Argentina.

Ghana
/ 14 March 2010

Ghana

The only African side to make it out of the group stage in 2006 and the first to qualify for South Africa 2010, Ghana are anxious to prove themselves.

Serbia
/ 14 March 2010

Serbia

Serbia played their maiden international, independently, in 2006, winning 3-1 in an away game to Czech Republic.

Australia
/ 14 March 2010

Australia

After a 32-year absence from the world stage, Australia made a strong statement at the 2006 Soccer World Cup.

Germany
/ 14 March 2010

Germany

Three-time Soccer World Cup winners Germany are perennial favourites at the tournament, and will come to South Africa with high expectations.