The 'I've heard that Bali is lovely in the summer...just make sure we get a room with a big tv' Bracket
32 teams qualify which means that over 160 miss out. While few neutrals will miss the likes of Laos, Moldova or Barbados, a few International heavyweights will not be posted an invite to the party. None of the following are out of contention yet but are struggling to qualify.
Sweden - Runners up in 58' and qualifiers for every major tournament this decade, the Swedes have got off to an indifferent start to this campaign. Just 2 goals scored in 5 games including a 0-0 in Albania and a 1-0 defeat at home to local rivals Denmark. With the exception of the return match in Copenhagen, Sweden will be favourites in their remaining fixtures but may well have to win them all to even make the playoffs.
125/1 (Odds to win the tournament)
Portugal - Also in Group 1, Portugal have become an elite team in the last few years, exemplified by their semi final appearance in the last World Cup and runners up finish in the 2004 European Championships. They also possess many of the World's most expensive and best known players - Bosingwa, Carvalho, Deco, Pepe, Joao Moutinho, Simao, Nani and of course Cristiano Ronaldo. Failure to qualify would seem unthinkable but Bruno Alves' last minute winner in Albania on Saturday only just kept their chances alive. They have two key ties against Hungary but, like Sweden, may be playing for second place behind the Danes (who they lead 2-1 in the 89th minute only to lose 3-2 in Lisbon last year). If they can find a way to South Africa, they will be amongst the favourites.
33/1
Czech Republic - Since spliting from Slovakia in 1993, the Czechs have only made it to one World Cup Finals and failed to progress beyond the first round on that occasion. They have a better record in the EURO's, making the 96' final and the semis in 2004 (a tournament they should have won) but once again seem unable to peak in time for the global prize. The golden generation of Nedved and Poborsky are behind them and, after their poor start and an incident following their defeat at home to Slovakia, six players including Milan Baros and then-captain Tomas Ujfalusi were banned. Tomas Rosicky, the new captain, has hardly been seen in 18 months due to injury. This is a team in turmoil but they don't have a game until September and are capable of winning all four that remain. Winning their next match, in Slovakia, will be vital.
100/1
Turkey - The Turks have only ever qualified for 5 major tournaments (only 2 were World Cups) but are another team to have emerged in the last ten years; quarter-finalists in 2000 EURO's, 3rd place in 2002 World Cup and entertaining semi-finalists in the 2008 European Championships. Two defeats to Spain are nothing to criticise but they trail an improving Bosnia team by 4 points and and 10 goal difference and have to travel there in September.
250/1
Cameroon - Considered perennial qualifiers, the 'Indomitable Lions' failed to make it to Germany in 2006 and may miss out once again. Emmanuel Adebayor's goal beat them in Togo, they could only draw at home to Morocco and next travel to a Gabon side that has won both its game in the round so far. Their future is still in their own hands but they have started poorly.
66/1
Mexico - They almost always qualify and have made the knockout round in the last four tournaments but find themselves in a spot of bother. Three defeats in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying cost Sven-Goran Eriksson his job but they only trail the team in third (the final qualifying spot) by 2 points and do have 4 home games to play. New manager Javier Aguirre could still guide this team to South Africa but, to this point, their performances have not convinced that they will.
66/1
The 'Let's just not be remembered as the worst hosts since Steven Seagal was on Saturday Night Live' Bracket
South Africa - They won the right to host the festival of football in 2004, however rumours ran throughout the next few years that the tournament may be relocated amidst fears that stadia and infrastructure may not be finished. These issues appear to have been dealt with but concerns about the team's competitiveness have replaced them. As hosts, they have not had to qualify but did play in the qualifying rounds as they double up as African Nation's Cup qualification; they won just two games, both against Equitoreal Guniea, and failed to make the final round. Every team that has held the tournament has made it past the first round, 6 have won it, but Bafana Bafana will do well to keep that streak alive.
150/1
The 'Des Walker/David Ginola/Scott Carson couldn't even cost us a place but someone will have to reference Wikipedia to remember what we did there' Bracket
Costa Rica - Lead CONCACAF Qualifying and are on course to make their third successive World Cup. Striker Alvaro Sarborio has scored key goals and could be on his way to the Premiership. Like i said, Wikipedia.
5000/1
The 'Benjamin Disraeli award for most times referred to as a dark horse' Bracket
These sides never ever ever win, ever, only 7 nations ever have, but here are some of the semi-finalists in the last 30 years: Poland, Belgium, England, Croatia, Sweden, Bulgaria, Turkey, Portugal and South Korea.
Ghana - Looking good to qualify and one of the eminent forces in Africa right now. Ghana made the knockout phase last time around, beating the Czechs and Americans on the way, and feature some top class talent, particularly in midfield with the likes of Sulley Muntari, Stephen Appiah, Moussa Narry and the splendid Michael Essien. Should be a more savvy group than the one exposed by Brazil in 2006.
80/1
Ivory Coast - Much fancied, they were unlucky to be drawn in the 'group of death' in 2006 and were eliminated following narrow defeats to Argentina and Holland. They should qualify (although they face two big games against Burkina Faso that they need to survive unscathed) and as long as they do, will boast an experienced and accomplished squad that few will want to play; Didier Drogba will be joined by Kolo and Yaya Toure, Emmanuel Eboue, Didier Zokora, Abdul Keita, Salomon Kalou and Arouna Kone - all of whom will benefit from playing in Germany.
40/1
Paraguay - A new breed of players are leading a resurgent Paraguayan team to new heights. They have never been beyond the second round of a World Cup before but share the lead in qualifying with Brazil and have already beaten them in Asuncion. An experienced back line, lead by captain Julio Caceres, are complemented by some of the finest attacking talent the nation has ever known; Roque Santa Cruz, Nelson Valdez and Oscar Cardozo have been regular scorers in England, Germany and Portugal over the last couple of seasons. Rarely do a South American sides beyond the big two make it to the latter stages but this team could suprise.66/1
Denmark - After drawing their opening qualifier in Budapest, the Danes have won all five games, including stellar victories in Portugal and Sweden. Thomas Kahlenberg, Christian Poulsen and Daniel Agger could all star but can the old guard of Rommedahl, Jorgensen and Gronkjaer provide a cutting edge alongside Bendtner?
100/1
Russia - Semi-finalists in the last European Championships (they beat England on the way there and then Greece, Sweden and Holland at the tournament before falling to eventual winners Spain), the Russians may define the term 'dark horse.' An astute manager, a strong team ethic and a scattering of top-class players will make them dangerous but historically they do not travel well. Yuri Zhirkov and Pavel Pogrebnyak could join Andrei Arshavin and Roman Pavlyuchenko in the Premiership next season.
33/1
Croatia - Their best chance of success may have passed them by in Austria and Switzerland but the current incarnate should have learnt from their defeat to the Turks. Well beaten by England in Zagreb and not overly impressive in the preliminary stages to this point, the Croats will hope to peak at the right time. Players like Modric, Kranjcar, Corluka, Mandzukic and Rakitic are all under 24 and should continue to improve while Olic, Pranjic, Petric, Klasnic, Srna and Leko will be in their prime next year.
50/1
The 'You looked much better from the other side of the club' Bracket
Don't fall in love with a girl while drunk = Don't trust that a team that performs well early will be end up being the champions.
Holland - Runners-up in 74' and 78', home of some of the best players ever to lace a boot and masters of not quite living up to expectation. They are the first European side to qualify, albeit from an abysmal group (the second best team are Scotland), and hopes will be high for a squad involving some major talents - Van Persie, Sneijder, Robben and Van der Vaart lit up the group stages of the EURO's but fell flat against Russia. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Ibrahim Afellay will join this star-studded group and who knows, if it all comes together, they could win their first title. They wont but it's guarenteed that someone will be smoking what they're selling in the build up.
10/1
The 'Manager will be sacked if we don't make the semi's...except Fabio Capello because we can't afford to pay him off - See Sven' BracketItaly - The reigning World Champions have hardly looked invincible since lifting the trophy for the fourth time but their form between competitions is rarely an indication of their potential. Lippi will rely on several veterans of the last World Cup (penalty hero Grosso, Luca Toni, Andrea Pirlo, Rino Gattuso, Mauro Camoranesi, Gigi Buffon and captain Fabio Cannavaro) but are the next generation ready? Nobody will fancy them for the tournament but nobody ever really does.
10/1
France - No Zidane? No Chance...Well, perhaps not quite but since his explosive dismissal in the last WC final, little has gone right for Les Bleus. They lost that final on penalties and were terrible at EURO 2008, only collecting a single point in the group stage. Raymond Domenech was allowed to keep his job after that failure but has been under pressure virtually since arriving in the post almost five years ago. His cause won't have been helped by a defeat in Austria in their opening qualifier but they have responded and sit second, behind Serbia. Assuming they make it to South Africa, the question will be whether to stay with the old guard (Vieira, Gallas, Silvestre) or hand the team over to the next wave - Gourcuff, Benzema, Diaby, Diarra, Clichy, Nasri, Ben Arfa, Briand...There are alot. Any team with the likes of Henry, Ribery et al can't be that bad right?
16/1
Germany - Quarter-finalists in each of the last seven WC finals and finalists in an amazing 5 of the last 9 tournaments. The Germans do not have a side to scare anybody and yet they will probably be there at the end, again.
10/1
Spain - Favourites with anybody who had the pleasure of watching them at EURO 2008 and the heart of their midfield outclass Man United's in the Champions League final. They, along with the Dutch, are the best sides never to win the big one but their victory in Vienna last summer should have helped aleviate their apparent stage fright. Probably the only side that could think of outplaying South America's finest, the spine of the team may be stronger than any other in World football - Casillas, Puyol, Sergio Ramos, Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas, Torres and Villa.
5/1
England - Oh Fabio, where for out thy Fabio? England's romancer has arrived and is leading the Three Lions towards safari-land. Almost certain to qualify after a perfect start and boasting a crop of players who will know that this may be their last chance - Gerrard, Lampard, Ferdinand, Beckham...this is your time.
7/1
The 'What? No European team has won the trophy outside Europe? Oh goody...' Bracket
If it ain't Spain, it's one of these boys. Maybe Germany, maybe Italy or England...probably Germany...
Brazil - They have appeared in every World Cup (a record) and have won 5 of them (a record) so if there was ever a favourite for the title its the boys from Brazil. Dunga has some exceptional talent to choose from as usual and, win or lose, will likely provide some of the most sparkling moments of the tournament. Kaka will be running the show but it could be Lucio, captain and central defender, that could be the key cog in the machine.5/1
Argentina - Not past the quarters since Maradona left this team but now, with the nation's idol back as coach, they could be about to make all that right. Not exactly flying through the maze of CONMEBOL qualifying but in Leo Messi and Sergio Aguero have the two most natural successors to Maradona's no.10 shirt. Probably should have won the thing last time around but they may be even better next year.
6/1
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