World Cup Run In

I was up till 4.30am last night to follow the text commentary on the France v Rep. of Ireland match. Mad!

However, it does now complete the World Cup qualification stage.

Aubs reviews each country´s chances, but will refuse to give more definitive predictions until after the World Cup groups are drawn on December 4th and discovers what injuries occur to key players between now and June.

Algeria – the last African country to qualify for South Africa, they could well be the first to leave.

Argentina – under the reigns of the extraordinary Diego Maradonna, he´ll be putting his all in to oversee his team progress at least beyond the group stages.

Australia – The Socceroos will openly admit they are there to make up the numbers. They made it to the 2nd round last term, but I can´t see them pulling this off this feat again. The supporters will be right behind them though and will add to the World Cup spectacle.

Brazil – it´s a brave person who would bet against the Brazilians who can always turn on the heat in World Cup competitions. However, i´m brave – they´re not going to be lifting the trophy come 11th July.

Cameroon – they´ve pulled a few surprises in the past.

Chile – Chile pulled off several shocks in their qualification. Will need a lot of luck to progress beyond the group stage.

Denmark – will need a lucky draw if they are to progress out of their group. Organised, but not inspiring to watch visually.

England – perennial failures, the masters of penalty shoot-out misses, England have had to turn to the Italian Fabio Capello to begin to get the best out of some of the World class players. If England can go into the tournament with key players injury free, England should progress to the last 8.

France – French football has declined steadily since their World Cup triumph in 1998. Some true class players, but they´re aging fast. Their manager, Raymond Dominique, looks tactically bereft.

Germany – regular over-achievers, Germany will need more luck if they are to succeed this time. I think even they would be happy with a top 4 place.

Ghana – with some quality players, I expect Ghana to be one of the strongest African teams.

Greece- dull, boring and uninspired, Greece sneaked through the back door, for the first time in 16 years. No chance.

Holland – with both organisation and that orange flair, the Dutch remain one of the Euroean heavyweights. Possibly a final 8 finish, but I can´t see them in the semis.

Honduras – nah.

Ivory Coast – Any team that possesses the cheating, but exceptionally gifted Didier Drogba, must feel confident. Africa´s strongest hope for success with several World class players spread throughout the team.

Italy – current World Champions, Italy just don´t look strong enough to retain the title. I expect them to make the last 8, but will need a lot of luck to go any further.

Japan – lively, organized and quick, if they get a lucky group, don´t be surprised to find them in the 2nd round.

Mexico – after a slow start to their qualification, the Mexicans have pulled together a good-looking string of results. If they can survive the group stages, expect them to make it to the last 16.

New Zealand – watching the All-Whites qualify against Bahrain, they are only in SA to make up the numbers.

Nigeria – Nigeria are becoming regulars on the World Cup scene. Could previous experience enable them to survive to 2nd stage? Possibly if they get a lucky draw.

North Korea – I confess I have a strong partiality to this maverick country. This is my surprise Asian team. Just watch them go for it.
The documentary of their appearance in the 1966 World Cup finals, entitled The Game of Their Lives, is one of the most incredibly moving sports documentaries ever made. A must-see movie.

Serbia – technically good, Serbia can play some nice football, but not anywhere near as strong as last time.

Slovakia – great to see them at the finals, but they won´t be in South Africa for long.

Slovenia – another last minute sneaky, beating Russia in the play-offs. Good to see them qualify, but don´t expect too much.

South Africa – As hosts for the tournament, qualification has been automatic. Despite the home support, I fear S. Africa will struggle.

South Korea – lacking the flair and home support that they received in 2002, they will find the competition increasingly challenging.

Spain – clearly Europe´s top team for the last two years, this could well be Spain´s best opportunity for World Cup success. They look class and have enough quality throughout the team.

Switzerland – the progress of Swiss football has been very good, which also included a place in the FIFA Under 17 World Cup final. Tight and organized, it is not always pleasant to watch.

Paraguay - Paraguay had a cracking qualification from the South American group, and they have the potential to shock and surprise.

Portugal – no longer the team they were until recently, Portugal sneaked in through the back door. They do possess some talent, and defensively still tight, but apart from Ronaldo, they have nothing that looks threatening.

USA – with Watford captain Jay Demerit playing, i really want them to do well. Alas, without a decent group draw, i fear they´ll struggle to progress out of the group stages.

Uruguay – despite some strong performance in qualification, they will need to show greater consistency if they are to progress beyond the group stages.

Watch Honduras put me to shame in South Africa on July 11th.