The Qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup are over, except for the playoff games which will determine the last batch of teams that will travel to South Africa. Here is a breakdown of the qualified teams, and the teams that will fight for a spot in the playoffs.
Europe
Qualified teams: Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Slovakia, Switzerland, England, Italy, Serbia, Spain
Playoff teams: Portugal, Greece, Slovenia, Russia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Ukraine, France, Republic of Ireland
Many big teams had difficulty in Europe, Portugal and Sweden struggled, and eventually Portugal prevailed, leaving Sweden and Ibrahimovic out of the 2010 World Cup. France struggled to get in the playoffs as well, but great playing by Gignac and Benzema helped save them a spot in the playoffs. Italy made it through, but coach Marcello Lippi was met with heavy controversy by Italian journalists for leaving Cassano out of the squad. England cruised through qualifications with new coach Fabio Capello, and Spain and the Netherlands had little trouble qualifying too.
South America
Qualified teams: Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Argentina
Playoff team: Uruguay
Only one change in the four qualified teams from the last World Cup, Chile takes the place of Ecuador in the top four. Chile is well known for their extremely attacking play, playing with the 3-3-1-3 formation Chile seems to be one of the teams that will add spice to this upcoming World Cup. Argentina makes it in at the last with controversial comments from Maradona. It seemed that Argentina might not qualify because of the constant change in the squad.
Concacaf
Qualified teams: USA, Mexico, Honduras
Playoff team: Costa Rica
The USA did well in these qualifiers, immediately solidifying its position, and their rival Mexico tried to overcome them, but were short one point. Honduras overcame Costa Rica thanks to a late goal by USA International Bornstein.
Africa
Qualified teams: Ghana, Ivory Coast
The African qualifiers haven't finished, and so far only two teams are qualified, Ghana and Ivory Coast. South Africa is already qualified because it is the host nation.
Asia
Qualified teams: Australia, Japan, Korea Republic, Korea DPR
Playoff teams: Bahrain, Saudi Arabia
The Asian qualifiers were quickly dominated by Australia and the Korea Republic, both having lost no games, they came first in their respective groups. A very tight competition between Korea DPR, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, all within one point of each other, Iran was unable to qualify.
Oceania
Playoff team: New Zealand
In Oceania, no direct qualification, the winner of the group of four teams goes in the playoff stages, New Zealand dominated the group with almost double points compared to New Caledonia who came second.
What do you think of the 2010 WC Qualifiers? Comment below!
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