It’s almost here. Years of anticipation, years of hopes, years of unsettled scores (here’s looking at Ghana) and years of qualification – more than 800 matches have brought us to this moment: only 32 teams remain. It’s easy to forget that the FIFA World Cup is not just a summer fling. It is the culmination of a world-wide extravaganza which started almost 3 years ago. Of FIFA’s 209 Member Association countries (think of it this way – that’s more than UN Member States), 201 took part in the qualification campaign, which started on June 15, 2011. (For the record, Brazil, as hosts, qualified automatically; South Sudan was added as a Member Association after qualification began; the Bahamas, Bhutan, Brunei, Guam, Mauritania and Mauritius did not participate.)
In the run-up to the biggest sporting event on the planet, The18 brings you our definitive guide to the World Cup where, over the next week, we'll take a look at the tournament, its rules, its format, players, teams and other context that will make the most of your viewing experience as a World Cup fan. For Part 1 of our series, we'll start with a look at the countries that made it past the qualification campaign and are now poised to face off in less than 5 days. Those countries are divided into 6 mostly-geographic Confederations around the world. Let’s get right to it … per Confederation, here’s a look at the 32 teams who will be battling in the jungles, by the beaches and in the metropolises of Brazil:
AFC Asian Football Confederation
46 Countries – 4 Qualified
Australia
Population ~23 million/4th FWC/round of 16 (2006)
The road to Brazil was not nearly as easy as Australia might have imagined (with losses to Oman and Jordan), and they won’t enjoy their time in the country either. Spain, the Netherlands and Chile will all look to run-up the score when they face Australia, who are left with little to stop them. Tim Cahill is still the standout, and scoring once or twice in three games may be the goal.
Tim Cahill will lead the Socceroos into Brazil; he has 3 career World Cup goals. (Photo: @houserat69 | Twitter)
Iran
Population ~77 million/4th FWC/have not advanced beyond the 1st round
They will yet again not see the light of knock-out play. While qualification came easily, and with some notable results (2 wins over South Korea stand out), their coach Carlos Queiroz is probably the only name most will recognize when the team lands in Brazil. This is not to say they are without talent, they’re just simply over-matched on the global stage – bottom of Group F, which also includes Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Nigeria.
Japan
Population ~127 million/5th FWC/round of 16 (2002, 2010)
Playing in their 5th consecutive FWC, Japan has become a bit of a mainstay. After 2 impressive runs in the previous 2 FWCs, they will slow down this summer. They should handle Greece, but the trouble will come in the forms of the Ivory Coast and Colombia. Kagawa and Honda, familiar names for sure, are back – but for our money they’ll come up just short.
Japan will rely on Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa if they are going to get out of the group stage. (Photo: @Palm_Freestyle | Twitter)
Korea Republic
Population ~50 million/9th FWC/semi-finalists in 2002
They made life difficult for themselves in qualifying with some poor results (see defeats to Lebanon and Iran), but here they are. They’ll face everyone’s darling Belgium, Algeria and Russia and the feeling is that the qualifying campaign showed cracks which haven’t been sealed. More struggles lie ahead, and they’ll be flying home after the group stage.
CAF Confédération Africaine de Football
54 Countries – 5 Qualified
Algeria
Population ~39 million/4th FWC/have not advanced beyond the 1st round
Yet to advance in a FWC, and the spell will not be broken here. While they certainly could have drawn a tougher group, Belgium, Russia and the Korea Republic (South Korea) all have more firepower, history and current class. Algeria are moving in the right direction – but names like Madjid Bougherra and Sofiane Feghouli will be unfamiliar to most this summer.
Cameroon
Population ~20 million/7th FWC/quarter-finalists in 1990 – only time advanced beyond the 1st round
The stat above – only advanced beyond the 1st round once – is telling, though they have played a part in 7 of the last 9 FWCs. They obviously have class amongst African nations, but have been searching for the “next Roger Milla” since 1990. Unlucky to draw the hosts, but fortunate to be grouped with Mexico and Croatia – it will be a dogfight, but look for them to come up short again.
Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
Population ~23 million/3rd FWC/have not advanced beyond the 1st round
The names are all familiar – Drogba, the Toure brothers, Kalou, Zakora – and finally, they will get out of the group stage. They’re aging, but shall we look at that as experienced? Drawn into a manageable group of Colombia, Greece and Japan, they have just enough to break Japanese hearts.
Ghana
Population ~25 million/3rd FWC/quarter-finalists in 2010
Like the Ivory Coast, it seems like some of Ghana’s players have been around forever – Essien, Muntari, even Gyan and Boateng seem to have been around longer than their ages. They were a late penalty miss from a place in the semi-finals in 2010 (when many first became acquainted with the toothy grin of Luis Suárez), and they should feel confident going into this summer. However, they will not see the round of 16.
Michael Essien will captain Ghana in their quest to get out of the "group of death" (Photo: @Sportscrusader | Twitter)
Nigeria
Population ~174 million/5th FWC/round of 16 (1994, 1998)
The perception is that Nigeria have faded in Africa, yet they won the African Cup of Nations just last year. Group H is a mixed bag containing Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iran, and it should come down to their match with B-H on 21 June. They’ll sew-up 2nd place in the group, and will relish their chance against the winner of Group E (Switzerland, Ecuador, France & Honduras).
CONCACAF Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football
35 Countries – 4 Qualified
Costa Rica
Population ~5 million/4th FWC/round of 16 (1990)
Even though their qualification was assured, will Costa Rica be just happy to be here? We can imagine them watching the draw …"Uruguay? OK, a #1 seed and a local – we knew we’d get someone tough. England? OK, not the greatest European power, but geez. Italy? Oh dear.” It’s hard to see Costa Rica notching a point, let alone a win, but they did finish second to the USA in CONCACAF qualifying, so they are certainly not devoid of talent.
Honduras
Population ~9 million/3rd FWC/have not advanced beyond the 1st round
Though the Azteca ceded a bit of its fortress status recently, Honduras’ qualification win in Mexico City was impressive. That helped them finish above Mexico in qualifying and now they can count themselves fortunate after a draw of Switzerland, Ecuador and France. The luck stops there.
Mexico
Population ~120 million/15th FWC/quarter-finalists in 1970, 1986
De nada. Were it not for the USA’s fight to the end of qualification (when there was nothing to play for), Mexico would be watching from home. But that’s all in the past, and after a drubbing of New Zealand (The best stat from the 2010 FWC? New Zealand was the only team not to lose a game.) in the inter-continental playoff, they’re here – and that’s all that matters. Brazil, Croatia and Cameroon await, and it’s hard to think that they have fully righted the ship to advance to the second round…time to rebuild.
USA
Population ~318 million/11th FWC/semi-finalists in 1930
There has been enough written and said about “The Decision” (sorry, Lebron), but put simply – it has had an effect on the 23 players who will be in Brazil. For the USA, it comes down to this: 16 June, 19:00 local time, the city of Natal, vs. Ghana. Needing a result against Ghana in their final group game in 2006, the USA lost. Facing the same country in a 2010 knock-out game produced the same result. If the USA can win this game (when the USA win this game), watch out. If something goes wrong in Natal, it won’t get any better.
CONMEBOL Confederación Sudamericana de Fútbol
10 Countries – 6 Qualified
Argentina
Population ~43 million/16th FWC/2-time winners (1978, 1986)
Having already played in 4 FWC finals, look for Argentina to get there again against the home country. It’s an easy pick to make, no going out on a limb here, but their star will carry them there – Ángel di María. Of course, there is another player on the squad that may wear that title, but di María will be the heart and soul of the team this summer. If anything, Argentina may be a player short at the back, but they make that up in spades through the middle and attacking areas. After topping Group F, only Germany will present a challenge – one that we believe will be met.
Brazil
Population ~203 million/20th FWC/5-time winners (1958, 1962, 1970, 1992, 2002)
The hosts. The only country to play in every FWC. 5 FWC victories. Their pedigree is unquestioned, and add to it all their scintillating and relatively easy stroll to the FIFA Confederations Cup title at home last summer. The country will accept nothing less than a victory, with most fans knowing the desolation which resulted from losing the FWC at home in 1950. They’ll top their group, but then a tricky test awaits against the Netherlands (who knocked them out in 2010) or Spain (whom they man-handled last summer). They’ll pass that hurdle and head straight to the final…and then?
Neymar will have the entire nation on his back where anything but a championship will be a disappointment. (Photo: @SoccerGuyTweets | Twitter)
Chile
Population ~18 million/9th FWC/semi-finalists in 1962
A popular pick, Chile must have squirmed through the draw as they saw themselves placed with Spain and the Netherlands…oh yeah, and Australia, too. A free-wheeling side, Chile love to attack, but it makes them very vulnerable at the back. 1 win, 2 losses, and a short trip back home.
Colombia
Population ~48 million/5th FWC/round of 16 (1990)
Colombia finished a very impressive 2nd place in CONMEBOL qualifying to emphatically book their first FWC since 1998. All eyes are on the fitness of Falcao, but even if he is able to play, a FWC is not the best venue for a return after a long absence. They’ll make it out of the group – but no further.
Ecuador
Population ~16 million/3rd FWC/round of 16 (2006)
A true mixed bag in qualifying – undefeated at home, no wins on the road. They considered themselves fortunate to have been drawn into Switzerland’s Group E, along with France and Honduras. However, look for them to stumble in their first 2 matches, leaving a win against France a must. They won’t get it.
Uruguay
Population ~3 million/12th FWC/2-time winners (1930, 1950)
From a population of just over 3 million, a current FIFA ranking of #6 – impressive. They made a hash of their qualifying campaign – especially at the outset – and needed an easy inter-continental playoff (a position in which they often find themselves) victory against Jordan to secure their place in Brazil. Cavani and the polarizing figure of Suárez (healthy?) lead the line, but unlike 4 years ago, Uruguay will not light-up the tournament. They’ll get out of the group, but it’s one tournament too far for the current crop.
Healthy Suarez or not, Edinson Cavani will have to do his part if Urugauy is going to make noise in the latter stages of the tournament. (Photo:@Azteca_Deportes | Twitter)
OFC Oceania Football Confederation
11 Countries – 0 Qualified
The winner of the OFC qualifying tournament, New Zealand, played a home and home inter-continental playoff with CONCACAF’s 4th seeded Mexico. Mexico advanced with a 9-3 aggregate win.
UEFA Union des Associations Européennes de Football
53 Countries – 13 Qualified
Belgium
Population ~11 million/12th FWC/semi-finalists in 1986
Can you still be considered a dark horse when you’re everyone’s dark horse? This team has youth and talent in droves, as even a casual fan of the English Premier League can attest. Courtois, Mignolet, Kompany, Vermaelen, Januzaj, Lukaku, Hazard (had to leave out some big names even from the short list) – you can’t be a hipster’s pick with that lineup. A kind draw (Algeria, Russia, Korea Republic) has only grown expectations – perhaps the only thing that can slow down this juggernaut.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Population ~4 million/1st FWC
A strong qualifying campaign (8 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss) saw them beat Greece to the top spot on goal difference. Their debut FWC, and they are not just here to make up the numbers. However, in a surprise to most, they’ll struggle to find their footing and lose out on advancing – just barely – to Nigeria.
Croatia
Population ~4 million/4th FWC/semi-finalists in 1998
Drawing the hosts is no easy task – but Croatia should be able to handle Mexico and Cameroon. The qualifying campaign was a mixed bag and an injury to Niko Kranjcar will not help, but the experience in the side will see them advance to the second round – where the dream of matching 1998’s surprise semi-final appearance will die.
England
Population ~53 million/14th FWC/Winners (1966)
The script is the same every major tournament – the weight of the country on their shoulders…pessimism prevails, until just before the tournament, when silver linings seem to appear – “this could be the year! Great combination of youth and experience!” It’s no different this time around. Rooney, all of the sudden a member of the old guard, Gerrard and Lampard are now joined by Sterling, Barkley and Sturridge. They should have just enough to squeak out of the group, and take the momentum to a quarter-final – where the competition will get too stiff.
Rooney will need youngsters Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and Ross Barkley at their best if England wants to reverse their World Cup fortunes. (Photo: @DebateBrasil14 | Twitter)
France
Population ~66 million/14th FWC/Winners (1998)
The 2010 FWC was a disaster on and off the field for France, and thus, expectations were lowered. Then came a draw of Switzerland, Ecuador and Honduras, and a real shot at topping the group. If they can do that, if Benzema is healthy and productive, if the defense looks as good live as they do on paper, they should cruise to the quarter-finals. But that’s a lot of "ifs."
Germany
Population ~81 million/18th FWC/3-time winners (1954, 1974, 1990)
In a stance opposite to England’s, confidence was always high (as it is every year) and yet has waned of late with news of injuries/recovery from injury (see Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Khedira, Neuer, etc.). But this is Germany, after all, the team who breezed through their qualifying group (9 wins and a draw in 10) and who seem to breeze through every FWC into the semi-finals. Expect the same here, with a familiar result – a spot in the 3rd place match.
Greece
Population ~11 million/3rd FWC/have not advanced beyond the 1st round
Very stingy at the back in qualifying, though they needed a 2-legged playoff win over Romania to advance to Brazil. Karagounis (37) is still the stand-out name on their roster, which will be over-matched by Colombia, the Ivory Coast and Japan. Still hanging on to the memory of Euro 2004, certainly their finest moment, look for them to finish bottom of the group.
Italy
Population ~60 million/18th FWC/4-time winners (1934, 1938, 1982, 2006)
Volare! Italy’s recent FWC experience makes them hard to predict – their bottom of the group performance in South Africa (New Zealand, Paraguay and Slovakia) was just as hard to foresee as the win in Germany. However, throw in the Euro 2012 final and an unbeaten run in qualifying, and Italy should certainly fancy their chances against Uruguay, Costa Rica and England. Their first match against England will set the tone – and, in yet another surprise, they’ll fail to advance.
Andrea Pirlo and Italians will look to win their 5th World Cup, which would move them into a tie for the most ever with Brazil. (Photo: @BBCSport | Twitter)
Netherlands
Population ~17 million/10th FWC/runners-up in 2010
Was it only 4 years ago that they clawed, fouled and karate-kicked their way through the FWC final? Out-matched by Spain on that day – they may even be stronger now. 28 points out of 30 in qualifying sent a statement, and when they come up against Spain on 13 June, the result will be different this time. The injury to Van der Vaart is unfortunate, but they will cruise to the semi-final before being stopped.
Portugal
Population ~10 million/6th FWC/semi-finalists in 1966 and 2006
Are there 10 other players on this team? At times, both on and off the pitch, it doesn’t seem so. So much the center of everything with this team, if Mr. Ronaldo isn’t fully fit or is slightly off his game, their chances plummet. With him in top form, the sky – or let’s say a semi-final (see Euro 2012, Germany 2006) – is the limit. It won’t happen.
Russia
Population ~144 million/10th FWC/semi-finalists in 1966
Another team that’s hard to pin-down, and another one with a coach in Fabio Capello who will probably be more recognizable than most of his players. Stingy and organized on defense (wouldn’t expect anything less from Fabio), they may have problems scoring goals, but will not have a problem advancing in 2nd place in their group of Belgium, Algeria and South Korea. The run ends in the round of 16 against the Germans.
Spain
Population ~47 million/14th FWC/winners (2010)
The dominant force in world football since 2008, Spain still have most of the players that got them there. As the Champions League final displayed (8 players from Real and Atlético may figure), their players are still the cream of the crop in Europe. However, small cracks in the side and age are catching-up with them. Brazil should top Group A, leaving the second team from Spain, Netherlands, Chile and Australia to face the hosts in the round of 16. Like last summer’s FIFA Confederations Cup final, that would again be a game too far for Spain. Top the group, and the road is much easier, but a repeat of 2010 will not happen.
Diego Costa is expected to be at full fitness in time for the World Cup. (Photo: @cbcsports | Twitter)
Switzerland
Population ~8 million/10th FWC/quarter-finalists in 1934, 1938, 1954
The biggest surprise of the #1 seeds, Switzerland were a mixed bag during qualifying – draws with Cyprus and Iceland do not inspire confidence – but they finished top of their European qualifying group. The reward is a FWC group containing Ecuador, Honduras and France, with the winner of the group most likely avoiding Argentina in the Round of 16. Switzerland have enough talent to make it out of the group, but it will most likely be in the 2nd spot, and the flight home awaits.
