The qualification for the World Cup in South Africa 2010 has just finished. Here is a run down of what I think of all the teams that have qualified.
Uruguay
Last team to qualify with a play off win over Costa Rica. Has potential and can play some classy football but will probably struggle to make it out of the groups stages. Despite winning the competition twice they don't produce the teams capable of winning it anymore.
France
I never really know what to make of France. They are so inconsistent. The made last years final and lost despite indifferent form in the group stages. This time around they have struggled to qualify and only just made it. But they always seem to step up when they need to. I either see them crashing out in the group stages or making it to the semi finals.
Portugal
My most hated team, but they are good. Quarter Finals.
Slovenia
They don't have much of a history in the World Cup, this is only the second time they have qualified. Won't make it out of the group stages.
Greece
Amazingly they won Euro 2004 but apart from that they haven't had much success in football. They don't play very attractive football and if they win it is usually 1-0. They might get an easy group and if they do they may make it into the last 16.
Algeria
I don't actually know that much about them but I don't see them getting out of the group stages.
Cameroon
A decent side with a few truly world class players such as Eto. If they get a good group the may make it to the last 16.
Nigeria
Another decent side. Africa does tend to produce some exciting teams but they are never up to the quality needed to go far in this competition. Will probably get knocked out at the groups stages.
New Zealand
Oh dear, the country that I live in. A truly terrible footballing side and will be lucky to manage even a draw at the competition.
Honduras
I actually saw them play live once against Mexico. Won't make it out the group stages though.
Argentina
I very good side with a rich footballing history. Haven't been very good in qualification though. Quarter Finals.
Slovakia
Won't make it out of the group stages.
Switzerland
A boring team that will struggle to make it out of the group stages.
United States
This is the biggest single sporting competition in the world and Americans don't really care. However this is a decent team and has been getting better. May just make it out of the group stages if they get a good draw.
Mexico
A team of similar talents to the US and I see them making it just as far, last 16 if they are lucky.
Chile
A decent South American side. But probably not good enough to make it out of the group stages.
Italy
Last competitions winners, a very good team. Semi finals or finals. I was in Italy when they won, good times.
Serbia
Probably won't make it out of the group stages.
Denmark
A good team with some good players and should make it to the last 16.
Germany
A very good footballing side with world class players. But I do not like the Germans. Quarter finalists at least.
Ivory Coast
A very exciting African side with a few amazing players. Last 16 possibly.
Paraguay
A South American team that has struggled to make an impression at the World Cup. Will be lucky to make it out of the group stages.
Spain
An amazing team and in amazing form. They play with style and grace and have some of the most talented players in the world. Won Euro 2008 and I can see them making it to the finals and possibly winning it.
England
I'm half english and strongly support them. However despite having good players they seem to lack the mental strength to perform well. But they have been making great strides in qualification. Quarter finals at least, possible semis.
Ghana
Another exciting African team that put in a good showing at the last world cup. Will hopefully make it to the last 16.
Brazil
The most successful footballing country ever and has won this competition the most times. Plays with style and always puts in a good showing at the world cup. Will at least make it to the semi finals, but most likely make the finals and are one of the favourites to win it.
North Korea
lol, won't make it past group stages. I think they are the lowest rank team in the world cup.
Netherlands
Being Dutch born I am a fanatical supporter. The play stylish football and despite never winning the world cup are a big force in international football. A conservative estimation is quarter finals. But because I support them so strongly I am picking them to win it.
South Korea
Better than North Korea. But still probably won't make it out of the group stages.
Australia
Despite a lack of footballing history they put in a very good performance at the last world cup and had a very good qualification campaign. Must be because they have been going with Dutch managers lately. Last 16.
Japan
In a similar position to South Korea and will be lucky to make it out of the group stages.
South Africa
Are in because they are the hosts. But aren't good enough to make it out of the group stages. Although you never know with home advantage, they may surprise.