The countdown for the qualifying teams for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa now begins for real. The final matches were played last night, the final berths filled and as some countries count the cost of failure – not least the Thierry Henry robbed Ireland (more of that later!) – the rest start to dream.

Let Sporting Fare guide you through who’s in, who’s out – and who stands even the slightest chance of lifting football’s biggest prize.

Africa

Algeria became the last team from Africa to qualify for the finals, overcoming Egypt 1-0 on Wednesday. The build up to the match was marred with violence as the Algerian team coach was attacked by stone-throwing fans but it was Algeria that got the last laugh.

They join Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Nigeria in qualifying from the African section. The Ivory Coast appear to be the side with the best chance of success. They enjoyed the strongest qualifying campaign and with the irrepressible Didier Drogba leading their line, they cannot be taken lightly.

Add in Kalou, Dindane, Toure and Eboue and despite Cameroon’s experience, we still think it’s the Ivory Coast that should be watched.

South Africa, of course, qualify as hosts but their form of late has been poor. Returning manager Carlos Alberto Parreira has a lot to do between now and next June.

Asia

Japan were the first team to qualify for the World Cup from the Asia group and they are joined by Australia and North AND South Korea.

Bahrain eventually lost out to New Zealand from the Oceania group in a play off, the second time they have been one game from the finals.

Australia cruised into the finals, not losing, conceding just one goal and amassing 20 points to finish ahead of Japan. In the other group it was must closer, the stronger South Korean team pipping North Korea to top spot by four points.

Despite Australia’s strong qualifying performance and Japan’s fourth successive World Cup, Sporting Fare is going with the South Koreans. We think they’ll prove the strongest of the Asian contingent.

Europe

A total of 13 teams qualified from Europe, the last four just last night. Let’s one by one it, shall we.

Denmark: The Danes won group 1 with a win over Sweden that also ensured they finished ahead of the supposedly stronger (but Ronaldo-less) Portugal. They lost only one game during qualifying and will prove a tough nut to crack in South Africa. Chances of real success, however, are slim. They don’t have a true star player or creative force that will see them past the better sides they will face in the tournament.

England: The English qualified with a perfect score, winning all nine of the games required to get to South Africa. They did, however, lose their last game to the Ukraine, spoiling the effect somewhat. In theory England have a strong side, with a solid spine. Terry, Lampard, Gerrard, Rooney – all big names on the world stage and ably supported the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole, Gareth Barry, James Milner, Emile Heskey and Peter Crouch. Former captain and current supersub David Beckham completes a strong starting XI with decent back up. That’s where the gaps appear though – that back up is only decent. Should the first team suffer injuries and suspensions, England’s chances fade dramatically.

France: A blatant double handball by Thierry Henry led to William Gallas’ goal that eventually ended the hopes of the Republic of Ireland in the play off between the two. The English media, never one to pass up the opportunity to slag off the French have set about Henry like pack of rabid dogs. Yes, he cheated and he knows it and his reputation is tarnished. But the Irish team and supporters appear to have accepted their unfortunate fate with more grace. The fact remain though, that Ireland are out and France are through. Their squad is packed with quality and talent. Sadly for them, it is led by Raymond Domenech. The man is a clueless idiot. Unless he is replaced before next summer, France have no chance. Hey…poetry!

Germany: Who can stop the ever present, ever successful Germans? Unbeaten in qualifying, they look determined and strong. With Klose up front they have goals, their defence is as solid as it has ever been and it appears that only injury can hamper them. Sporting Fare isn’t convinced they can go all the way – but they WILL come close.

Greece: The former European Champions qualified after overcoming the Ukraine by a single goal having been just pipped to the top pot of Group 2 by Switzerland. In reality, though, that group was the weakest of the European section and Greece pose no real threat to the top teams in the tournament.

Italy: The current World Champions remain a potent force but their qualification was somewhat dramatic. Just like France, they faced and were almost defeated by the Irish but a 2-2 draw won them the group with a game still to go. They score goals from all over the pitch but in Gilardino still boast a strong attack. Can the Italians defend their crown? Yes, without doubt. We think they have a very god chance of reaching the final.

Netherlands: The Dutch strolled to the finals with a 100% record but were never going to receive a real challenge from the likes of Norway, Scotland and Macedonia. It is, therefore, hard to tell how well prepared they are for the finals. On paper they look good. Up front and in midfield they could match the best teams. At the back, less so, but still very capable. Oh, and they still have Ruud van Nistelrooy to return from injury. But will in-fighting and general cockiness once more undermine their obvious talents? Too soon to tell. But probably…

Portugal: Or, as the press prefer to call them “Ronaldo’s Portugal”. Fact is, they aren’t a coherent team and only made the finals with two 1-0 wins over Bosnia-Herzegovina in a play off. With or without Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal are not likely to make much of an impact in South Africa as far as we’re concerned. Still, the chance to see him on the world stage will be interesting.

Serbia: Eastern Europe are starting to make their presence felt in the international arena, aren’t they. Serbia beat France to the top of Group 7 and with Nemanja Vidic at the back and Jovanovic up front they pose a threat to those teams who take them lightly. They are inconsistent, however. In October they beat Romania 5-0 but then just four days later lost to Lithuania 2-1. Second round then.

Slovakia: The Slovaks topped Group 3, beating both Slovenia and more significantly the Czech Republic. It was the Czechs who eventually missed out on the play offs. Blessed with promising youngsters more than established stars, Slovakia, like Serbia, could upset an unaware side but won’t trouble the best teams. Depending on the draw, second round again.

Slovenia: Yes, another from Central and Eastern Europe. We told you! Slovenia were runners up to Slovakia and qualified in a play off against Russia, becoming the first team to qualify after losing the first leg. They won the second 1-0 at home. We can’t see this team getting through the group stage to be honest, but with their neighbours Serbia and Slovakia, we ARE looking forward to commentating gaffes galore in the early rounds!

Spain: The current European Champions look to add to their baubles in South Africa and for the first time appear to have moulded individual talent into a team. For so long they flattered to deceive but not any more. They walked a fairly easy Group 5, yes, but look at that team. Topped by Torres, underpinned by Puyol and run by Alonso and Xavi they look irrepressible. Look to the rest of the team and the bench and you find Fabregas, Pique, Iniesta…ok, we’ll stop now. Final position? Chance of the final without doubt. Fun to watch too, probably.

Switzerland: Finally Switzerland, who qualified top of Group 2. Managed by former Champions League winning manager Ottmar Hitzfeld, they enjoyed an eight match winning streak to reach South Africa but even if Hitzfeld remains in charge they don’t have enough talent in the squad to progress beyond the group stage at the finals. This was proven when that eight match streak stuttered to a halt with a defeat and a draw to finally qualify. Bless ‘em, but no.

North, Central America and the Caribbean

Three teams from this section qualified; Honduras, USA and the strongest, Mexico. Honduras reach only their second World Cup and, considering their struggle to eventually qualify, look like offering no threat. The USA are an improving international side but are still not ready to make any seasoned side feel vulnerable.

Which just leaves Mexico. Always tough to play and boasting seasoned players, including captain Marquez, they will prove difficult to beat. No danger of them making the semi finals, but a possible quarter final place beckons.

Oceania

With Australia joining the Asian Confederation, New Zealand had their best chance of reaching a World Cup finals for the second time and they duly succeeded with a dramatic and hard fought two-legged win over Bahrain. With a couple of players in the English Premiership they have vital experience, but still, they’ll struggle to qualify from the opening group stage at the finals.

South America

No surprises here. The names you would expect from this continent are through. Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay.

Brazil are not the eye-catching force they once were under manager Dunga, but in its place they have a resilience and a defensive determination that will concern the best the rest of the world has to offer. But this is, of course, Brazil – you cannot eradicate flair completely. Kaka, Nilmar and Fabiano provide enough entertainment to ensure Brazil are, alongside Spain, THE team to watch. Semis at least.

Maradona’s Argentina were, frankly, lucky to qualify and the controversy that follows him everywhere will prove to be a distraction in South Africa. However, you cannot ignore the quality they have in their squad. It may be enough to overcome their manager’s ineptitude. Yes, we said it, Maradona as a manager is inept. He used 49 – FORTY NINE – players in qualifying and got lucky with a 1-0 win over Uruguay, the goal coming from Bolatti in the 84th minute. Quarter finals at best, in Sporting Fare’s opinion.

Uruguay went on to qualify anyway through the play offs to ease the pain from that defeat. They beat Costa Rica 2-1 over two legs but campaign of six wins, six draws and six losses reveals their fragility. Hard to see them get through the group stages we think.

Chile and Paraguay finished level on points with identical records in qualifying. Chile boasts and impressive attacking prowess but defensive fragility while Paraguay are tight at the back but lack firepower. Neither will challenge for the cup, but at least one will reach the second round.

Sporting Fare’s Verdict

We wouldn’t be dumb or arrogant enough to try and pick an eventual winner of the 2010 World Cup but we will try and predict the semi finals.

So, injuries, suspensions and loss of form aside, we’re going for Spain, Italy, Brazil and England to reach the semis.

What do you think? Gives us your picks for the semis and tell us why in the comments.