INTERNATIONALS Road to Brazil Who will England face in Brazil? Ahead of Fridays draw, Sky Sports profiles all of the 32 teams who have qualified for the 2014 World Cup Last Updated: December 5, 2013 12:01pm 7As the countdown to the draw to the World Cup finals continues, we already know all of the nations who will be competing for the greatest prize in football in Brazil in 2014.And, here, Sky Sports takes a look at the countries who will be heading for Rio next summer with a comprehensive guide to their qualification, manager and FIFA ranking. Belgium How they qualified: European Group A winnersManager: Marc WilmotsFIFA ranking: 11thWorld Cup record: 1986s semi-finalsKey man: Eden HazardBritish-based players: Simon Mignolet (Sunderland), Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur), Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal), Vincent Kompany (Manchester City), Mousa Dembele (Tottenham Hotspur), Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United), Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Kevin De Bruyne (Chelsea), Nacer Chadli (Tottenham Hotspur), Kevin Mirallas (Everton), Romelu Lukaku (Everton) and Christian Benteke (Aston Villa).De Bruyne: Celebrates with LukakuBelgium qualified for six consecutive World Cups between 1982 and 2002 but this will be their first appearance at the finals since the last of that run. Its fair to say that the success of this squad was highly anticipated, having assembled arguably their greatest group of players since Enzo Scifo & Co took the Red Devils to the knockout stages in three successive tournaments. Vincent Kompany, Eden Hazard, Marouane Fellaini, Romelu Lukaku, Jan Vertonghen, Thomas Vermaelen, Kevin Mirallas, Kevin De Bruyne and Christian Benteke are all so well known to Premier League audiences that Belgium can no longer be considered dark horses for the biggest prize in football. They appear to have clicked too with qualification assured in October as a strong Croatia side were beaten 2-1 in Zagreb. There will be tougher tasks ahead for Marc Wilmots and his side in Brazil but this young side is improving and could rise to the challenge. Bosnia and Herzegovina How they qualified: European Group G winnersManager: Safet SusicFIFA ranking: 21stWorld Cup record: Competing for the first timeKey player: Edin DzekoBritish-based players: Asmir Begovic (Stoke City) and Edin Dzeko (Manchester City).Dzeko: Goal threatAn incredibly tight Group G eventually finished with Bosnia and Herzegovina making history by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time. Leading into the final game, Greece and Bosnia were level on 22 points with the Greeks facing the relatively easy task of beating Liechtenstein at home, whilst the Balkan side faced a tricky away clash in Lithuania. Dimitrios Salpingidis put the Greeks ahead early on, meaning Bosnia were under pressure to find a goal. Fortunately for them, Vedad Ibisevic scored with just over 20 minutes remaining and despite finishing on level points, Bosnia and Herzegovina triumphed as group winners by a matter of goal difference. The Dragons will be largely thankful to Ibisevic and his strike partner Edin Dzeko, who between them have rifled in 18 goals, with Dzeko scoring an impressive ten goals in ten games. Croatia How they qualified: Play-off winnersManager: Niko KovacFIFA ranking: 16thWorld Cup record: 3rd place 1998Key man: Luka ModricBritish-based players: Dejan Lovren (Southampton), Niko Kranjcar (QPR) and Nikica Jelavic (Everton).Luka Modric (R) will hope to continue his league form.Croatia squeezed into a playoff position despite late competition from Serbia, who finished three points adrift of the Croats.A disappointing finish to Croatias campaign saw them fail to win their final four games, including two defeats to Gordon Strachans Scotland. Eventually falling nine points behind group winners Belgium, it was a poor finish after a blistering start saw them unbeaten in their opening six games.They were held to a 0-0 draw in Iceland in the first leg playoff, but finished the tie off in Zagreb after Dario Srna and Mario Mandzukics goals, with the latter being sent off in the 38th minute for a high challenge.Despite a faltering end to an otherwise promising campaign, Croatias talent throughout is undeniable. An enviable midfield consists of Niko Kranjcar, Sevillas playmaker Ivan Rakitic, Hamburgs promising Milan Badelj and their star-man, Luka Modric.Modrics peformances have vastly improved for Real Madrid and he will be keen to supply the ammunition for an impressive forward line including Ivica Olic, Eduardo and Evertons Nikica Jelavic. England How they qualified: European Group H winnersManager: Roy HodgsonFIFA ranking: 13thWorld Cup record: 1966s winnersKey man: Wayne RooneyGerrard and Rooney: Key menThe nation breathed a huge sigh of relief as Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrards goals against Poland ensured automatic qualification from Group H. The match brought contrasting memories for the England faithful, with the fond recollection of David Beckhams last-gasp free-kick against Greece and the heart-breaking loss against Croatia in 2007 ensuring that the fans were in for a nervy evening. They neednt had worried as an impressive 2-0 victory meant that Ukraine had no other alternative than to settle for a runners-up spot. Despite a mixed campaign which has seen disappointing draws at home to Ukraine and away to Montenegro, Roy Hodgsons side finished unbeaten after conceding only four goals and scoring an impressive 31 in ten games. France How they qualified: Play-off winnersManager: Didier DeschampsFIFA ranking: 19thWorld Cup record: 1998 winnersKey man: Franck RiberyBritish-based players: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Gael Clichy (Manchester City), Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle United), Mamadou Sakho (Liverpool), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Samir Nasri (Manchester City), Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle United), Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle United), Olivier Giroud (Arsenal) and Loic Remy (Newcastle United).France looked unlikely to compete in Brazil.It seemed that France were going to miss out on the World Cup after succumbing to a 2-0 defeat against Ukraine in Kiev, but an explosive performance in the second leg ensured that there will be French representation in the World Cup for the fifth successive time.After many had ruled out Frances chances of competing in next years tournament, Deschamps side attacked from the first whistle and duly deserved a 3-0 victory, finishing the match with a mammoth 24 shots.An impressive midfield including Samir Nasri, Paul Pogba and Yohan Cabaye have been overshadowed recently by the form of Bayern Munichs Franck Ribery. The ex-Marseille man was instrumental in Bayerns Champions League glory, with many touting him as the player of 2013.Much like Ronaldo, it would have been an injustice for Ribery if he wasnt given the opportunity to shine next year, but fortunately his talents will be showcased to a global audience.France are incredibly unpredictable as shown in past World Cup campaigns and have a decent enough outfit to be a genuine title contender. Germany How they qualified: European Group C winnersManager: Joachim LowFIFA ranking: 2ndWorld Cup record: Three-time winnersKey man: Mesut OzilBritish-based players: Andre Schurrle (Chelsea) and Per Mertesacker and Mesut Ozil (both Arsenal).Ozil: Key man for GermanySuch is the expectation surrounding Germany that the feeling in the country is that a major tournament triumph is long overdue. The football team has gone close in each of the last two European Championships and has finished in the top three at the last three World Cups but you have to go back to Euro 96 for the last silverware for Germany. This team surely have a chance of ending that run. Supplemented by the backbone of the all-conquering Bayern Munich team, Jogi Low can also count on Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil and supremely gifted Borussia Dortmund duo Mats Hummels and Marco Reus. They certainly made light of qualifying, seeing off a group that included Sweden, Austria and Republic of Ireland in style by winning eight of their first nine games to qualify with a game to spare. The plan will be to go all the way in Brazil. Greece How they qualified: Play-off winnersManager: Fernando SantosFIFA ranking: 12thWorld Cup record: 1994 and 2010 group stageKey man: Sokratis PapastathpoulosBritish-based players: Giorgos Karagounis (Fulham) and Giorgos Samaras (Celtic).Kostas Mitroglou has been in impressive form.Despite winning the European Championship in 2004, Greece have only competed in three World Cup tournaments, with their first appearance as late as 1994.They were very unfortunate to miss out on automatic qualification after a late Vedad Ibisevic goal for Bosnia and Herzegovina put them at the top of Group G on goal difference, leaving the Greeks to a tough play-off encounter with Romania.Konstantinos Mitroglou carried on his blistering start to the season, having scored 14 in ten for Olympiakos, by firing two past Romania in the first leg helping Fernando Santos side to a 3-1 first leg win. After holding on in Bucharest to clinch qualification, Greece will be hoping to make a splash in South America after previously failing to get out of the group stages.After Traianos Dellas and Michalis Kapsis led a formidable defence to glory in 2004, Santos will be turning to his star man Sokratis Papastathpoulos for similar performances. The Borussia Dortmund defender has featured heavily this year for the Champions League finalists after his switch from Werder Bremen in the summer and will be flanked by astute full-backs in Vasilis Torosidis and Jose Holebas.Although not massively blessed with attacking riches, their defence conceded just four goals in ten qualifying matches and will be a frustrating outfit to play against next year. Italy How they qualified: European Group B winnersManager: Cesare PrandelliFIFA ranking: 7thWorld Cup record: Four-time winnersKey man: Andrea PirloBritish-based players: Emmanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) and Pablo Osvaldo (Southampton).Prandelli: Italy bossA 2-1 win over Czech Republic on 10th September ensured Italy will be at the World Cup in 2014 after winning Group B in the European zone of qualifying with two games to spare. Cesare Prandellis side did, however, make hard work of the progress after having to come from a goal down against the Czechs, with Mario Balotelli scoring the winning penalty. It will be Italys 18th appearance at the World Cup and the 2006 champions and Euro 2012 finalists will have high expectations. The Azzurri were unbeaten in Group B at the time they qualified after only dropping points in earlier games with the Czechs and Bulgaria. They will therefore travel to Brazil with the hope of emulating their previous World Cup wins of seven years ago and in 1934, 1938 and 1982. Netherlands How they qualified: European Group D winnersManager: Louis Van GaalFIFA ranking: 9thWorld Cup record: Three-time runners-upKey man: Robin van PersieBritish-based players: Maarten Stekelenburg (Fulham), Tim Krul (Newcastle United), Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa), Leroy Fer (Norwich City) and Robin van Persie (Manchester United).Van Persie: Top scorerNetherlands have the chance to end their long wait for a first World Cup title after they qualified for Brazil as winners of Group D in the European zone. A 2-0 win over Andorra on 10th September courtesy of two Robin van Persie goals ensured the Dutch top spot in their group with two games still to play, like Italy. Netherlands impressively dropped just two points before they qualified after a surprise draw in Estonia at the beginning of September and they will be planning for another positive finals. But their main motivation will be to avenge their final defeat by Spain in 2010s World Cup to add to their disappointment of also losing finals in their golden era of 1974 and 1978. Manchester Uniteds Van Persie will be a key weapon in their armoury, as the striker currently sits joint top with Bosnia and Herzegovina & Manchester Citys Edin Dzeko in the European zone goalscoring charts. Portugal How they qualified: Play-off winnersManager: Paulo BentoFIFA ranking: 5thWorld Cup record: 1966 Third PlaceKey man: Cristiano RonaldoBritish-based players: Nani (Manchester United).Cristiano Ronaldo was superb in the playoffs against Sweden.The hotly-anticipated play-off battle between Cristiano Ronaldos Portugal and Zlatan Ibrahimovics Sweden did not disappoint, finishing 4-2 on aggregate to the Portuguese, with all goals scored by Ronaldo and Ibra.Although there is a worldwide sigh of disappointment at the exclusion of Zlatan in Brazil, a World Cup without Ronaldo would have been even more bizarre, after his hat-trick in the 3-1 second leg victory in Stockholm had the world applauding in unison.Paulo Bentos side finished the group one point behind Fabio Capellos Russia, after disappointing home draws against Northern Ireland and Israel hampered their chances of automatic qualification.Along with Ronaldo, they have genuine talent in Joao Moutinho, Raul Meireles and Pepe, ensuring that all areas of the pitch are covered.Any team with Ronaldo in their side is going to be hard to beat, but despite impressing continuously for his club, he has never fully impressed in an international tournament. If he can guide Portugal to glory next year, hed undeniably go down as one of the best players of all time. Russia How they qualified: European Group F winnersManager: Fabio CapelloFIFA ranking: 22ndWorld Cup record: 1966s Fourth PlaceKey man: Aleksandr KerzhakovBritish-based players: noneCapello: Man in chargeDespite a minor blip in the summer which saw successive losses to Portugal and Northern Ireland, Fabio Capellos Russia topped Group F and will compete in their first World Cup since 2002. Group F was a two-horse race throughout, with Portugal battling with Capellos side for an automatic qualification spot. However, despite those two defeats, the Russians won seven and drew one to ensure that they left Portugal trailing as runners-up by a single point. Top scorer Aleksandr Kerzhakov and ex-Chelsea man Yuri Zhirkov will be keen to continue their impressive form in the group stages, whilst veteran defender Sergei Ignashevich may reach his century of international caps in Brazil. Spain How they qualified: European Group I winnersManager: Vicente Del BosqueFIFA Ranking: 1stWorld Cup record: 2010s winnersKey man: Andres IniestaBritish-based players: Nacho Monreal and Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Jesus Navas, Alvaro Negredo and David Silva (Manchester City) and Juan Mata (Chelsea).Del Bosque: WinnerIts not a massive surprise that defending champions Spain have eventually confirmed their place in next years tournament. However, it wasnt plain sailing for Vicente Del Bosques side as they were pushed to an automatic qualifying place throughout the campaign by Didier Deschamps France. A blip midway through qualification saw the Spaniards draw in Madrid against Les Bleus whilst failing to beat Finland in Gijon, with Teemu Pukkis last-gasp equaliser sparking massive celebrations in the Finnish ranks. Spain made sure it was only a minor delay, winning their remaining four matches scoring seven in the process whilst conceding just one, with France forced to settle for a play-off place. Despite an unbeaten campaign, their top scorer was winger Pedro with a relatively low four goals, showing that the 2010 winners may not be as lethal as once feared. Switzerland How they qualified: European Group E runners-upManager: Ottmar HitzfeldFIFA ranking: 8thWorld Cup record: Three-time quarter-finalistKey man: Xherdan ShaqiriBritish-based players: Philippe Senderos and Pajtim Kasami (both Fulham).Switzerland celebrate against IcelandFIFA president Sepp Blatter will be happy man as Switzerland will appear at the World Cup finals for a third consecutive tournament. That feat hasnt been achieved since the competition was held in Switzerland back in 1954 but reflects the fact that the country is reaping the benefits of their commitment to youth development. The squad that travels to Brazil next summer is likely to include several players who were part of the teams that won the Under-17 World Cup in 2009 and reached the final of the 2011 European Under-21 Championship. Bayern Munich star Xherdan Shaqiri is the golden boy of Swiss football and with two-time Champions League winning coach Ottmar Hitzfeld at the helm they are in capable hands. Qualification certainly proved straightforward - sealing their place in Brazil with a game to spare thanks to an unbeaten record.World Cup qualified teams from South America. Argentina How they qualified: South American groupManager: Alejandro SabellaFIFA ranking: 3rdWorld Cup record: Two-time winnersKey man: Lionel MessiBritish-based players: Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle United), Erik Lamela (Tottenham Hotspur) and Sergio Aguero (Manchester City).Messi: Argentinas maestroA Lionel Messi-inspired hammering of Paraguay on Matchday 14 meant Argentina were the first South American team to join Brazil at the 2014 World Cup. Alejandro Sabellas men were the first side from their continental qualifying zone to ensure they will be at next summers finals after Messi scored twice to beat already-eliminated Paraguay 5-2. After their 4-0 humiliation by Germany in the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup, Argentina will also be keen to make a point as they bid to end a long wait since they last won the World Cup in 1986. All eyes will also be on Messi, with it being suggested the Barcelona star and best player on the planet at club level has never truly reproduced his talents at World Cups. Argentinas qualifying campaign was far from faultless after five draws and one defeat at the time they qualified but they will still be among the favourites in 2014. Brazil How they qualified: Tournament hostsManager: Luiz Felipe ScolariFIFA ranking: 10thWorld Cup record: Five-time winnersKey man: NeymarBritish based players: Julio Cesar (QPR), David Luiz (Chelsea), Lucas Leiva (Liverpool), Oscar (Chelsea), Ramires (Chelsea), Paulinho (Tottenham Hotspur) and Willian (Chelsea).Sky Bet odds: 3/1Neymar: Brazils golden boyThe five-time world champions have qualified for the 2014 finals automatically as hosts and are under pressure to again become the best team on the planet. Brazil have experienced disappointing quarter-final exits at the previous two World Cups since they last won the competition in 2002 and earlier this summer they remarkably found themselves outside of the top 20 in FIFAs world rankings. But regardless of that slump, since his return as manager in November 2012, Luiz Felipe Scolari has added new confidence. The man who was in charge of Brazil for their success in 2002 has made some ruthless selection decisions and that has added self-belief. Junes 3-0 hammering of Spain in the final of the Confederations Cup is a reflection of Brazils growing momentum while it also sent them rocketing up the rankings. Chile How they qualified: South American groupManager: Jorge SampaoliFIFA Ranking: 15thWorld Cup record: 1962s third placeKey man: Alexis SanchezBritish-based players: Gonzalo Jara (Nottingham Forest), Gary Medel (Cardiff City) and Jean Beausejour (Wigan).Sanchez: Chile starLa Roja will be competing in Brazil for the ninth time in their history, following a narrow win over rivals Ecuador in Santiago in the final round of games. Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez continued his impressive form, netting his fourth goal in four games and the Barcelona forward is just one of a number of talented players in Jorge Sampaolis squad. Chile have a well-balanced team with quality across all areas of the pitch, with a midfield including Juventus star Arturo Vidal and talented Twente playmaker Felipe Gutierrez, proving that their competitors will have more to worry about than just Sanchez. They go into the World Cup unbeaten in their last six qualifying games and will be confident of causing a few surprises in Brazil. Colombia How they qualified: South American groupManager: Jose PekermanFIFA ranking: 4thWorld Cup record: 1990s last 16Key man: Radamel FalcaoBritish-based players: noneFalcao: Colombias starColombia qualified in second place behind Argentina in CONMEBOL qualifying and there is a real buzz about Jose Pekermans team going into a tournament in their home continent. Currently ranked in the top 10 in the world, they boast the likes of Porto duo Juan Fernando Quintero and Jackson Martinez among their forward options, although the star man is undoubtedly Monaco striker Radamel Falcao. The expert goalscorer has netted over 30 goals in each of the past four seasons and a strong summer in Brazil could take his team deep into the tournament. Colombia fans will be wary however. The last time they went into a World Cup with such optimism ended in tragedy as the much-fancied 1994 side returned from the United States embarrassed and subsequently engulfed by tragedy following the murder of skipper Andreas Escobar. Cautious optimism is the mood 20 years on. Ecuador How they qualified: South American groupManager: Reinaldo RuedaFIFA ranking: 23rdWorld Cup record: 2006s last 16Key man: Antonio ValenciaBritish-based players: Antonio Valencia (Manchester United).Valencia: Keen to honour BenitezEcuador secured their spot in Brazil by the narrowest of margins as they were able to edge out Uruguay on goal difference to claim the fourth and final automatic berth from CONMEBOL qualifying. The Ecuadorians must be thankful to their defence after conceding just 16 goals in the campaign, bettered only by group winners Argentina and runners up Colombia. Although Ecuador failed to qualify for a World Cup finals until 2002, this will be their third appearance in the last four tournaments and with Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia captaining the team, they have quality within the ranks. It will be an emotional occasion for the squad too. Ecuador coach Reinaldo Rueda dedicated his sides qualification to former striker and ex-Birmingham City star Christian Chucho Benitez, who died in July. Uruguay How they qualified: Playoff winnersManager: Oscar TabarezFIFA ranking: 6thWorld Cup record: 1930 and 1950 championsKey man: Luis SuarezBritish-based players: Diego Lugano (West Bromwich Albion), Gaston Ramirez (Southampton) and Luis Suarez.Cavani & Suarez: Potentially lethalAfter finishing fourth in the 2010 World Cup and winning the 2011 Copa America, youd be forgiven for thinking that qualification for Uruguay would be a foregone conclusion. However, a disappointing qualifying campaign ensued which included home draws against Venezuela, Ecuador and Paraguay, whilst losing heavily in games away to Colombia, Argentina and Bolivia. Their inconsistent campaign is hard to diagnose, as theyre blessed with two of the worlds most feared strikers in Luis Suarez and PSGs Edinson Cavani, whilst veteran Diego Forlan still poses a threat.After a comfortable play-off victory over Jordan, Oscar Tabarezs side will be hoping to forget about their tricky campaign and focus on their strengths which feature their devastating forwad line, a midfielder bursting with flair including Atletico Madrids Cristian Rodriguez, and a backline marshaled by the commanding presence of captain Diego Lugano, who will be aiming to reach a century of international caps during next years competition in Brazil.Tabarez will be thankful he has the opportunity to lead out his side next year, with people suggesting a few months ago that theyd need a miracle to get a play-off place. Now, theyre genuine contenders for the trophy.World Cup Qualified teams from Asia Australia How they qualified: AFC Group B runners-upManager: Ange PostecoglouFIFA ranking: 59thWorld Cup record: 2006s last 16Key man: Tim CahillBritish-based players: Rhys Williams (Middlesbrough), Mile Jedinak (Crystal Palace), Tom Rogic (Celtic)Postecoglou: New Australia bossAustralia will be appearing at their third successive World Cup but their route to the 2014 finals was not as simple as it has been in the past. They progressed behind Japan in Asian Football Confederation Group B in what was their second campaign in the AFC since switching from Oceania. But they suffered a shock defeat by Jordan in the group while they also lost to Oman in the earlier round. A 1-0 victory over Iraq in Sydney in June ultimately secured qualification and next summers finals will likely be a last hurrah for several of their experienced squad members. Australias ultimate aim would be to surpass their finest hour of reaching the last 16 at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, where they were memorably knocked out by Francesco Tottis penalty deep into injury time for eventual champions Italy. However, simply progressing from the groups in Brazil would be impressive. New manager Ange Postecoglou will likely be the man in charge in Brazil having been brought in to replace Holger Osieck in October. Iran How they qualified: AFC Group A winnersManager: Carlos QueirozFIFA ranking: 45thWorld Cup record: 1978, 1998 & 2006s group stagesKey man: Javad NekounamBritish-based players: Ashkan Dejagah (Fulham).Queiroz: Irans progressFormer Portugal and Real Madrid manager and Manchester United assistant boss Carlos Queiroz has steered Iran to the 2014 World Cup after winning Asian Football Confederation Group A. Iran did lose to Lebanon and Uzbekistan during the group but still managed to finish top after a 1-0 win over South Korea in June ensured they took 16 points from eight matches. Irans previous experiences at World Cups in 1978, 1998 and 2006 all ended at the group stages but their 1998 appearance did include a famous win over bitter rivals USA. That victory remains their one and only in a match at World Cup finals and Queiroz will know anything more than that would be a great success. However, Iran are one of the stronger teams from the AFC and have dominated the West Asian Football Federation since the turn of the Millennium. Japan How they qualified: AFC Group B winnersManager: Alberto ZaccheroniFIFA ranking: 48thWorld Cup record: 2002 & 2010s last 16Key man: Shinji KagawaBritish-based players: Maya Yoshida (Southampton) and Shinji Kagawa (Manchester United).Honda: Japans star manJapan were the first team to secure their place at the 2014 finals through the qualification process by winning the Asian Football Confederation Group B in what is the fourth round of the AFC qualifying. A record of five wins, two draws and just one defeat saw them top the group with an impressive 16 goals in their eight matches. Junes 1-1 draw with Australia in Saitama, which was secured by star man Keisuke Hondas injury-time penalty equaliser, made sure of their place in Brazil. Considered by most as Asias best team, Japan have been at every World Cup since 1998 and they have increasingly high expectations. Italian manager Alberto Zaccheroni, who won Serie A with AC Milan in 1999, has already steered his side to the 2011 Asian Cup and the 2013 East Asian Cup. But losing all three games at this summers Confederations Cup was not a good sign. South Korea How they qualified: AFC Group A runners-upManager: Hong MyungboFIFA ranking: 54thWorld Cup record: 2002s semi-finalsKey man: Son Heung-MinBritish-based players: Lee Chung-Yong (Bolton), Kim Bo-Kyung (Cardiff), Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) and Ji Dong-Won (Sunderland).Park: South Korea captainSouth Korea are preparing for their eighth World Cup finals appearance in a row after qualifying in second place behind Iran in Asian Football Confederation Group A. But they only just scraped in to the finals in Brazil after a shaky qualification campaign. A defeat by Lebanon during the process eventually saw South Korea only just sneak out of the third round and it cost former boss Cho Kwangrae his job. Choi Kanghee took over for the fourth round and again it was not an easy ride as, captained by Arsenal flop Chu-Young Park, they were left depending on favourable results from elsewhere in their last qualifier. Choi only ever wanted to be contracted for the qualification process and Hong Myungbo was named as his successor this summer. South Koreas finest hour was memorably finishing fourth as World Cup co-hosts in 2002 and they reached the last 16 in 2010.World Cup qualified teams from North, Central America & Caribbean. Costa Rica How they qualified: CONCACAF groupManager: Jorge Luis PintoFIFA ranking: 31stWorld Cup record: 1990s last 16Key man: Bryan RuizBritish-based players: Bryan Oviedo (Everton) and Bryan Ruiz (Fulham).Ruiz & Campbell: Hope to impressCosta Rica joined USA in progressing from the North, Central America and Caribbean group qualifying zone after a draw with Jamaica in Septembers qualifiers was enough to send them through. Colombian manager Jorge Luis Pinto had seen his side win four games, draw three and lose one in the CONCACAF group at the time of qualifying. Costa Rica had only just scraped into the fourth round after finishing second behind Mexico in the group stages of the third round of qualifying but they found their form when it mattered. Fulhams Bryan Ruiz and Arsenals Joel Campbell, who is on loan at Olympiakos, will now be hoping to impress in Brazil next summer. Honduras How they qualified: CONCACAF groupManager: Luis Fernando SuarezFIFA Ranking: 41stWorld Cup record: 1982 and 2010s group stageBritish based players: Maynor Figueroa (Hull City), Juan Carlos Garcia and Roger Espinoza (Wigan), Wilson Palacios (Stoke), Arnold Peralta (Rangers) and Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic).Honduras: Flying highWith Mexico surprising strugglers in the final round of World Cup qualifying, the path was cleared for Honduras to claim the third and final automatic berth in the CONCACAF group. A win in the Aztec Stadium in Mexico City in September proved crucial and only a point was needed in the final match in Jamaica that Luiz Fernando Suarezs side duly achieved. Honduras will be making their third appearance at the World Cup finals and having been eliminated in the group stages in their two previous efforts, they will be hopeful of improving on that record. With the likes of Premier League regulars Maynor Figueroa and Wilson Palacios among the squad, they are capable of causing a few problems in Brazil. Mexico How they qualified: CONCACAF play-off winnersManager: Miguel HerreraFIFA ranking: 20thWorld Cup record: 1970 and 1986 Quarter-finalistsKey man: Oribe PeraltaBritish-based players: Javier Hernandez (Manchester United)Mexico have struggled during qualifyingMexico, touted as a near-certainty to qualify, struggled throughout their qualifying campaign. A fourth placed finish and a total of eleven points from ten games saw them finish four points adrift from automatic qualification, setting up a playoff match with New Zealand.Despite comfortably winning the playoffs and booking a place in Brazil, there are causes for concern for Miguel Herreras side after an abject group performance, including a home draw against bottom side Jamaica.The irony was that fierce rivals USA scored two late goals in Panama to give Mexico another chance at gaining qualification, with the USA FAs twitter tweeting #yourewelcomemexico soon after.El Tri have struggled to impose themselves against the rivals, and if they want to form a serious challenge in Brazil next year, then Herrera must turn towards forgotten stars Javier Hernandez, Gio Dos Santos and Carlos Vela, who is playing outstanding football for Real Sociedad but remains unpicked due to a falling out with a previous coach. USA How they qualified: CONCACAF groupManager: Jurgen KlinsmannFIFA ranking: 14thWorld Cup record: 1930s third placeKey man: Landon DonovanBritish-based players: Tim Howard (Everton), Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Brek Shea (Stoke City), Maurice Edu (Stoke City) and Jozy Altidore (Sunderland).Klinsmann: USA bossA 2-0 win over arch-rivals Mexico in their eighth game of the North, Central America and Caribbean group qualifying zone, which is the fourth round of the qualifying process, booked USA their place at the 2014 World Cup finals. Jurgen Klinsmanns team had won five, drawn one and lost one of their qualifiers when they qualifed which proved enough to ensure progression. Landon Donovan was among the goalscorers in the decisive victory over Mexico while Clint Dempsey has also been a key man in their campaign so far after the former Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur player scored eight goals when qualification was secured. The USA will make the trip to Brazil with the hope of improving on their agonising defeat by Ghana after extra time in the last 16 of the 2010 World Cup.World Cup qualified teams from Africa Nigeria How they qualified: CAF Third Round winnersManager: Stephen KeshiFIFA ranking: 36thWorld Cup record: 1994 and 1998 last 16Key man: Victor MosesBritish-based players: Efe Ambrose (Celtic), Kenneth Omeruo (Chelsea), John Obi Mikel (Chelsea), Reuben Gabriel (Kilmarnock), Victor Moses (Liverpool) and Shola Ameobi (Newcastle).Nigeria draw against ItalyDespite remaining unbeaten throughout their qualifying campaign, Nigeria slightly struggled to impose themselves against the minnows in their group.Disappointing draws at home to Kenya and away to Malawi and Namibia highlighted a lack of clinical quality throughout the Nigerian ranks after scoring just seven in six games, a tally that fell far short of the demands of the Super Eagles supporters.Emmanuel Emenike finished as top goalscorer for Nigeria with three goals in three games, including two crucial goals away at Ethiopia to ensure a 2-1 victory in their first leg in Addis Abeba. Goals from Victor Moses and Victor Obinna wrapped up a 2-0 victory in the return leg in Calabar, avoiding a repeat of their disappointment in 2006 when they failed to qualify.Even though they didnt particularly impress in front of goal, they do pose an attacking threat through Moses and Dynamo Kievs Brown Ideye, and will be boosted by the fact that their defence conceded the joint-least amount of goals in the group stages, letting in just three goals. Ivory Coast How they qualified: CAF Third Round winnersManager: Sabri LamouchiFIFA ranking: 17thWorld Cup record: 2006 and 2010 group stagesKey man: Yaya ToureBritish-based players: Kolo Toure (Liverpool), Yaya Toure (Manchester City), Cheick Tiote (Newcastle) and Wilfried Bony (Swansea City).Didier Drogba celebrates with Ivory Coast team-matesCote dIvoire fired their way to Brazil after an impressive campaign saw them remain unbeaten, scoring 15 goals in the process.Sabri Lamouchis side arguably possess Africas most feared strike-force, blessed with an array of attacking talent including Seydou Doumbia, Wilfried Bony, Salomon Kalou, Lacina Traore and their talismanic captain Didier Drogba. The former Chelsea man, 35, is currently on 98 international caps and will undoubtedly be keen to celebrate his inevitable century by helping to progress Ivory Coast beyond the World Cup group stages for the first time in their history.However, their key figure has to be Manchester Citys Yaya Toure. The Elephants supporters will be hoping that Toure will stamp his authority on the international stage, with midfield a slightly weak area. However, Toure has proved in the Premier League that he can be unplayable and virtually run a midfield by himself as a result of both attacking prowess and a willingness to defend.After overcoming the challenge of Senegal to progress to Brazil, they will be hoping that the outstanding form of ex-Arsenal winger Gervinho will continue through to next years tournament, with the Ivorian enjoying a reinvention at Roma who currently top the Serie A following an unbeaten start to the season. Cameroon How they qualified: CAF Third Round winnersManager: Volker FinkeFIFA ranking: 51stWorld Cup record: 1990 Quarter-finalistsKey man: Samuel EtooBritish-based players: Benoit Assou-Ekotto (QPR) and Samuel Etoo (Chelsea).Cameroon could pose tough oppositionDespite their FIFA ranking placing them lower than teams like Cape Verde Islands and Burkina Faso, Cameroons squad still holds some of Africas top players.Theyve got a particularly strong central defence, with astute choices in Marseilles Nicolas NKoulou, Rennes Jean-Armel Kana-Biyik and Galatasarays Aurelien Chedjou forcing Norwich Citys Sebastien Bassong out of the squad and giving manager Volker Finke a selection dilemma. Their strength in depth is highlighted by the fact they only conceded three in six games.In midfield, energetic midfielders Alex Song, Jean Makoun and Stephane Mbia will ensure that their World Cup rivals will have to work hard to overcome the Cameroon midfield, which is spearheaded in attack by their influential captain Samuel Etoo.Etoo reportedly retired from international football in September but reversed his decision to join up with the squad for their play-off victory over Tunisia. Its unlikely the former Barcelona star will reverse his decision again and will be aiming to build further on his national hero status by leading Cameroon out in Brazil. Ghana How they qualified: CAF Third Round WinnersManager: Akwasi AppiahFIFA ranking: 24thWorld Cup record: 2010 Quarter FinalistsKey man: Asamoah GyanBritish-based players: Michael Essien (Chelsea) and Albert Adomah (Middlesbrough).Michael Essien will provide welcome experience in Brazil for Ghana.Despite their failure to match Nigeria, Cameroon and Ivory Coasts unbeaten group record, Ghanas tally of 18 goals was the highest of all the teams during qualification and was enough to fend off the advances of second-placed Zambia.They boast an impressive midfield which mixes experienced internationals like Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari with the youth of Udineses rising star Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu and Juventus highly-rated Kwadwo Asamoah, who was Ghanas Player of the Year in 2012. Their energetic and technical midfield also includes Kevin-Prince Boateng who has started his Schalke career off with an impressive five goals in eight games, following his switch from AC Milan in the summer where he impressed for three years.A cause for concern is Ghanas relatively unproven defence, as none of the current crop of defenders play in any of Europes elite leagues. They managed to impress during their campaign having only conceded three, but may struggle against teams with a strong strike-force.Their key man will be former Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan, now plying his trade for UAE side Al-Ain. Gyan fired in six goals in six games and demonstrated why he has been chosen to captain the Black Stars ahead of Essien. Hell be supported in attack by Marseilles Jordan and Andre Ayew, two brothers that are constantly linked with Europes top sides. Algeria How they qualified: CAF Third Round WinnersManager: Vahid HalilhodzicFIFA ranking: 26thWorld Cup record: 1982, 1986 and 2010 group stageKey man: Sofiane FeghouliBritish-based players: Essaid Belkalem (Watford) and Adlene Guedioura (Crystal Palace).Algeria have qualified for their fourth World Cup and showed during their campaign that they cannot be underestimated, something that England were guilty of in 2010 after a 0-0 draw in Cape Town.An impressive tally of 15 goals in the group stages saw them top Group H comfortably, despite a minor blip after a 2-1 defeat in Mali. However, their third round playoff games against Burkina Faso were not as comfortable and they succumbed to a 3-2 defeat in the first leg, with Burkina Faso hoping to appear in the first World Cup.A nervy second leg was settled by a scrappy Madjid Bougherra effort, sparking wild celebrations at Algerias Mustapha Tchaker Stadium.Vahid Halilhodzics side do have quality players that are proven in Europe, none more so than Valencia winger Sofiane Feghouli who had been linked with Arsenal and Manchester United last year after impressive performances in La Liga and the Champions League.They are also led upfront by Sporting Lisbon striker Islam Slimani who fired in five goals in seven games helping Algeria progress comfortably to the playoff stages. Although not as strong as their African competitors, they are unlikely to be viewed as easy opposition. 3 Comments coddy says September 19, 2013 4:51pmThe three main challenger to favorite Brazil are not even on that list yet. Belgium will be the only outsider that can contend Brazil, Germany and Spain for the title.REPLY 32 42 justa fan says September 12, 2013 12:33pmi think england have a chance because to be fair there a only a handfull of teams better than us the likes of brazil ,spain, italy , etc but we still have best domestic league and that gives us a good foundation if everyone is fit and up for it we have a fighting chance , but we still got to get there first and if we do i fancy , sturrigde to shine .REPLY 18 190 derek says September 11, 2013 2:05pmThe only way forward is to have a UK team that will compete with the rest of the world,this bit part set up at present wont achieve anything. England were very lucky in 1966 to have won the world cup, what have any of the home Countrys achieved since......?REPLY 43 117 ALSO SEE World Cup newsFixtures and resultsWorld Cup videoGroup tables FOOTBALL VIDEOS Pellegrini - It was important to win away Manuel Pellegrini said that it was important for Man City to treat the game away to West Brom like a final as they have difficult fixtures against Southampton and Arsenal coming up. Man City ran out 3-2 winners at the Hawthorns.December 5, 2013 9:31am Clarke: We kept going  Poyet proud of team fight Wenger: I believe in BendtnerPochettino: We made errors at the backHughes pays tribute to CrouchRodgers: Suarez was incredibleFulham suffer sixth straight league defeatToure full of confidenceMore videos FEATURES Group of Death? An analytical look at the potential permutations to worry about ahead of Fridays World Cup draw.December 3, 2013 4:20pm Immigration key Daniel Storey charts Belgiums fascinating rise to being one of the favourites for the 2014 World Cup.December 4, 2013 10:55am
Posted on: Thu, 05 Dec 2013 12:18:05 +0000
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