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We had already talked about five small teams that could make it to Brazil in 2014.
Now, here is a list of 5 ‘big’ teams that could potentially miss out a place in next year’s competition along with their tournament history, scenario and chances of qualification.
5. Cameroon (CAF)
Total WC appearances so far – 6 (Did not enter till 1982)
History – Cameroon have appeared in more World Cups than any other African Team. In the 1990 WC at Italy, they made it to the Quarter Finals. Although they have never really performed well in the World Cups, they usually qualify with ease. After their first World Cup entrance in 1982, they have missed WC qualification only twice.
Qualification scenario – Ten groups of four teams are there. Winners of each group will place in five, two legged knockout matches that will determine the five CAF entrants to the World Cup. So, winning your group is a must in order to qualify.
Where they lie now – Second place in their group which consists of Libya in the first place along with Congo DR and Togo. With only one game to go, Libya have 9 points, Cameroon have 7 points, Congo DR and Togo have 6 and 4 points respectively. The final match day is a direct contest between Libya and Cameroon.
Chances of qualification – A must win match against Libya will determine if Cameroon qualify for the next round playoffs or not. If they lose or draw that game, then Libya will qualify from their group. The previous meeting between Libya and Cameroon ended 2-1 in favor of Libya. The star-studded Cameroon team has under-performed so far in qualification and a must win match against Libya might test them greatly.
4. Sweden (UEFA)
Total WC appearances so far – 11
History – During the 2010 World Cup qualification, Sweden were really good. Out of the 10 games they played, they lost only 2 games. But, they marginally missed out on qualifying for the finals by a mere point. Other than that, they have entered the Round of 16 both in 2006 and during 2002. They lost the 1994 World Cup semi-finals to eventual Champions Brazil and won the third-place playoff against Bulgaria.
Qualification Scenario – Sweden are placed along with five other teams in Group C of UEFA Qualification. If they finish first, they get an automatic spot to the finals. If they finish second, they will get a place in the next round knockout playoffs
Where they lie now – After 6 games (with 4 more to go), Sweden are placed third in their group. Germany, with five wins in six games are almost certain to take the automatic qualification spot. Sweden along with Ireland and Austria have 11 points from six games.
Chances of qualification – Slim but still possible. The reason why their chances are very slim is because of the games they still have. They have a game against Germany, Kazakhstan, Austria and Ireland. So, only the 3 points against Kazakhstan are a certain for Sweden. They have a game against one of the best teams in the world in Germany and two other games against fellow WC spot chasers Austria and Ireland. Even if they get into the playoffs, they still have to play a knockout against potentially dangerous teams.
3. Paraguay (CONMEBOL)
Total WC appearances so far – 8
History – Last time in South Africa, Paraguay were really good. They qualified top of their group, knocked out Japan in the Round of 16 and fought bravely against Spain in the Quarters losing only by a single goal. 2010 was the fourth consecutive appearance for Paraguay in the World Cup finals.
Qualification Scenario – 9 CONMEBOL teams (except Brazil) play each other twice, the top four teams after that get automatic entry and the fifth placed team gets a playoff spot.
Where they lie now – At the bottom of the qualification table with only 2 wins from 12 games.
Chances of qualification – Absolutely none whatsoever. With only four more games to go, there is no way that Paraguay could get a spot at the next year’s World Cup at Brazil.
2. Serbia (UEFA)
Total WC appearances so far – 11 (as Yugoslavia, Serbia – Montenegro and Serbia)
History – Serbia (played as Yugoslavia and Serbia-Montenegro) have failed to qualify only 8 times to the WC finals (also they were banned from the 1994 games). Although they were eliminated in the group stages during 2006 and 2010, they are still a vastly talented team consisting of big names.
Qualification scenario – They are placed in Group A of UEFA qualification. The winner of the group gets an automatic spot and the runner gets a spot in the playoffs.
Where they lie now – Third place in Group A, which has Belgium in first position with 19 points and Croatia with 16 points in second place. Serbia now have only 7 points from seven games.
Chances of qualification – Nil. Belgium will get the automatic spot most likely with Croatia going to the play-offs. Serbia have 7 points whereas Belgium have 19 and Croatia have 16 all from 7 games. With only 3 more games to go, there is absolutely no chance for Serbia to qualify to Brazil. For a team that once conceded only one goal during the entire 10 games of the 2006 WC qualification, this is really a big blow considering the star power that they still have in their defensive line-up.
1. Uruguay (CONMEBOL)
Total WC appearances so far – 11
History – Uruguay are two time World Champions winning the first ever World Cup in 1930 as well as the 1950 World Cup against Brazil. Although their dominance ended after the 1950s, they still were regulars at the World Cup finals. Last time at South Africa, they impressed everyone by making it to the semi-finals, finishing the tournament in a respectable fourth place.
Qualification scenario – Four out of the nine teams from CONMEBOL region get automatic qualification, the fifth placed team plays a play0ff against the fifth placed team from Asian Qualification (Either Jordon or Uzbekistan)
Where they lie now – They presently occupy the fifth spot which means if the situation remains the same, they will have to face the winner of Jordon and Uzbekistan clash to earn a WC final spot.
Chances of qualification – Still in their own hands. Although chances of earning an automatic spot is very slim (the top four teams have at least 5 points more than Uruguay), they can very well earn a playoff spot from which they should easily qualify. But, with Venezuela and Peru lurking closely (Venezuela have the same number of points as Uruguay and Peru has 2 points less), they have to be play good football in their remaining 4 games.
