Countdown to South Africa
Of the 203 football-playing nations registered with FIFA, world football's governing body, just 32 earn the right to contest the World Cup. From June 11 this year, those 32 qualifying countries will assemble in South Africa in a bid to be crowned champions of the world. Countdown to South Africa breaks down each competing team, including profiles on coaches, insight into the star players, as well as important statistics and facts. Plus, the series takes a look inside the venues and host cities.
Station: OMNI.1
EPISODE 1 - SPAIN
With its culture, diverse landscapes and passion for life, Spain is a country that offers much more than bullfights, flamenco dancers and crowded beaches.
But even with its all-round sporting success, when it comes to real football passion there is none greater than the Spaniards love for "La Furia Roja".
Episode one of "COUNTDOWN TO SOUTH AFRICA", takes a look at coach Vicente del Bosque, two of the team's most important players and the nation's X-Factor in Xavi.
However, it seems incredible, for a country with such a strong footballing tradition, and the current champions of Europe, that it has never won a World Cup.
Amazingly, Spain's most memorable moment at the World Cup ended with a 7-1 thrashing, but don't let this overshadow the fact the Iberians have a very good chance of breaking through for their World Cup triumph.
EPISODE 2 - ENGLAND
As far as international football goes, England has been there from the beginning. But despite tackling Scotland in the very first international match way back in 1870, they didn't enter the World Cup Finals until 1950.
Since then they have played in 11 campaigns, yet failed to qualify in 1974, '78 and again at USA '94, despite producing some of the world's finest football talent.
Hosting in 1966, England won its only World Cup and the pressure will be on again this year as the usual passionate and boisterous legion of fans make the trip south to support their national team.
This episode of "COUNTDOWN TO SOUTH AFRICA" profiles the legends and newcomers who look to take the "Three Lions" to their second World Cup title.
With new coach, Italian Fabio Capello, an invigorated squad and a favourable group draw, look out for the men from the British Isles when it counts.
EPISODE 3 - BRAZIL
Next time you're stumped by a World Cup trivia question, there's a good chance the answer will be Brazil. The South American giant can lay claim to more titles and more games won than anyone else, as well as scoring more goals.
That's not surprising, because Brazil is the only nation to play at every World Cup tournament.
With a new coach making some tough selection decisions, it was somewhat a changing of the guard as Brazil entered qualifying for 2010; nevertheless the Samba Kings have consistently produced teams renowned for their imagination, flair and pure entertainment.
Its fanatical fans live and breathe the game and have carved out a reputation of their own.
This episode of "COUNTDOWN TO SOUTH AFRICA" profiles 2007 World Player of the Year Kaka, the X factor Fabiano and asks the great Pele which was the best Brazilian team he played on?
Spoilt for success over the years, their colourful band of followers will party long and hard should their beloved team make history by winning a sixth World Cup.
EPISODE 4 - SOUTH KOREA & SWITZERLAND
South Korea and Switzerland have a World Cup history dating back to 1954. It was then the Koreans played in their first World Cup tournament - hosted by the Swiss.
Most recently, in 2006, it was the Swiss who knocked South Korea out at the group stage, ending their hopes of emulating the giant-killing run they enjoyed four years earlier.
Now one of the superstars of the world game, Korean playmaker Park Ji Sung who plays with Manchester United, is one of the many featured players in this episode of "COUNTDOWN TO SOUTH AFRICA".
The Swiss are led by accomplished coach Ottmar Hitzfeld, the German mastermind who has enjoyed plenty of club success with Borussia Dortmund and later Bayern Munich, which included a Champions League crown... and talented striker, captain Alex Frei.
Regarded as easybeats no longer, both South Korea and Switzerland enjoyed outstanding qualification campaigns and will both be expecting to advance to the round of 16.
EPISODE 5 - GERMANY
As consistent and successful as Germany has been at the World Cup, it has also finished runner up a record four times.
And a third placing four years ago on home soil has the German team primed for a shot at winning their fourth World Cup, and first since 1990, when they head for South Africa.
Captain Miachael Ballack is one of the players featured in this episode of "COUNTDOWN TO SOUTH AFRICA" and after a number of near misses in major tournaments, most recently a second place in the Euro 2008 final, Ballack is one of the key men for Germany at this World Cup.
Throughout the history of the Cup, the German teams, which unified in 1990, have been prolific goal scorers, and this squad is no different.
Up front, Lukas Podolski is rated the X factor in this episode, while fellow striker Miroslav Klose has his sights set on becoming the highest goal scorer in World Cup history.
Already with 10 goals, Klose if the only player to score five goals at consecutive World Cups, and this episode profiles the Polish-born superstar from the Bayern Munich club who will have a big say in Germany's run in South Africa.
EPISODE 6 - ITALY
The second most successful nation in World Cup history with four titles, Italy will compete at South Africa 2010 as the defending champion.
That unforgettable final against France four years ago, that saw Zinedine Zidane sent off for the controversial head butt before a win on penalties, has set up this World Cup tournament with more storylines than ever before.
The Azzuri is one of the powerhouses of world football and this year's squad is littered with superstars from Europe and the English Premier League.
Episode 6 of "COUNTDOWN TO SOUTH AFRICA" takes a closer look a goal keeper Gianluigi Buffon and coach Marcelo Lippi, as well as an in depth profile on captain and 2006 World Player of the Year, Fabio Cannavaro.
History says the Azzuri will be hard pressed to repeat as World Cup champions and draw level with Brazil with five titles, but nevertheless the Italians will be one of the teams to beat in South Africa.
EPISODE 7 - GHANA/CHILE
Ghana and Chile may not rate as serious World Cup contenders, but both countries are well entrenched in FIFA's top 15 ranked football nations in the world.
In South Africa, Ghana will be led the exciting Michael Essien, now with Chelsea, and "COUNTDOWN TO SOUTH AFRICA" takes an extended look at this gifted athlete and goal scorer who will be carrying the hopes of his nation, along with captain Stephen Appiah.
This will be the Black Stars' second World Cup and were the first team to qualify for the tournament after hosts South Africa. In 2006 they were the only African nation to climb out of the Group Stage and so will be looking to consolidate their position as the cream of the continent.
As hosts in 1962, Chile finished third, one of only two times they have made it out of the first round. At South Africa 2010, Chile is making its eighth appearance at a World Cup, yet didn't qualify in 2002 or '06.
But Chile is embarking upon a new era under new coach Marcelo Bielsa. The Argentine led them to second place in South American qualification for South Africa 2010, raising hopes of a return to their glory days.
If Chile is to make it out of the Group Stage, a lot will depend on star striker Humberto Suazo, one of the Chilean features in this episode.
EPISODE 8 - THE NETHERLANDS
After winning all eight qualification games leading up to South Africa, the Dutch are understandably buoyant about their chances this year.
But as good as the Netherlands have been on the world stage, they have never won a World Cup, losing the final in 1974 and again in '78.
The Oranjie have set their aims very high - the Final or bust. The last team to reach the World Cup finals without dropping a point in qualification - West Germany in 1982 - went on to play in the final.
In this episode of "COUNTDOWN TO SOUTH AFRICA", we profile the Netherlands' most capped player, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, and former Chelsea and Real Madrid striker Arjen Robben, now at Bayern Munich.
The X factor for the world's third ranked team will be the versatile and immensely-talented Robin van Persie of Arsenal.
After so much World Cup heartache, the Dutch feel this is their time - and if qualification is anything to go by, they might be right.
EPISODE 9 - FRANCE
"The story" of the World Cup almost happened before the tournament even started.
An obvious handball from French captain Thierry Henry that lead to a goal and ultimately a berth at the World Cup in the play-off against Ireland, will no doubt continue to be a talking point at South Africa 2010.
While many of the top names including Zinedine Zidane have retired from the team that went all the way to the final four years ago, the new crop of talent is led by Franck Ribery, a featured player in episode 9 of "COUNTDOWN TO SOUTH AFRICA".
There's an in depth look at national team manager Raymond Domenech, and Chelsea's Premier League top scorer from a year ago, Nicolas Anelka, lining up at his first World Cup.
If one thing is for certain with French teams - it is unpredictability.
They have the flair to match any side in the world, but that can be undone with equal measures of inconsistency, yet the 1998 World Cup champs will again be among the elite to challenge for the title in July.
EPISODE 10 - URUGUAY/AUSTRALIA
Uruguay and Australia share plenty of World Cup qualification history in a very short time.
In 2002, the fifth-ranked South American team upended Australia's bid to play at a World Cup with a two-leg win on aggregate.
Four years later, the tables were turned as the Aussies dramatically qualified for Germany 2006 in a penalty shootout win over Uruguay ... the only nation to qualify for a World Cup via a penalty shootout.
Uruguay hosted and won the inaugural World Cup in 1930 and won a second title in 1950 while the Australians are lining up for just their third World Cup.
In this episode of "COUNTDOWN TO SOUTH AFRICA", you'll get profiles on opposing coaches Oscar Tabarez and Dutch-born Pim Verbeek of Australia.
There's a full wrap of the respective qualification runs as well as a look at Uruguay's X Factor Diego Forlan and former Liverpool winger and now Galatasary's Harry Kewell of Australia.
The Australians had to wait 32 years to get back to the World Cup stage in 2006 and only a last minute injury time penalty against Italy, halted a potential advance to the quarter-finals against a 10-man Italian side.
EPISODE 11 - ARGENTINA
With Lionel Messi, the current FIFA World Player of the Year heading its attack, Argentina is again well placed to figure prominently at this year's World Cup.
A two time winner of the tournament, Argentina is a proud footballing nation, yet barely squeezed itself in to the 32-team field after a tumultuous qualification, finally winning selection in their last match.
Led by the country's living legend Diego Maradona, who captained the Argentine's last win in 1986, Argentina is well placed with a cast of super stars to win its first major international tournament since the Copa America in 1993.
Episode 11 of "COUNTDOWN TO SOUTH AFRICA", profiles Maradona and Messi and also charts the very successful history of the national team, which made the final of the very first World Cup, losing 4-2 to host Uruguay.
EPISODE 12 - USA/SLOVAKIA
Czechoslovakia twice made the World Cup final, falling short against Italy in 1934 and Brazil in 1962. They also won the 1976 European Championship, but since the country split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993, their respective football teams have experienced little joy.
The Czechs made their first appearance in 2006 and in South Africa 2010, it is the turn of the Slovakians to make their debut as an independent nation.
Vladimir Weiss, a player on the 1990 squad which reached the quarter-finals, coaches a team which includes his son by the same name, captained by young Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik, while Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel is one of their players to watch.
Lining up for their fifth straight World Cup campaign, the USA is listed 14th on FIFA's world rankings, tops among North and Central American countries.
The X factor is Landon Donovan, teammate of David Beckham at LA Galaxy who spent time on loan to Everton this year ... his name is synonymous with USA soccer and is one of many features in episode 11 of "COUNTDOWN TO SOUTH AFRICA".
As quarter-finalists in 2002, bracketed by disappointing first-round exits in 1998 and 2006, the USA has the potential to again make waves in South Africa.
EPISODE 13 - SLOVENIA/NTH KOREA
After the break-up of Yugoslavia, Slovenia played their first match as an independent nation in 1991 and have made one previous World Cup appearance, going out in the first round in 2002 with three losses.
Slovenia knocked out Poland, Czech Republic and Russia to secure a place at this year's tournament and will be led by its best known player, Cologne striker Milivoje Novakovic.
Goal keeper Samir Handakovic and captain Robert Koren are also featured in this episode of "COUNTDOWN TO SOUTH AFRICA".
Matjas Kek, who has coached the team since 2007, led them to victory on the away goals rule in their playoff against Russia, and now look ahead to Group matches against England, the United States and Algeria.
North Korea, officially known as Korea DPR, have established themselves as the surprise packets of Asia with qualification for South Africa 2010.
They are back at a World Cup for the first time since making the final eight in 1966, where they led Portugal 3-0 before succumbing 5-3.
The national team is largely made up of domestic players, yet it is FC Rostov's Hong Yong Jo who will lead the attack up front, while inexperienced coach Kim Jong hun will guide his team with a defensive approach and a game based on discipline and teamwork.
EPISODE 14 - CAMEROON/MEXICO
One of six African nations contesting this World Cup, Cameroon is historically one of the continent's strongest teams, having qualified for the World Cup six times, including a quarter-final appearance in 1990, as well as four titles at the African Cup of Nations and an Olympic gold medal in 2000.
After failing to qualify in 2006, Cameroon is led by one of the world's most feared strikers, Samuel Eto'o, who scored nine goals in 11 qualifying matches. The Eto'o profile in this episode tracks his glittering career.
With a 5-0 drubbing of the United States in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final in July 2009, Mexico took their eighth confederation title and erased 10 years of pain since their last victory against their northern rivals.
That win saw the emergence on the international scene of Giovani dos Santos and Carlos Vela, who play on opposite sides of the North London derby in the English Premier League.
Mexico has hosted the World Cup twice, in 1970 and 1986, reaching the quarter-finals on both occasions. In South Africa they will be making their fifth straight appearance and 14th overall.
EPISODE 15 - HONDURAS/GREECE
It took a goal in the dying seconds of the USA's clash with Costa Rica to confirm Honduras' spot among the 32 teams set for South Africa.
It will be their second trip to the World Cup after a first round exit back in 1982.
New coach, Colombian Reinaldo Rueda, has initiated an attacking game plan that has galvanised the national team, led by evergreen forward Carlos Pavon.
Back on the World Cup stage for just the second time and first since 1994 where they failed to score losing three Group games, Greece came from nowhere to triumph at Euro 2004 but failed to qualify for Germany 2006.
In qualification for South Africa 2010, Greece finished second in their group but pulled off an impressive triumph in their two-legged playoff against Ukraine. They will rely heavily on the scoring prowess of Theofanis Gekas, who scored 10 goals in qualifying, the most of any European player.
There is also a profile on German born coach Otto Rehhagel, who has been in charge of the national team since 2001 and will be the oldest coach on show in South Africa.
EPISODE 16 - NIGERIA/JAPAN
Twice winners of the African Cup of Nations, Nigeria reached the World Cup finals for the first time in 1994 and would play in three consecutive editions before missing out again in 2006. The 90s were a golden era, literally, for the Nigerians, as Olympic champions in Atlanta.
With European-based stars John Obi Mikel, Nwankwo Kanu and Obafemi Martins, Nigeria boast an impressive front line that is tipped to score plenty of goals and must be considered a strong chance to progress to the knockout stages, and perhaps further, in South Africa 2010.
Until 1998, Japan had never qualified for the World Cup but it has since emerged as one of Asia's strongest teams and will be making its fourth consecutive appearance on the grandest stage international football has to offer.
The three-time Asia Cup champions were one of the first teams to qualify for the 2010 tournament as coach Takeshi Okada leads a team sure to be keyed by their star midfielder Shunsuke Nakumura.
EPISODE 17 - PORTUGAL/PARAGUAY
Expectations will be high as Portugal heads to South Africa considering its semi final finish four years ago, as well as making the Euro 2004 final.
After an astonishing semi final play-off in its first World Cup back in 1966 led by Eusebio, there were first round exits in 1986 and 2002, but those came before the Cristiano Ronaldo era, the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year, who last season set a transfer fee record of 94 million euros when he joined Real Madrid from Manchester United.
Injury kept Ronaldo to seven qualifying games without scoring, but he will be one of the players to watch in South Africa and is featured in episode 17 "COUNTDOWN TO SOUTH AFRICA".
Twice Copa America champions, Paraguay will be making its fourth consecutive appearance in the World Cup finals and eighth overall.
And while their golden generation has now retired, the silver medallists at the 2004 Olympic tournament have now grown up and accordingly Paraguay must be considered among South America's strongest, as their third place in qualifying indicates.
Their attack will be led by Manchester City star Roque Santa Cruz, one of the most dangerous strikers on the planet and a disappointing Group phase exit four years ago could be the spur to get among the goals in South Africa.
After recording 10 wins in qualifying, the Paraguayans boast a balanced squad capable of bettering their previous best performance at a World Cup - the round of 16 - which they have achieved three times.
EPISODE 18 - DENMARK/ALGERIA/NEW ZEALAND
By defeating Egypt in a playoff for the final African place, Algeria qualified for their first World Cup since 1986, completing its climb out of the international football wilderness since its victory in the 1990 African Cup of Nations.
Led by Antar Yahia, the goal scorer in that win over Egypt and captain Yazid Mansouri, there is belief in the Algerian team that they can produce something historic for their nation at South Africa 2010.
Led by long-time coach Morten Olsen and captain Jon Dahl Tomasson, Denmark heads to its fourth World Cup knowing it has advanced to the knockout stage on each of its previous appearances ... the best effort a quarter final showing in 1998.
The 1992 champions of Europe have serious talent playing for the major clubs of Europe and England but can expect a tough Group stage with matches against the Netherlands, Japan and Cameroon.
New Zealand won through to just its second World Cup Finals by defeating Bahrain 1-0 at home in the second leg of its playoff.
While not expected to win through to the knockout stage after being grouped with Italy, Paraguay and Slovakia, the All Whites will present a stern challenge and will be ably led by Blackburn Rovers defender and national team captain, Ryan Nelsen.
EPISODE 19 - COTE d'IVOIRE/SERBIA
A first round exit in their first World Cup appearance four years ago has the Cote d'Ivoire keen as ever to atone for that disappointment and is now regarded as the best of all the African nations to crash the party set to be dominated by the powers of Europe and Latin America.
Its star-studded lineup is highlighted by immensely-talented Chelsea striker, Didier Drogba, featured in this episode of "COUNTDOWN TO SOUTH AFRICA", while the Toure brothers - Yaya and Koure - are among the best players in European football.
Interestingly, Cote d'Ivoire was the only nation playing at Germany 2006 whose squad was made up entirely of players based outside their home country.
Despite playing at the World Cup for the first time as an independent nation after previous appearances at Yugoslavia and later Serbia & Montenegro, Serbia shouldn't be discounted as an easybeat.
The Serbs were automatic qualifiers finishing atop their group and ahead of France and Austria.
It will be Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic as the rock of the Serb defence with Branislav Ivanovic, along with captain and mid-fielder Dejan Jovanovic, a 12-year veteran of the national team, who will lead Serbia in to Group play against Germany, Australia and Ghana.
EPISODE 20 - SOUTH AFRICA
The host country's bid to reach the "Promised Land" in 2010 is led by former World Cup winning coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, who was in charge of Brazil when it won the 1994 title in the USA.
With automatic qualification as this year's host, South Africa makes its third appearance at the World Cup Finals, yet has failed to advance past the group stage in 1998 or 2002.
And if the Bafana Bafana is to emulate every other host nation's efforts and make it through to the knockout stage, then they must get past two former champions in Uruguay and France, and reigning North American champions Mexico.
Undoubtedly the entire country will be behind the Rainbow Nation and it will be Everton's Steven Pienaar who has the confidence and inspiration required to lift South Africa to an unexpected path to the round of 16.
A gallant performance in FIFA's Confederations Cup last year, where South Africa lost narrowly to Brazil in the semi final and to Spain in the third place play-off, was a timely reminder the host nation cannot be underestimated when playing to its potential.
THE WRAP UP
Episode 21 - The Tournament
The first of the tournament's sequel episodes will look at all the news surrounding the tournament - who succeeded, who didn't and how the fans enjoyed their stay in South Africa. For all the off-the-pitch news and views on the World Cup, this one is one not to be missed.
Episode 21 - The Surprise Packets
The second of the post tournament specials will showcase all the surprise packets of World Cup 2010 as well as the individual awards; including who won the Golden Boot, the Goal Keeper of the tournament and which nation was declared FIFA World Rankings Most Improved Team of 2010.
Episode 21 - The Winners
The final wrap up episode will be solely dedicated to the team that took the Countdown To South Africa and succeeded in holding aloft the World Cup.
From the run through the group stage matches... to how they won, and why... to the reaction of the fans watching at home... to what the players and the coach had to say - this will be an episode that wraps up the World Cup tournament and Cup-winning nation.
Language: English, Italian
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