Denmark

Denmark will be playing in only their fourth World Cup this summer. For a country that has produced great individuals as well as a European Championship winning team, that will come as a surprise.

The Danes qualified impressively, combining youth, experience and pace to overcome Sweden and Portugal to top European Qualifying Group A.

The stand out moment of qualifying came in Lisbon. Having fallen 2-1 behind with four minutes left, injury time goals from Christian Poulsen and Daniel Jensen turned it around for the Scandinavians. The only defeat came at home to Hungary in another wise dream campaign.

If they are to progress from a difficult group phase at the World Cup then similar form will need to be shown by Olsen's Eleven.

WORLD CUP HISTORY

To date, the 1992 European champions have had a less illustrious World Cup history. 1998 saw Denmark's best performance at a World Cup Finals. The Brian Laudrup and Peter Schmeichel lead team knocked out a previously impressive Nigeria team 4-1, only to lose 3-2 to Brazil in the quarter final in one of the games of the tournament.

1986 & 2002: 2nd Round  

SCHEDULE- Group E

Holland         June 14th- Johannesburg

Cameroon    June 19th- Pretoria

Japan           June 24th- Rustenburg

Considering the team's form coming into the tournament and the countries history of having never been knocked out in the group phase, the Danish squad will be confident of progression.

The rise of a new generation of players has seen this Denmark team reborn since their last major international involvement since 2004. Such fearlessness will need to be on show to get by Japan and primarily Cameroon, if they are to progress in second place.

Having the Dutch first will be either a blessing or a curse. Lose and pressure will be on to beat Cameroon but draw and confidence will be high going into the last two games, knowing four points will be enough.

KEY PLAYERS

While there is still a reliance on Jon Dal Tomasson, Denis Rommedahl, Martin Jorgensen and Jesper Gronkjaer, a wave of new talent has emerged to complement the old.

In attack, Nicklas Bendtner is the new star of Danish football. The Arsenal forward is even dating royalty from his homeland because his stock is so high. His beautifully executed goal against Portugal showed what he is capable of.

In defence Simon Kjaer has emerged as hot property in the last two years. The Palermo defender's price tag may rise even further with a good showing in South Africa. Getting into first XI will be his priority though. 

Christian Poulsen has emerged as the driving force of the team in recent years. The defensive midfielder may be down the pecking order at Juventus but his passing and breaking up of play, which he performed so well for Sevilla, are essential for his national team. Any absences may cost his team.

Thomas Sorensen has finally emerged as an adequate replacement for Schmeichel. The Stoke goalkeeper is a veteran of 86 caps but he is only currently in his prime. The combination of himself, Kjaer and Daniel Agger should be capable of handling any opposition.

ONE TO WATCH- Nicklas Bendtner

The Arsenal striker is often criticised for missing chances but there is no doubting his ball control and even his dribbling ability is good for a big man.

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

A second place finish in the group followed by a second round victory over Italy is not completely out of the question. The Azzurri are at their weakest in years so a quarter final rematch with Brazil may be on the cards 12 years on. 

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

Cameroon may come good and squeeze into second place and end Denmark's aspirations after only two games.

PREDICTION

At least the second round and maybe further...

Holland

Holland came through qualification with a perfect record of eight wins out of eight, albeit from the weakest group in Europe. Such impressive recent form leaves them as one of the favourites for the World Cup, although less hype has surrounded their build up than other countries.

The Dutch are one of the world's most famous footballing nations despite the size of the country, which is only a third the size of Ireland. In a population of of 16.5 million people, a ridiculous amount of uniquely talented footballers are produced, from Johann Cryuff to Marco van Basten to Dennis Bergkamp.

Despite their talent, the World Cup is still the holy grail, having lost consecutive finals in 1974 and 1978 to the host nations of those tournaments. Oranje entered both tournaments as underdogs, especially in Germany but the the team danced and passed their way to the final after a string of astounding performances. Their arrogance and Cryuff late night on the phone with an angry wife ultimately cost them.

Four years later, the post cost the Netherlands the title in Argentina,

before losing 3-1 in extra time. Rob Rensenbrink hit the post with only seconds remaining.

More recently, the Dutch have been inconsistent at major tournaments. Currently ranked fourth in the world, Holland only reached the second round in Germany due to a limp defeat to Portugal. The game was marred by Ruud van Nistelrooy's absence and then the four red cards and 16 yellows that followed, as well as heavy rain. The Battle of Nuremberg it will forever be known as.  

2008 looked destined to be a summer of redemption for Dutch football after a poor decade but after impressive performances against Italy and France, the Flying Dutchmen lost to a rampant Russian team in the quarter final, putting off a meeting with Spain which may define their tournament in 2010.

SCHEDULE- Group E

Denmark      June 14th- Johannesburg

Japan           June 19th- Durban

Cameroon    June 24th- Cape Town

The Clockwork Orange will be confident of topping Group E. All three opponents represent a difficult challenge and none should be taken lightly but the speed and technical qualities of the Dutch midfield should see them overcome all three.

Denmark qualified impressively, while Japan are World Cup regulars and Cameroon have talented players but none should have the capacity to really trouble the Dutch too much, although all three games will carry narrow scorelines.

The main obstacle to the Oranje may be themselves. in-fighting, cliques and personality clashes have damaged Dutch dreams before, notably in Euro '96 and again in Germany '06. Thus far Bert van Marvijk's team have represented a solid determined unit who enjoy their football together. As long as they're winning that'll continue, but once the knock-out stages commence Dutch minds can become a little fragile, especially when penalties are in sight.  

KEY PLAYERS

The stand out members of the Dutch squad are Champions League finalists Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben. Holland's two biggest stars have both has the best seasons of their careers and the pace of Robben and passing of Sneijder will be the backbone of any success in South Africa.

As will the goals of Robin van Persie. The Arsenal striker has only recently returned from injury but he is the lone striker these days for the national team since Ruud van Nistelrooy's retirement and non inclusion. The former Feyenoord player is capable of scoring on a consistent basis, but injuries have curtailed any chances to prove it.

The retirement of Edwin van der Sar has created problems in the goalkeeping position. Ajax's Maarten Stekelenberg is the only internationally experienced keeper in the squad. Any injuries will be problematic for what is already a potentially shaky defence. Giovanni van Bronckhorst's defence will need to play above their individual capabilities throughout.

ONE TO WATCH- Eljero Elia

The young Hamburg winger has only been capped six times by van Marvijk but he has already forced his way into the team. The 23 year old will complement Arjen Robben on the opposite wing, providing more ammunition for Robin van Persie    

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

Potential winners, but it will be a difficult path to get to the final, having to possibly overcome Spain and Argentina to get there. The country and the fans embrace the colour orange during tournaments, and we might be seeing a lot of that this summer.

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

Dropping out at the group stage is not a realistic possibility, and losing in the second round to Slovakia or Paraguay is equally unlikely, but even losing at the quarter final stage, albeit to Spain, will be a major disappointment.

PREDICTION

Quarter final place at least. Their defence might cost them in that potential showdown with the European Champions.

Australia

Australia enter their second consecutive World Cup with much the same team as the last time. but with no less confidence.

The move to the Asian qualifyng system has helped the socceroos no end. It has given them more experience of competitive games, a regional international tournament to play in and a more structured basis with which to enter 2010.

The Aussies were the first country, apart from the hosts, to qualify for the World Cup having finished ahead of Japan and camp will be set up in South Africa as early as tomorrow meaning the Australians will be the first team to arrive. 

Despite topping their group with six wins out of eight games, Pim Verbeek's team found goals hard to come by, especially away, and it won't get ant easier against Germany, Ghana and Serbia. 

In Germany, Guus Hiddink's team were denied a quarter final berth by Fabio Grosso's dive and Francesco Totti's penalty, but the Socceroos would be delighted to come away with a similar result this time.

SCHEDULE

Germany    June 13th- Durban

Ghana        June 19th- Rustenburg

Serbia        June 23rd- Nelspruit

The draw has not been as kind as four years ago. These three opponents are a significantly more daunting challenge than Brazil, Japan and Croatia in 2006. Saying that, the Aussies certainly have a chance of getting through the group, and a repeat of the spirited performances and team work of last time will be the least they'll have to produce.

Beyond Germany, who will surely make it through one way or another, the other three will fancy their chances of joining them in the last 16. Australia, however, are slight underdogs considering the superiority of some of the players representing Ghana and Serbia. 

KEY PLAYERS

The make up of the starting XI is reminiscent of the last competition, only minus Mark Viduka. There will be a heavy reliance on Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell to score goals, and Mark Bresciano, Luke Wilkshire, Vince Grella and Brett Emerton to help create them.

Tim Cahill, a Samoan under 17 international, has been an essential part of Australia's team since being capped in 2004. His goals from midfield won Australia their only World Cup game against Japan in Germany. The Everton midfielder will need to put in some goal scoring performances if they're to progress.

Mark Bresciano has been an ever present for Palermo in Italy for years now, and has played on the peninsula for the past 11 years, making him the countries most consistent European performer. He is a set piece specialist who will be fighting over free kicks with Harry Kewell. 

Mark Schwarzer has played over 60 games for Fulham in the last season and at the age of 37 his career doesn't seem like slowing down. He has played for the Socceroos since 1993, but was dropped for the pivotal game with Croatia four years ago, only to return for the second round. His goalkeeping prowess will be priceless with the unattached Craig Moore in front of him.

ONE TO WATCH- Tim Cahill 

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

Qualification from the group is not impossible but it'll be tough going to get to the second round. A realistic shot at the quarter finals will then be the reward.

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

A first game defeat followed by two more and taking a big step backwards from the last time.

PREDICTION

First round exit, but not without a credible fight.

Germany

Three times World Champions Germany come into this World Cup as one of the favourites, as always, but their hopes have been severely dented by the absence of captain and talisman Michael Ballack.

Coach Jogi Low and the rest of the population were angry and downhearted following the captains injury in the FA Cup final playing with Chelsea, but the show must go on without him and Dei Mannschaft's group looks a lot more difficult without him.

After a difficult period between the late 1990s and early 2006, the Germans have produced one of the best teams in the World again. Sure they reached the final in 2002 but that was largely down to the opposition they faced and the qualities of Oliver Kahn. 

Since 2006 however, Germany are back, and to a degree the traditional physical efficiency is gone, replaced by youth exuberance and pace.   

For the world's sixth ranked team, qualification for 2010 was assured with two victories over rivals Russia, in what was otherwise a straightforward section.

Penalty shoot outs are where Germans are at their strongest, having won four out of four in World Cups, including the quarter final with Argentina in Berlin four years ago. The only shoot out they've ever lost was the 1976 European championship final to Czechoslovakia in Belgrade.

SCHEDULE- Group D

Australia   June 13th- Durban

Serbia      June 18th- Port Elizabeth

Ghana      June 23rd- Johannesburg

Germany remain favourites for the group but their mission will not be as plain sailing as first anticipated, as their may be some inexperience in their own XI, especially at goalkeeper and in midfield, but they should be able to come through the group unbeaten at least. 

Australia may prove to be the weakest of a close run group, so a victory in the first game is a must, while a win in either of the two remaining games should see them come out as group winners.

That is simplifying it however, and all three games will be difficult, and the other teams shouldn't be underestimated. Australia are an improving force and Serbia are certainly a dark horse, lastly there is Ghana, who have provided players to Dei Mannschaft in the past, such as Gerald Asamoah, Jerome Boateng and David Odonkor. This year German born Ghanaian Kevin Prince Boateng, now a villain in Germany because of his tackle on Ballck, may be facing against his home country with his fathers.  

KEY PLAYERS

The spine of the German team will be made up of young Schalke goalkeeper and Under 21 European champion Manuel Neuer, central defender Per Mertesacker of Werder Bremen, Bayern Munich's reborn Bastian Schweinsteiger and Cologne bad boy Lukas Podolski, who will be joined by Bayern bench warmer yet the squad's top scorer, Miroslav Klose.

The spine may not seem as strong as other favourites but it allows more natural talents to blossom, such as right back Philipp Lahm and potential midfielders starters Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil.

Outside the starting XI, Germany are at their strongest and most unpredictable in midfield with youngsters Toni Kroos, Marko Marin and Hamburg's Petr Trochowski waiting in the wings. Additionally Stefan Kiessling has had a breakthrough season in Leverkusen and will be itching to make an impact if given an opportunity.  

ONE TO WATCH- Mesut Ozil

The young diminutive Bremen midfielder of Turkish descent is a star in the making and the big European clubs will have to pay even more to prize him away from Germany if he performs in South Africa

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

Germany are always potential winners, but it will still be a big surprise if they can finish off their third place from 2006 and second from Euro 2008 win a victory here.  

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

An early exit, or even a second round exit to the US or England would be unacceptable.

PREDICTION

Should reach the quarter finals, where a potential reunion with Argentina awaits, and another shoot out might be welcomed.

Ghana

Ghana will be hoping to reproduce the form of four years ago in Germany and book a place in the last 16 of the World Cup, but it will be even harder in South Africa.

In 2006, Ghana were placed in the so called group of death with Italy, Czech Republic and USA but managed to win two games after losing to Italy in their opener. The Black Stars fell to Brazil in the second round , but despite an admirable performance, lost 3-0, in a game since regarded as being fixed.

As in the current trend in Africa, Ghana have a European head coach in Milovan Rejevac. Unlike his contemporaries however, he has been in charge for longer than a few weeks. The Serbian took over in Accra in 2008 and led an understrenght Ghanaian team to the final of this years Nations Cup in Angola, only to lose 1-0 to Egypt. 

In what is only Ghana's second World Cup finals, the four times African champions will be expecting success considering the quality of the players at their disposal, especially in midfield.   

SCHEDULE- Group D

Serbia        June 13th- Pretoria

Australia     June 19th- Rustenburg

Germany    June 23rd- Johannesburg

The draw has not been kind to Ghana for the second successive tournament. They face the best Asian team, Australia, European dark horses Serbia and three time winners Germany.

The opening game may be the most decisive. The draw has been tough for all African teams, despite playing at 'home'. Ghana remain one of the continents to progress however, despite the draw.

Defeat against Serbia is unacceptable, lose that game and the World Cup will be over before it even starts. A draw will keep them in it until the last group game.

KEY PLAYERS

Michael Essien is the lynchpin of the team. He has an even freer role than he has at Chelsea, which allows the powerful midfielder to surge forward and shoot from distance. His hunger, passion and selflessness will be needed if Ghana are to progress. If he is still suffering from injury come June 13th, then the Black Stars will find it harder to escape Group D. 

Pivotal in attack will be Asamoah Gyan. The striker carried his younger team mates to the final of the Nations Cup by scoring the winning goals in both the quarter and semi finals. The Rennes forward has scored 19 goals in 38 games for his country. An impressive record for a 24 year old.

Added to Essien's power in midfield is the strenght of Sulley Muntari. The Inter Milan player has an impressive goal return for a midfielder, scoring 15 times for Ghana. 

Added to these stars are an up and coming generation who won last years under 20 World Cup in Egypt. The Black Satellites beat Brazil in the final on penalties and Dominic Adiyah scored eight goals in the process. The Milan player has already been capped by the senior team.   

ONE TO WATCH- Asamoah Gyan

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

Equalling the result of last time out would be a great achievement for Ghana, and even reaching the quarter finals isn't beyond the realm of possibility. To achieve that they'll need to start well and play to their maximum throughout. Unlike neighbours Nigeria, the Black Stars play with a team spirit that could carry them through.  

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

Exiting, with all of their African counterparts, in the group stage.

PREDICTION

Despite the quality throughout the team and especially in midfield, Ghana might just miss out to on a place in the last 16 to Serbia.