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.

Serbia

Serbia are entering the World Cup as an independent nation for the very first time. In 1990 Yugoslavia represented the whole Balkan area, in 1998 the sqaud was called Yugoslavia but was really just Serbia and Montenegro, as they officially were called four year ago in Germany. In 2010 however, they are purely Serbia, but are probably stronger than at any time since the World Cup in Italy. 

That side reached the quarter finals, only to lose to Argentina on penalties, and many of that team would go on to win the European Cup a year later with Red Star Belgrade. This years squad however, are far more spread apart, and many players are playing for some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

The White Angels (who wear red) qualified impressively for South Africa as winners of  their European qualifying Group ahead of France, Lithuania, Romania, Austria and the Faroe Islands. The Serbians sealed top relatively comfortably, despite failing to beat France home or away, thanks to a strong start and a consistency of results throughout. The only other game they didn't win way away to Lithuania. 

2006 was a disaster for Serbia and Montenegro, as they lost all three of their games, but they also enjoyed in ignominy of suffering the tournament's heaviest defeat, 6-1, against Argentina. The showing in Germany was considered an embarrassment, but shouldn't be repeated this summer.

SCHEDULE- Group D

Ghana          June 13th- Pretoria

Germany      June 18th- Port Elizabeth

Australia      June 23rd- Johannesburg

Serbia have been drawn in what is commonly known as the group of death. All four teams have a strong chance of qualification to the second round, or even further. Germany are definitely the favourites but the absence of Michael Ballack will give the other three countries hope.

Yugoslavia played Germany in France in 1998 and threw away a two goal lead to draw 2-2. The Serbians of 2010 may be the most likely team to take points of the Germans due to the stenght and European experience of their players compared to Australia and Ghana, not to say that those two nations don't have decent teams of their own. Do that and qualification may be assured.

Needless to say, an early win is essential, whoever wins the opening game from themselves and Ghana will be favourites to progress with Germany, but with three tough games in store, the final outcome will be any one's guess.

KEY PLAYERS

The team captain and most experienced player in the squad is Inter Milan's Dejan Stankovic. The 31 year old midfielder is by far the squad's most capped player with 86. His midfield expertise will be required more than ever as he will be joined there by Wolves player Nenad Milijas, who is the weak link of the side. He is also the second highest scoring player with 13, to the 16 of Nikola Zigic.

The beanpole Valencia striker has had a rough time of it in Spain over the past three years since leaving Racing Santander but he is a regular for the national team due to his size, strengh and aerial prowess. He is joined in attack by the mercurial talents of Marko Pantelic. The striker has had an impressive goal record for Red Star, Hertha Berlin and now Ajax but has been regarded as a bit of a troublemaker, especially in Germany.

Liverpool's new recruit and title winner with Standard Leige Milan Jovanovic and Milos Krasic of CSKA Moscow complete the attacking line up for Serbia. Danko Lazovic, former PSV hitman, will be waiting in reserve.

Not only do Serbia possess talented individual attackers but they have an abundance of defensive talent with Nemanja Vidic being the stand out performer. The Manchester United centre has been a revelation in England since moving from Spartak Moscow in 2006, becoming the leagues most consistent defender over the past four seasons He missed the last World Cup through injury however, so will be looking to make things right this time. 

Branislav Ivanovic was also missing in German. The then Lokomotiv Moscow defender was injured too. The heart of the defence that got Serbia and Montenegro was missing by the time of the main event. 

This team possesses a number of capable sidekicks to the Premier League superstars. Italian based Alexandar's, Kolarov and Lukovic, will complete the back four.

ONE TO WATCH- Milos Krasic

The CSKA attacking midfielder can pick a pass, score goals and carried his club side to the quarter finals of the Champions League this season.

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

Serbia should have high expectations, as they have the first XI to take on any country in South Africa. The hard part will be escaping the group of death. A good start against Ghana is needed if that is to be achieved, but a quarter final is not out of the question. That would be a dream return to the upper echelons of world football since the break up of Yugoslavia

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

An embarrassing repeat of four years ago, and the unfulfilment of vast potential

PREDICTION 

Thee group should be negotiated. All four teams will still have a chance on the final day but I expect Serbia to fall over the line into a winnable second round game against England, or even America, as possibly even group winners. Have the potential to beat a young German team without a leader to win the Group C. Could be the dark horses of the 2010 World Cup.

Slovenia

Slovenia are the smallest European nation playing in this years finals, but is not their first. In 2002, the Slovenes graced the tournament unspectacularly, losing all three of their group games. That year's event was marred by in fighting between star coach, Srecko Katenec, and star player Zlatko Zahovic, that say the latter sent home. 

No such circumstances are expected this time however, as there are no massive egos in the squad, only commitment and belief. The current coach Matjaz Kek has instilled a high work ethic and self confidence in a squad made up of low key players, which helped helped them to out manoeuvre Poland, Czech Republic and finally Russia to reach the finals. 

In that play off in Moscow the Slovenians fell two goals behind but snatched a late away goal to take back to Maribor. In the second leg all that was needed was a goal from Zlatko Dedic of Bochum to knock out the Russians. From 2-0 down in the first leg, their achievement was nothing short of a miracle.   

SCHEDULE- Group C

Algeria   June 13th

USA      June 18th

England   June 23rd

The group is not the most daunting that Slovenia could have faced. England have already been tackled in the recent past, as the away side went down 2-1 at Wembley. Slovakia have played both the English and Americans recently too, and they will offer first hand insight into Slovenia's upcoming opponents. Finally there is Algeria, the team that Slovenia will be most confident of beating. The Algerians don't have a settled side of late and any problems in preparation will play into the hands of the Europeans. Failure to win that first game however and the remainder of the tournament will be an uphill task.

That is already known in Slovenia however, who are happy just to be in South Africa, They were never expected to qualify and they have barely registered in the past eight years since the dizzy heights of Euro 2000 and Japan/Korea 2002.

KEY PLAYERS

Slovenia is a team made up of hard working individuals rather than star names. The most familiar name is their captain, Robert Koren, of West Bromwich Albion. The 29 year old midfield player primarily prides inspiration for his younger compatriots. Aside from that his is the team's on field organiser. Koren refused to play in friendly games two years ago but the opportunity to become captain caused him to perform a U-turn. 

Other notable members of the Slovenian squad include Valter Birsa of Auxerre, who was a teenage prodigy in his formative years and Andraz Kirm, who will be responsible for crossing the ball to the hero from that night Maribor, Dedic. 

The rising star of Slovenian football is Inter Milan midfielder, Rebe Krhin. At the age of 20 he is finally on the edge of the Inter team, even making a few first team appearances in Serie 'A' prior to the Christmas break. He may not be in the Slovenia starting line up now, but he could be by the time they face England.    

ONE TO WATCH- Rene Krhim 

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

The possibility of reaching the second round is not entirely out of the question and it would be a dream come true for the 2.1 million people back home. Two victories will probably be needed  for that to happen though. Algeria will have to be beaten, and then it will be a nervy battle with the Americans.

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

An off the field scenario like 2002 is not likely this time, but a repeat of the results would be just as bad. Three defeats, especially in this group, would be a case of underachievement.

PREDICTION

Slovenia will probably not lose all their games, but they probably won't go through to the second round either.