Germany are no longer the only certain name on the lineup for the 2006 World Cup. Last week five nations became the first definite qualifiers for the big event and several more almost certainly wrapped up their participation next summer. On the other hand, a number of top names seem consigned to enduring an unwanted long holiday.

Argentina can enjoy their Confederations Cup jaunt, knowing they certainly come back next year. They topped the South American group with a blistering 3-1 win over rivals Brazil- that man Hernan Crespo netted twice again. The Brazilians should soon join them despite this defeat, but behind the holders there?s a real log-jam of countries chasing the last two automatic spots.

Three points separate four teams with 3 games each left and lagging behind this bunch are the Uruguayans a further two points back. Unless they string together three wins Diego Forlan will be able to put all his effort into Villareal?s upcoming European campaign.

The South Americans 5th best take on the Australians in a play-off. Many of the Australian players ply their trade in the UK and they will hope to prevail where they have fallen short previously. Yet again winners of the Oceania section, the Socceroos are pig sick of taking on South Americans and have applied to join the Asia groups next time. Looking at the Asian qualifiers you can see why.

Japan, Iran, Saudi Arabia and South Korea have come through; these are fast becoming what could be termed the ?Usual Suspects? in Asian football. Slightly disappointing not to see a new participant at the sport?s biggest event and the latter stages were a non-event as the ?Big 4? wrapped up qualification before the final group games.

On the subject of perennial qualifiers, the Mexicans top the final CONCACAF pool and they and the USA are almost certain to confirm their tickets to Germany sooner or later. Paulo Wanchope has fired Costa Rica to pole position for the 3rd qualifying place and if they prevail there will again be no new competitor in Germany.

African qualification is very tough with only the winners of five pools awarded a place in Germany. Not surprisingly, no team has clinched a group yet but there?s no doubting the most unfamiliar contender. Togo lead Group 1 over teams like Senegal and Zambia. There?s no doubt there are a few UK fans who wouldn?t mind seeing the Hawks denie El Hadj Djouf another World Cup Finals. Togo?s effort is led by Sheyi Emmanuel Adebayo of Monaco, one of several Nigerian-born players in their ranks.

The Super Eagles are jointly leading their section but as usual doing it the hard way. Last week they dropped points to the unfancied Rwandans and this week they have a critical game with the resurgent Angolans. Form suggests that when the Nigerians end their internal dissension they can take this group.

Which leaves Europe. Group 2 now appears almost certain to throw up the most interesting new qualifying nation, as the Ukrainians finally put behind them the heartbreak of play-off losses to reach their first tournament finals. It?s not in the bag yet but Europe?s No 1 player, Andrei Shevchenko, should finally appear at the highest level. His team will be a real dark horse if they stay on course and win their section.

Big names like France and Russia are struggling to make it and Bulgaria and Rumania are already out, to name just two. Spain, who always seem to qualify with ease, are locked in a slugfest with Serbia/Montenegro for top spot in their section and may face the indignity of a play off. One of Holland and the Czech Republic are certainly destined for that fate.

On a (very) rough count, over 50 nations are still in with some sort of a chance to add their name to the contenders at next year?s World Cup, which shows the levelling of standards in the past 20 years. It?s going to be the soccer?s maddest scramble ever in the next few months.

Source: Square Football

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