Key men: Their star man at the moment is midfielder Daniele De Rossi. He is tough, good on the ball and a leader. Italy have some aging stars in their squad such as Cannavaro, Gattuso and Zambrotta. Between the sticks they have one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Gianluigi Buffon.
Story of qualifying: They topped their group, six points ahead of Republic of Ireland. They did it in the typical Italian way, securing qualification with a last minute equaliser.
How will they do?: They have got a lucky draw, they will grind their way through with three clean sheets. 1st
Key men: Captain Ryan Nelsen is also Blackburn's captain. They will need him to be rock solid. They also have youngster Chris Wood (plying his trade for they who shall not be named, you know who I mean.)
Story of qualifying: They qualified by a single goal. They were forced to play in a play off game v Bahrain. Rory Fallon's 45th minute goal in the second leg was enough to send them through.
How will they do?: Not very well. I'd like to see them do well, their manager played for us! Unfortunately, they don't have the standard of players to finish above any of these teams. 4th
Key men: Roque Santa Cruz is the biggest name in their squad, but that doesn't mean he is a cert to start. Benfica man Oscar Cardozo is their best player at the moment and their are other forwards who will challenge to play alongside him. Nelson Valdez and Lucas Barrios will battle it out with Santa Cruz for a starting place in the team.
Story of qualifying: They finished third in their group, which means an automatic place. They finished above Argentina and Uruguay to qualify easily. They beat Brazil and the Argies along the way.
How will they do?: It is a two man battle for that second place. I think they have a good chance, if their star players play well.. That's an 'if' and I don't think they will. 3rd
Key men: Marek Hamsik is a shining star for Slovakia, but this is no one man team. The manager's son, Validimir Weiss Jr was excellent on loan at Bolton and will start on the right wing. The goalkeeper, Jan Mucha was another star in their qualifying and forward Stanislav Sestak scored the vital goals.
Story of qualifying: They topped a group ahead of another team who qualified, Slovenia. They also fnished above Czech Republic and Northern Ireland. They did it in the last game, with a win in Poland. They won a tough group.
How will they do?: I like this team, and I think they will qualify. They have a good spine throughout the team and have enough to see off Paraguay and New Zealand. 2nd
Herbert's the man! like all good wolves fans should be, I'm getting behind the all blacks (can you call there footy team that?)
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