32 of the world’s best soccer nations will gather in South Africa this summer to compete for the Jules Rimet Trophy. However, there are some teams that missed the bus even though they were expected to qualify.
Here’s a look at the list of notable absentees at the 2010 World Cup.
Egyptian:– Egypt, seven times champions of Africa, lost in a playoff to Algeria, their bitter North African rival. They got their revenge by crushing the Desert Foxes months later in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, but nothing will make up for the disappointment of missing out on the world’s biggest soccer tournament.
Russia:- After their exploits at Euro 2008, where they knocked out the Netherlands, Russia was expected to comfortably qualify for the World Cup. They finished very close to Germany in their group and met Slovenia in the playoffs. Leading 2-0 from the first leg, Guus Hiddink’s men conceded an away goal. It would cost Arshavin and company. expensive, as Slovenia eliminated them on away goals by winning 1-0 in the second leg.
Croatia:- With the likes of Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Danijel Pranjic and Darijo Srna in their team, Slaven Bilic’s team should have reached the final with ease. However England, with memories of their Euro 2008 qualifying failure still fresh in their minds, thrashed them 5-1 in a decisive qualifier to end their qualification hopes.
Czech Republic:- The Czechs failed to register for the World Cup, finishing third in a group they were expected to dominate. Petr Rada was shown the door to a poor start and although his replacement Ivan Hasek did her best, he was unable to undo the damage.
Costa Rica:- The Ticos started well in the Hexagonal but a three-game losing streak allowed Honduras to catch up. They needed a win against the USA in their last game to earn automatic qualification, but a Jonathan Bornstein goal prevented them in the final seconds of the game. Thus, they finished fourth and had to be content with a playoff spot. Uruguay, who had lost to Australia in the 2006 playoffs, were determined not to let lightning strike twice and knocked out Costa Rica in the Intercontinental playoff.
