Team that will be missed in 2010 world cup

Conflicting tears of NBA Jerseys joy and sadness were shed around the world when the last slots for the 2010 world cup were filled. After grueling qualifying matches, a number of teams celebrated their qualification with a couple of games to go, some were forced to wait until the last day and others had to settle the affair with a two leg playoff. The only exception being the Egypt versus Algeria match that was had one playoff played on a neutral ground.

Although most of the big football national teams have managed to qualify, there are some notable absentees that will be reflecting on where and how they lost the chance that comes once, in every four years.

Starting in the continent where the games will be held, Egypt is yet to come to terms of accepting that their North African rivals, Algeria, overpowered them. It is without a doubt that the current Egyptian football team is the best they have ever had in a very long time hence their big desire to compete in the world cup. Although their dominance in African soccer has seen them win the African Nations Cup a record six times they yet to extend their superiority at the world cup level.

In Europe, Russia, Bulgaria and Croatia will surely be missed. Having one of the best coaches Russia was surprisingly eliminated by Slovenia. The Russian team was in superb form having produced both finalists in the Europa cup this year. The Bulgarians and Croatians are yet to find the right formula to offer credible competition as they were in the 1990s.The two teams fate was sealed when they both finished third in their respective groups. Only the two top teams were proceeding.

After the triumph of Iraq in the Asian Football confederation in 2007 many had anticipated the lions of Mesopotamia, would lead the Asian continent. However this was not to be when the Iraqis were eliminated from their group.

The continent that has all its big teams is definitely South America. Uruguay’s and Argentina may have struggled in securing a place but when they arrive in South Africa, other teams know quite well they won’t be pushovers.

Even though the qualifiers have ended, the controversial goal scored by Thiery Henry when France played the Republic of Ireland in the 2nd leg of the European playoff certainly puts FIFA on the spotlight. Ireland Football Association moved very fast to express their wishes by writing a formal letter to FIFA demanding for an immediate replay. FIFA ultimate stance is that the referee decision is always final but the big question is will they give in. FIFA doesn’t have a lot of time since the draw for the world cup will be done on 4th December.