The paths all 32 nations took to secure their place in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa
Created by WorldCup on Feb 24, 2010
Last updated: 12/08/10 at 07:26 PM
Tags: FIFA South Africa 2010 Soccer Football Fútbol World Cup
Switzerland takes on Honduras in their final Group H game.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/team/fixtures/_/id/475/switzerland?cc=5901&ver=us
Honduras closes out Group H play with a match up against Switzerland.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/team/fixtures/_/id/215/honduras?cc=5901&ver=us
The only "easy" game for the Elephants in the aptly named "group of death."
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/team/fixtures/_/id/4789/ivory-coast?cc=5901&ver=us
Denmark takes on Japan in their final game.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/team/fixtures/_/id/479/denmark?cc=5901&ver=us
Japan finishes off against Denmark.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/team/fixtures/_/id/627/japan?cc=5901&ver=us
In its final group game, the USA faces off against African side Algeria, appearing in their 3rd World Cup.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/id/4713726/ce/us/united-states-draws-england-first-game?cc=5901&ver=us
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/team/fixtures/_/id/478/france?cc=5901&ver=us
In their final group game, South Africa takes on big-time cheater France.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/team/fixtures/_/id/467/south-africa?cc=5901&ver=us
Uruguay takes on el Tri Color as Group A closes out.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/team/fixtures/_/id/212/uruguay?cc=5901&ver=us
Honduras faces off against world superpower Spain in Johanesburg
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/team/fixtures/_/id/215/honduras?cc=5901&ver=us
The Swiss take on Chile in their second group stage game.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/team/fixtures/_/id/475/switzerland?cc=5901&ver=us
A huge group G match up against the Selacao. A tough test for Ivory Coast
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/team/fixtures/_/id/4789/ivory-coast?cc=5901&ver=us
Denmark takes on Cameroon
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/team/fixtures/_/id/479/denmark?cc=5901&ver=us
A huge game for Japan against Group E heavyweight Holland.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/team/fixtures/_/id/627/japan?cc=5901&ver=us
In their second group game, the USA faces off against a hard-nosed and well-organized Slovenian side, taking part in their second World Cup
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/id/4713726/ce/us/united-states-draws-england-first-game?cc=5901&ver=us
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/team/fixtures/_/id/478/france?cc=5901&ver=us
Uruguay takes on the hosts in their second game of group play.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/team/fixtures/_/id/212/uruguay?cc=5901&ver=us
South Africa faces off against a high-flying Uruguay side in their second game in Group A.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/team/fixtures/_/id/467/south-africa?cc=5901&ver=us
Switzerland kicks off group play against world superpower Spain.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/team/fixtures/_/id/475/switzerland?cc=5901&ver=us
Honduras kicks off Group H play facing Chile.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/team/fixtures/_/id/215/honduras?cc=5901&ver=us
Ivory Coast faces off against Ronaldo's Portugal in their first game in Group G
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/team/fixtures/_/id/4789/ivory-coast?cc=5901&ver=us
Japan takes on African powerhouse and attempts to stop Eto'o in their first group E game.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/team/fixtures/_/id/627/japan?cc=5901&ver=us
Denmark takes on la Oranje.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/team/fixtures/_/id/479/denmark?cc=5901&ver=us
The USA opens group play against England in a thrilling rematch from 1776.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/id/4713726/ce/us/united-states-draws-england-first-game?cc=5901&ver=us
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/team/fixtures/_/id/478/france?cc=5901&ver=us
Uruguay takes on France in their first action in Group A
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/team/fixtures/_/id/212/uruguay?cc=5901&ver=us
The 2010 FIFA World Cup kicks off with a thrilling match between Mexico and the Bafana Bafana!
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/team/fixtures/_/id/467/south-africa?cc=5901&ver=us
USA continues its preparation for the 2010 World Cup with an international friendly against European powerhouse Netherlands
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/match?id=285662&cc=5901
USA continues its preparation for the World Cup with a match against El Salvador.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=725507&sec=us&cc=5901
USA faces off against Honduras at the Home Depot Center
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/team/results?id=660&season=2010&_league=fifa.friendly&cc=5901
Uruguay beat Costa Rica by the slimmest of margins to clinch their spot in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/southamerica/matches/round=253463/match=300109573/index.html
A late hand ball was a source of extreme controversy as it led to the winning goal for France, sending them to the World Cup in South Africa.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=284574&league=FIFA.WORLDQ.UEFA&cc=5901
In the crucial away leg of the inter-confederation playoff, Uruguay was able to defeat Costa Rica in Saprissa Stadium.
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/southamerica/matches/round=253463/match=300109574/report.html
Anelka's 72nd minute strike was deflected into the net as the Frenchman put his country on good footing for a spot in the World Cup.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=284570&league=FIFA.WORLDQ.UEFA&cc=5901
Ivory Coast finished off qualifying with a 3-0 win, despite already having qualified.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/match?id=262950&league=FIFA.WORLDQ.CAF&cc=5901
A win would send Uruguay to an automatic bid while a tie or loss would place them in a playoff with Costa Rica. Uruguay could not manage a win as they fell to Argentina and into the 5th spot in CONEMBOL.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=230079&league=FIFA.WORLDQ.CONMEBOL&cc=5901
Honduras waited until the last day but with a a USA-Costa Rica tie and a huge away win, Honduras qualified for the World Cup.
Goal by Pavon
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=279542&league=FIFA.WORLDQ.CONCACAF&cc=5901
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=236571&league=FIFA.WORLDQ.UEFA&cc=5901
Switzerland booked their spot in the 2010 World Cup with a goalless draw against 10-man Israel
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=236560&league=FIFA.WORLDQ.UEFA&cc=5901
Once again, Costa Rica jumped out to an early lead in an attempt to qualify for South Africa. However, an equalizer in the dying minutes of injury time by Jonathan Bornstein helped Honduras punch their ticket and sent Costa Rica into a playoff with South American goalscoring machine Uruguay.
Goals by Bradley and Bornstein
For a special treat, check out the Honduran announcers reacting to USA's last second goal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhY-IbViJ20&feature=related
http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Mens-National-Team/2009/10/US-Takes-Top-Spot-In-CONCACAF-Qualifying-With-2-2-Draw-Against-Costa-Rica.aspx
USA clinched its spot in South Africa after a last minute penalty miss and a thrilling victory over Honduras.
Goals by Conor Casey (2) and Landon Donavon
http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Mens-National-Team/2009/10/US-Clinches-Berth-to-2010-FIFA-World-Cup-With-Win-In-Honduras.aspx
A Forlan penalty in extra time gave Uruguay a crucial win against Ecuador and kept them in position for an automatic or playoff bid for the World Cup.
Goals by Forlan and Suarez
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=230074&league=FIFA.WORLDQ.CONMEBOL&cc=5901
Honduras fell at home after some poor goalkeeping, a penalty miss and an all around sloppy game.
Goals by Leon (2)
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=279519&league=FIFA.WORLDQ.CONCACAF&cc=5901
Jacob Poulsen's first goal for Denmark secured their place in next summer's World Cup finals, while Sweden's South Africa fate hangs in the balance.
The AGF Aarhus midfielder struck from long range, with goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson partly at fault.
The visitors had two second-half strikes disallowed and were unable to capitalise on their dominance after the break, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic a central figure.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=236539&league=FIFA.WORLDQ.UEFA&cc=5901
France clinched their spot in the playoffs with a 5-0 win over Faroe Islands.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=236552&league=FIFA.WORLDQ.UEFA&cc=5901
Ivory Coast clinched its sport in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa with a 1-1 draw with Malawi
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=262941&league=FIFA.WORLDQ.CAF&cc=5901
Switzerland had their revenge as Senderos returned to the fold and netted two goals for the visitors.
Goals by Senderos (2) and Huggel
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=236540&league=FIFA.WORLDQ.UEFA&cc=5901
Switzerland could have all but secured their spot in the World Cup but were only able to pick up 1 point on the road.
Goals by Frei and Derdiyok
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=236521&league=FIFA.WORLDQ.UEFA&cc=5901
A penalty kick by Blanco put Mexico back on track for qualification and knocked Honduras back into second place.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=279354&league=FIFA.WORLDQ.CONCACAF&cc=5901
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