So much for the new world order...

[Joe Letaxi]

Much is talked/written about the rise of new nations in world football and the stagnation/waning of the traditional powers, but still the last 8 are six European teams and the two perennial South American threats.

Germany, England, Italy and France have long been at the forefront, Portugal have a rich crop of current players who are coming towards the end of their careers, Argentina and Brazil are normally shoo-ins for this stage. The only 'surprise' is the Ukraine, but even they were favourites to win over Tunisia and Saudi in their group and the Swiss in the second round. Formerly their players would have been subsumed into what was traditionally a pretty strong USSR team.

I would say this WC has had fewer shock results than previous couple of tournaments.

[killer2005]

Ghana did very well to get into the last 16, and the Ivory Coast would have gone further if they hadnt been drawn against The Netherland and Argentina in their group

[v15ben]

I have to agree that both African and Asian excitement at this World Cup were there in the first round, but never really looked like continuing beyond the second round. Ghana played well in terms of passing the ball around and defending but incisive balls to set up great chances and any ability to actually take chances made were sadly lacking. Even when they beat the Czechs, they missed a hatful of chances. I think a little more precision and not rushing shots and final passes would see a greater influence from African teams but it'll take time. I don't think any African teams were really woeful in any of their games, but rarely did they look like winning through to the later stages.

On the other hand, Australia were robbed by a terrible decision in the last minute against Italy. That could have been a whole different outcome but really there were few surprises from the new world IMO. (Except Saudi Arabia who once again proved to be utterly woeful )

[focusonme]

There is a very good reason for this - the seeding system, whilst ensuring that you don't get ridiculously strong groups, invaribaly favours the traditionally strong teams. And given the choices, would you rather see the QF we have now, or an abundance of second rate African and Asian teams playing the likes of Brazil and Argentina - sure, you get the very occasional upsets, but the majority of matches would be desultory one-sided affairs.

And it really is a long term thing, too. Sure, the teams are getting close, but give it another 20 years and see what happens there. An Australia with football as it's 2nd or 3rd sport, increasingly strong Asian leagues, and an abundance of experienced, ex-premiership African players with good tactical nous leading their countries.

As always, can only wait and see.

[v15ben]

Very true... we can't expect the new world order to change in a matter of a few years, it will take a long time and I genuinely believe and hope that with the influx of good African players into European domestic leagues in recent years plus the presence of experienced coaches at international level, we will see much more from Africa in the next decade!