With the World Cup less than a year away now – World Cup Statistics takes a look at the six teams who have already qualified for the finals. With many games left to play it is a credit that these team have secured their World Cup status so early and are eagerly anticipating next summer.
Hosts South Africa, AFC Fourth Round Group A Winner Australia, AFC Fourth Round Group A Runner Up Japan, AFC Fourth Round Group B Winner Korea Republic, AFC Fourth Round Group B Runner Up Korea DPR and lastly the Netherlands – who are the first European team to qualify for the finals. It is a great achievement for all nations to reach the World Cup finals, however it may seem an even greater achievement for Korea DPR (North Korea) who last played in the finals 43 years ago in England. They are remembered for their victory over Italy, which sent the Italian home and humiliated.
The Netherlands on the other hand have been in the final twice, but finished losers on both occasion – to West Germany in 1974 and then to Argentina in 1978. They last reached the semi-finals in 1998 only to lose on penalties to Brazil. Korea Republic reached the heights of fourth place in 2002, knocking out Italy and Spain along the way – before being defeated by Germany in the semi-final. This is actually the 7th consecutive finals tournament for Korea Republic.
