We have the 32 teams. And now the conversation can officially turn to the 2014 World Cup. One of the best activities to do in preparation for a big tournament is to look at which teams are the top contenders. While we will eventually get there, first we'll examine which teams are unlikely to go far in the tournament. Here are the five sides that will not have much to celebrate next summer.
Australia
The 57th ranked nation in the world was among the first to qualify but has since struggled to find sure footing against top teams. A total of six losses against Brazil and France proved that this team is currently incapable of running with the top sides in the world. History has not been kind to the nation either. Aside from the Group of 16 finish in 2006, Australia has never gotten out of the group stage at the World Cup.
Costa Rica
The Central Americans are in the tournament because they finished in second place in arguably one of the weakest (if not the weakest) confederations in the world. Despite having some attacking flare, Costa Rica is not suited defensively to withstand the top sides in the world. Costa Rica got out of the Group stage in its first appearance in 1990 but has since faltered in its last two World Cup campaigns.
Honduras
Another Central American side with speed and strength but a poor backline. Honduras struggled in the qualifiers early on and managed to avoid a playoff thanks to a clutch win at the Azteca in Mexico. These guys did a solid job in the 2010 World Cup but failed to get out of the group stage. Do not expect much more in next year's tournament.
Algeria
Of all the African nations, this is the one that has the least to contribute. The Algerians got through to the finals thanks to drawing Burkina Faso in the playoffs. While Burkina Faso is not a team to overlook, it is far from the most competitive draw. Throw in the fact that Algeria conceded three goals in the matchup and got through on three away goals and it is clear that this team is not a major contender. Most African teams fail to get out of the group stage most years, but this is one that will likely falter in its group with relative ease.
England
One of these is not like the others. Why is England on a list with Algeria, Costa Rica, Honduras and Australia as teams with no chance? There are more teams that are likely to falter but the English have to be the European side that looks to disappoint more than any other, especially when expectations are taken into consideration. The English are supposed to be contenders at every tournament but their weak backline and disastrous goalie situation lessens their case considerably. The two recent friendlies (at home) against Chile and Germany's B Team only served to strengthen the idea that England is in for a world of hurt in the upcoming tournament.
Do you agree? Which of these teams are legitimate contenders? Are there other teams that deserve to be on this list instead?