Group C
And so the hopes of a nation rest on Fab's plucky boys. It would certainly seem like this group is done and dusted before it's begun. After failing to get to Euro 2008, England have consistently risen under Capello, and aside from a slip against Ukraine have been near faultless against most teams. The USA will also be glad to be taking on two of the worst teams in the finals. So, job done - or is it?
ENGLAND
High: 1987 (2009/09/09)
Low: 1881 (2007/11/21 & 2008/03/26)
Biggest rise: 46 (Croatia 4-1 Away, WC Qualifier, 2008/09/10)
Biggest fall: 34 (Croatia 2-3 Away, EC Qualifier, 2006/10/11)
Simply looking at the graph shows the difference between Steve McClaren's time in charge compared with Fabio Capello's. The four matches against Croatia are symbols of that: two poor defeats followed by two crushing victories. England are back where they were four years ago - which means the quarter-finals, then. Oh well.
UNITED STATES
High: 1871 (2009/07/08)
Low: 1727 (2007/09/09)
Biggest rise: 64 (Spain 2-0 Neutral, Confederations Cup, 2009/06/24)
Biggest fall: 76 (Mexico 0-5 Home, Concacaf Gold Cup, 2009/07/26)
A year ago, after beating mighty Spain in the Confed Cup, the USA were at their highest Elo rating in their history. Then Mexico smashed them in the Concacaf Gold Cup final and they've been limping a little ever since. They've been lucky to get into a group containing two minnows - and England - and will almost certainly take 2nd place. Advancing to the quarter-finals, however, could be too much.
ALGERIA
High: 1585 (2010/01/24)
Low: 1389 (2007/09/09)
Biggest rise: 46 (Egypt 3-1 Home, WC Qualifier, 2009/06/07)
Biggest fall: 68 (Malawi 0-3 Neutral, CAF Africa Cup of Nations, 2010/01/11)
For all the excitement and romance of the two old foes fighting it out (both on and off the pitch, depending on who you believe), the cold fact is that Egypt are by far the best team in Africa, after winning their third consecutive Nations Cup. Yet, an amazing one-off play-off on neutral territory sent Algeria through. Fans of the underdog may rejoice, but a team ranked as bad as North Korea and New Zealand have taken a place at Africa's World Cup away from the team that could've done the continent proud. Shame.
SLOVENIA
High: 1655 (2010/06/04)
Low: 1502 (2008/02/06)
Biggest rise: 44 (Slovakia 2-0 Away, WC Qualifier, 2009/10/10)
Biggest fall: 25 (Belarus 2-4 Away, EC Qualifier, 2006/10/11)
What a qualifying campaign. After finishing Euro 2008 qualifying ahead of only Luxembourg, they've shot up and into the World Cup for the second time. Two key victories against Poland and Slovakia took them into the play-offs, before their unexpected victory over the Russians booked their place in South Africa. However, like their group opponents Algeria, one could argue that they've taken a place away from one of the highest-rated teams in the world, and the competition has suffered as a result. Your choice.
Prediction: ENGLAND AND USA QUALIFY
Group D
Finally, a group that isn't so predictable. We all know how good the Germans tend to be, and they're in such good form that they'll get out of the group. But Australia - after their first ever Asian qualifying campaign - and Serbia - here in yet another incarnation after the collapse of Yugoslavia - will be fighting hard to get through. We could easily write off Ghana, but 'home' advantage could give them a slight edge.
GERMANY
High: 1992 (2007/09/12)
Low: 1915 (2007/11/21)
Biggest rise: 23 (Russia 1-0 Away, WC Qualifier, 2009/10/10)
Biggest fall: 56 (Czech Rep 0-3 Home, EC Qualifier, 2007/10/17)
Once again, you can't write off the Germans. After a great 3rd place at their home World Cup, and a very successful Euro 2008 where they came runners-up to Spain, Germany have been on top of their game in the last four years. They shouldn't have much trouble in their group, and they should be aiming for at least the quarter-finals.
AUSTRALIA
High: 1797 (2006/09/06)
Low: 1679 (2007/07/13)
Biggest rise: 26 (Thailand 4-0 Away, AFC Asian Cup, 2007/07/16)
Biggest fall: 56 (Iraq 1-3 Neutral, AFC Asian Cup, 2007/07/13)
The Aussies are back again, and they have the advantage of facing Asian opposition on the way, instead of some of the worst teams in the world. They're in almost as good shape as when they started the last World Cup, after losing on penalties to Japan in the Asian Cup quarter-finals. Sadly for them, they've been dumped in a very tough group, but if they can sneak through, they could cause a shock.
SERBIA
High: 1833 (2010/04/07)
Low: 1694 (2008/09/10)
Biggest rise: 32 (Finland 2-0 Away, EC Qualifier, 2007/06/02)
Biggest fall: 34 (Kazakhstan 1-2 Away, EC Qualifier, 2007/03/24)
They lost all three games last time, but now, without Montenegro, they're back with a vengeance. Statistically, they're a much better team than four years ago, despite losing out on Euro 2008. After losing to France in their 2nd qualifying game, they never looked back, and won 6 of their remaining 8 games. As a result, we think that their form gives them the best chance of joining Germany in the last sixteen.
GHANA
High: 1798 (2008/02/03)
Low: 1646 (2010/01/15)
Biggest rise: 30 (Côte d'Ivoire 4-2 Home, CAF Africa Cup of Nations, 2008/02/09)
Biggest fall: 49 (Gabon 0-2 Away, WC Qualifier, 2008/06/14)
When they walked into the last World Cup, they were very lowly ranked, but a huge upset against the Czechs followed by beating the USA put them in the last 16. This time, they walk in with a much higher ranking, but nobody will be taking them lightly anymore. One of Africa's best, this tough group could be the end of them, but with Africa cheering them on, we could have another big upset on the cards.
Prediction: GERMANY & SERBIA QUALIFY
Come back tomorrow for our next instalment, featuring Groups E and F.
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