Group G
We have a clear winner, a clear loser, and two maybes. For Africa's sake, let's hope one of football's big names doesn't make it through.
BRAZIL
High: 2126 (2009/09/09)
Low: 1975 (2007/06/27)
Biggest rise: 50 (Argentina 3-0 Neutral, Copa América, 2007/07/15)
Biggest fall: 60 (Mexico 0-2 Neutral, Copa América, 2007/06/27)
It almost seems like Brazil have sauntered into this World Cup as favourites without really putting up much of a sweat. Spain have been the side getting all the attention, but now Brazil are ahead of them in both Elo and FIFA rankings. They've been handed an average group with a couple of battling sides, but it will be extremely interesting if either Brazil or Spain fail to make top spot, as we'll be watching them face off in the 2nd round. The winner of that could win the whole shebang.
NORTH KOREA
High: 1553 (2008/09/10)
Low: 1474 (2007/12/26)
Biggest rise: 28 (Jordan 1-0 Away, WC Qualifier, 2008/02/06)
Biggest fall: 32 (Tajikistan 0-1 Neutral, Asian Challenge Cup, 2008/08/13)
With much bigger and much better sides in Asia at the moment, it was a big shock to see North Korea actually qualify this time round. Obviously, they're not expected to achieve much, especially in such a horrendous group. Achieving what their countrymen in 1966 did is a tall order.
CÔTE D'IVOIRE
High: 1854 (2008/02/03)
Low: 1707 (2008/09/07)
Biggest rise: 30 (Ghana 3-1 Neutral, CAF Africa Cup of Nations, 2010/01/15)
Biggest fall: 58 (Egypt 1-4 Neutral, CAF Africa Cup of Nations, 2008/02/07)
The Elephants have flattered to deceive in recent years. When they arrived in Germany, led by Didier Drogba (who, of course, is still an influential figure) they looked like they might upset the apple cart. That proved unfounded, but after a good 2008 Cup of Nations they've fallen away a bit, and the task of unseating either Brazil or Portugal could be too much. Then again, it's in Africa...
PORTUGAL
High: 1909 (2008/06/11)
Low: 1789 (2009/03/28)
Biggest rise: 42 (Czech Rep 3-1 Neutral, UEFA European Championships, 2008/06/11)
Biggest fall: 48 (Switzerland 0-2 Neutral, UEFA European Championships, 2008/06/15)
Perhaps the most disappointing side in recent years, they came runners-up at their own Euro 2004, then 4th place at the last World Cup. Clearly the generation after the Figo 'golden generation' were one of the best in their history, but they've really struggled recently. Their qualification campaign was awful, and it took a play-off against a very average side to get here. Can they escape the group? They should have just enough - but they'll need to get a move on if they want to progress much further.
Prediction: BRAZIL & PORTUGAL QUALIFY
Group H
The reigning European champions don't have the easiest draw, but it certainly should be no trouble for them, as they've brushed off much harder opposition before. The other three are relatively close, but we think we know the likely 2nd place candidate.
SPAIN
High: 2104
Low: 1857
Biggest rise: 34 (Denmark 3-1 Away, EC Qualifier, 2007/10/13)
Biggest fall: 64 (United States, 0-2 Neutral, Confederations Cup, 2009/06/24)
What a difference four years makes. Always everyone's dark horse, they now have the right to be one of the favourites after a masterful win at Euro 2008. They have quality in every position, and aside from that disastrous defeat to the Americans a year ago, they're one of the only teams to be constantly on the up since the last World Cup. Oh, they have group games first? Oh, don't worry about that.
SWITZERLAND
High: 1837 (2006/09/06)
Low: 1711 (2008/06/11)
Biggest rise: 48 (Portugal 2-0 Home, UEFA European Championships, 2008/06/15)
Biggest fall: 40 (Luxembourg 1-2 Home, WC Qualifier, 2008/09/10)
Ah, what a change. The Swiss may have been rather boring to watch in the World Cup, but they achieved two records: they didn't concede a goal or lose a match, but were still eliminated. Things haven't been much better since: they co-hosted Euro 2008 and didn't escape a very tough group, and mediocrity is starting to set in. First place is out here, and they've got a fight on their hands against perhaps the best Chile side in history, not to mention a tough Honduran team. They can't handle it.
HONDURAS
High: 1758 (2009/09/05)
Low: 1623 (2007/06/08)
Biggest rise: 38 (Mexico 2-1 Neutral, Concacaf Gold Cup, 2007/06/10)
Biggest fall: 42 (Guadeloupe 2-1 Neutral, Concacaf Gold Cup, 2007/06/17)
The Concacaf picture has been a little repetitive for the last few World Cups: USA, Mexico, Costa Rica, and if you're lucky, someone like T&T or Jamaica. Well, Honduras haven't been to the World Cup since 1982, and so most will write them off immediately. They're a tough side, though they're tactically inept. They've made great progress just to make the final, but in such a tough group (they may have benefited being in with South Africa instead) they've got a tall task ahead of them.
CHILE
High: 1864 (2010/06/09)
Low: 1681 (2006/08/16)
Biggest rise: 43 (Paraguay 2-0 Away, WC Qualifier, 2009/06/06)
Biggest fall: 41 (Paraguay 0-3 Home, WC Qualifier, 2007/11/21)
Talk about a change in form. Simply in terms of Elo rating, they've gone up from day one, and now have the highest Elo points total in their 100-year playing history. Pressure? Perhaps. After the tragic earthquake that rocked the country, a quarter-final, or even semi-final, for the national team would be the most likely fairytale to put your money on. They haven't even been to the World Cup in 12 years, but now their form suggests they're among the best. Let's see how it turns out.
Prediction: SPAIN & CHILE QUALIFY
Well, that's all folks. All we can do now is watch the group stage unfurl and see our wonderfully scientific predictions go completely tits up. Game on!
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