Early Fever Symptoms
The World Cup Qualifiers for South Africa 2010 are taking centre stage this September. It may seem a long way off and with the usual focus on the European section, which has only just kicked off, many fans won't be aware that for a lot of nations, their 2010 dream is already over.
Dominant Europe
While Europe got into its stride and dominated the TV coverage, bear a thought for the other continents. South America's marathon qualifying group goes on, and on. Incredibly, it got under way in mid-2007 and with 7 games already played it looks unlikely that there will be any big surprises.
Argentina and Brazil are stuttering their way through, with Tevez sent off again and Ronaldinho missing a penalty. Meanwhile, Paraguay are well placed at the top and look strong.
Africa, North America's Concacaf and Asia have all reached the next stage of various multiple groups as they see off the various minnows. However, some of those lesser Caribbean teams are hanging in there. Hurricane devastated Haiti and Cuba both continue to survive to provide a silver lining at a difficult time.
Indeed, Cuba had to switch venues and play away in the States at late notice because Havana was unplayable.
For the first time ever, the hosts South Africa are involved in a qualifying group. This is only because the African groups sensibly double up as qualifying for the African Nations Championship, too. South Africa as World Cup hosts are guaranteed their spot in 2010, which is just as well, as they look to have missed the boat to their continental Championships.
Decisive step
In this part of the world the All Whites took a decisive step towards South Africa.
By beating New Caledonia 3-1 New Zealand secured Oceania's top spot and with it won a place at the 2009 edition of the Confederations Cup, also to be held in South Africa as a World Cup rehearsal.
With Australia's altruistic move into the Asia group, New Zealand have taken full advantage, avoiding any of the potential banana skins of previous recent campaigns. Unfortunately for Ryan Nelsen and the team, the All Whites now have a long wait to find out who they face in a play-off this time next year.
For sure, there will be many an interested Kiwi football fan keeping tabs on the two Asian groups, as New Zealand will face the Asian play off winner. Not since that memorable 1982 World Cup have the All Whites had such a fine opportunity to go the whole way.
Looking up
For once Oceania's representative does not have to battle past a rugged South American outfit and hopefully the late Jack Dempsey's efforts on behalf of Oceanian football will bear fruit. If ESPN can tip their hat to New Zealand's achievement so far, then things are looking up.
A quick look at Asia's two groups would suggest that perennial World Cup names such as Japan and South Korea should get into the top two slots. Trying to pick a runner up and a third place in each group is harder. Probably one from Iran or Saudi Arabia, whilst Australia will fancy their chances behind Japan. The two third placed teams play off for the right to take on New Zealand.
So who would New Zealand like to play? Whoever it is, it's an exciting time to follow the national team. What odds on an ironic familiar encounter with the Socceroos. Funny how football turns out sometimes!
