The World Cup's African 'Big Five'

With the World Cup South Africa 2010 final approaching, the excitement is building and supporters of both teams, Holland and Spain are relishing the prospect of being crowned football world champions. But what happened to all of the African teams in this year's World Cup? All eyes were on the host nation already, so I think South Africa need no part in this article, so here is a run-down on the other 'big five'.

Ivory Coast

Upon qualifying, Ivory Coast and Chelsea striker Didier Drogba commented "I am very happy indeed because Ivory Coast is going to the World Cup for the second time." Ivory Coast finished 3rd in their group, unluckily being placed with two competition favourites, Brazil and Portugal.

Cameroon

Cameroon qualified for an record sixth time for the World Cup this year after a last day qualification against Morocco. Cameroon finished bottom of their group with no points, a disappointing and huge let down for all of their fans.

Nigeria

Nigeria's qualifying match was against fellow African team Kenya, they went from 1-0 down, to 2-1 up in the second half. Nigeria also finished bottom of their group with a mere one point to their name.

Algeria

Algeria got through to the World Cup by the skin of their teeth, their coach Rabah Saadane had this to say about it "They played with heart - they had so much heart and I think that's what made the difference. I think we will have time to prepare ourselves for the Cup in Africa now." Algeria disappointed in a group that was won by United States and England, by finishing last with a single point.

Ghana

Ghana were the first team through to the group stages after a 2-0 win over Sudan. Chelsea midfielder and Ghana International Michael Essien commented "The people of Ghana wanted us to win and we did not let them down. What a fantastic feeling to be the first African country to qualify for the first World Cup to be staged in Africa." Ghana were the only team to make it through the first round of the World Cup, they were brave throughout the competition and sadly knocked out in the quarter finals on penalties by Uruguay.

So now you know of the 'big five' of African football teams featured in this year's World Cup, time to learn about the wildlife 'big five' of Africa. This consists of lion, leopard, cape buffalo, rhino and elephant, which can be spotted in many Kenyan National Parks such as Amboseli and the world famous Masai Mara.

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2010 FIFA World Cup - Group H Roundup - First Round

The first upset of the 2010 FIFA World Cup came in Group H. It was a memorable result, although the matches were not particularly exciting. Chile overcame Central American side Honduras 1-0 in the first match of the day. Following that was a memorable upset, when Switzerland beat European champions Spain 1-0 through a second-half strike.

Chile (1) versus Honduras (0) at Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit

The South American side, Chile, was the favourites in the Hispanic clash between the Spanish-speaking countries. Honduras was playing in only their second World Cup Finals. In their first finals, they drew against Spain and Northern Ireland before falling to Yugoslavia. Honduras had a few moments in the game, but Chile dictated the pace for the majority of the game. Chile took the lead fortuitously in the 34th minute when Jean Beausejour bundled in the ball off a deflection from a Honduran defender.

The Chileans' short, crisp passing helped them keep possession and launch repeated attacks on the hapless Hondurans. The match statistics reflected Chile's dominance as they had 64% of possession and out-shot the Central Americans 22 to 7. Honduras only had one shot on target compared to Chile's five. The play from the Hondurans was scrappy and unorganised and the 1-0 defeat flattered them.

Switzerland (1) versus Spain (0) at Durban Stadium, Durban

The game between Switzerland and Spain resembled the match between Chile and Honduras, except that Switzerland scored and kept the dominant team at bay for the majority if the game. The Spaniards dominated the Swiss in all departments, except the one that really matters - goals scored. Switzerland took the lead when Gelson Fernandes poked the ball into the net within the goal area after Erin Derdiyok fell over Iker Casillas' challenge.

Spain's quality showed but they were unable to break down the organised Swiss defence, even after injury forced Phillipe Senderos off the pitch in the first half. Spain had 74% of the possession and out-shot Switzerland 25 to 9 on the day. Despite the domination, the upset occurred, leaving Switzerland's chances of advancing very high. Given the opening result, Spain would likely have to beat Chile as well in order to advance.

Group H was left interestingly poised after the opening round. Only one result went as expected (Chile versus Honduras). The Swiss upset added some spark to an otherwise dour World Cup Finals that was characterized by cautious play.

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