The latest set of World Cup 2010 qualifiers took place over the past few days with several teams securing their place in next year’s tournament including two previous winners.

Brazil maintained their record of being the only team to have appeared in every World Cup finals tournament by securing their berth with a 3-1 win against bitter rivals Argentina. Brazil, coached by Dunga, made light work of Diego Maradona’s team and goals from Luis Fabiano and Luisao eased them through to South Africa. Paraguay joined Brazil in a similar way by beating Argentina by a single Nelson Valdez goal three days later putting further pressure on the legendary Maradona. His side has slipped to fifth in the South American group with Uruguay and Venezuela hot on their heels. Failure to qualify would not only be a national disaster for the proud two-time winners but would almost certainly spell the end of Maradona’s tenure in charge.

European Champions Spain completed their 8^th straight win and secured qualification by overcoming Estonia by 3-0. Goals from Fabregas, Cazorla and Mata combined with the 1-1 draw between Bosnia-Herzegovina and Turkey to allow them to start planning for next summer.

Another team celebrating 8/8 and a guaranteed trip to the southern hemisphere next year is England after they thrashed Croatia 5-1 at Wembley Stadium and vanquished the memories of the Croatians last visit where defeat sent the home team crashing out of Euro 2008. Midfielders Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard both scored twice and Wayne Rooney’s late strike was the icing on the cake.

Ghana’s 2-0 win against Sudan saw them become the first African side to qualify for South Africa 2010 via the qualifiers. They claimed Group thanks to goals from Sulley Muntari of Inter and Michael Essien of Chelsea.

In Europe, Portugal’s fate is still in the mix and they remain third in Europe Group 1. Group 2 is still up for grabs as is Group 3, technically anyway, although Northern Ireland’s 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Slovakia almost certainly leaves them relying on other results to qualify. Germany and Russia almost have Group 4 tied up whilst Turkey’s draw against Bosnia-Herzgovina in Group 5 leaves them in need of assistance from other teams if they are to overhaul them for a shot at a qualification spot. Croatia and Ukraine will battle in out for second place behind England in Group 6 with Serbia maintaining a lead over France in Group 7. Group 8 leaders Italy hold a four point lead over the Republic of Ireland whilst Group 9 is already settled, the Netherlands having clinched qualification some time ago and Norway edging out Scotland as runners-up.

So far, hosts South Africa are definitely joined by Japan, Australia, North and South Korea in addition to those teams mentioned above.