24. Denmark
Looked good in patches and were better than their results suggested. Beating Cameroon from a goal down should have been the turning point in their campaign after an opening loss to Holland in which they had looked thoroughly competent, but then losing 3-1 to a tough and tenacious Japan side made them look a bit silly. Considering they are without much talent in an aging midfield and front line, they did alright, but if only Arsenal’s Nicolas Bendtner had lived up to the hype they might have gone further.
23. Serbia
As much as it hurts me to say this, Serbia were a bit of a disappointment. Imperious in qualifying, they found themselves in a tricky group that, given their organisational prowess, was manageable. A 1-0 victory against team of tournament, Germany, was their only bright spot, though, and their opening loss to Ghana had them derailed before they even got going. Losing to Australia was the final nail in their coffin and they will head home with their tails between their legs. 70-1 outsiders before the tournament kicked off, they promised to be the giant killers of this year’s competition but it never materialised. Euro 2012 watch out – Serbia have something to prove.
22. New Zealand
Undoubtedly the surprise package of the group stage: New Zealand were making their first appearance since 1982 when coach Rickie Herbert appeared as a player in New Zealand’s short and previously only WC finals. New Zealand refused to lose over three games, taking home a solid 3 points from 3 draws. They held the World Champs and were solid enough at the back to prevent the fluid Paraguayans and aggressive Slovaks from beating them. They may have lacked firepower, but they can return to Oceania with their heads held high – the only undefeated team of WC 2010.
21. Australia
The Socceroos got off to a nightmare start when they lost to Germany 4-0 in their opener. They managed to scrape together a handful of points against Ghana and Serbia but it proved too little too late, and their goal-difference sent them home. They were victims of some harsh red cards that no doubt knocked their challenge off track. They weren’t bad, but would likely have fallen at the next round had they made it through. 2014 should be their focus as the infrastructure improves and their confidence grows.
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