GERMANY
Qualified automatically as hosts. Under coach Jurgen Klinsmann the German team are now playing a more "up and at 'em" kind of game, scoring more goals but also conceding more.
Key players: Ballack, Schweinsteiger, Podolski (pictured).
World Ranking: 19
Betting: 7-1
Official Website: http://www.dfb.de

COSTA RICA
Made hard work of qualification, almost losing out to Cuba in the first stage. Coach Guimaraes has turned things around since his re-appointment.
Key players: Wanchope (pictured)
World Ranking: 26
Betting: 500-1
Official Website: http://www.fedefutbol.com/

POLAND
Qualified as one of the best second placed sides. Apart from defeats at home and away to England, won all 8 other matches.
Key players: Frankowski (pictured), Zurawski, Krzynowek.
World Ranking: 29
Betting: 66-1
Official Website: http://www.pzpn.pl

ECUADOR
Qualified comfortably with a game to spare and an unbeaten home record, altitude being a major factor.
Key players: Mendez, Valencia (pictured), Lara, Salas.
World Ranking: 39
Betting: 125-1
Official Website: http://www.ecuafutbol.org/UI/index.aspx