Time zone: US/Eastern | Register | Login
Search:

2010 FIFA World Cup Kingdoms: Spain, England, Netherlands, Japan And Denmark

Angela Asante, June 3 2010,
England, Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Japan are the 5 kingdoms engaged in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. In this World Cup article, we obtain some information regarding these kingdoms, as we increase our knowledge on the tournaments most unremarkable facts. Starting by Denmark, we go to each country in alphabetic order, uncovering the football history of each of these kingdoms.

2010 FIFA World Cup - Group E - Denmark

Leader or Ruler: Queen Margrethe II

Kingdom: Kingdom of Denmark

In the World Cup: Denmark have only reached the finals thrice, excluding their progress in the 2010 edition; yet, they have never been disqualified in Round 1. In 1986, they ended in their run in 9th position after featuring in the Round of 16, but they showed signs of great improvement at the 1998 World Cup following their presence in the quarterfinals. In the Korea/Japan tournament in 2002; Denmark repeated their 1986 campaign by finishing in the Round of 16.

 

This year, the Danish Kingdom’s have their national representants in Group E along with the sides of Cameroon, Japan and the Netherlands. Considering their 2010 qualification which saw them lead their table ahead of Portugal, fans can expect the Olsen Bandan to defend their country extremely well.

2010 FIFA World Cup - Group C - England

Leader or Ruler: Queen Elizabeth II 

Kingdom: United Kingdom

In the World Cup: England are regarded as one of the most experienced team in soccer’s history. Their first appearance in the World Cup was in 1950, when they were disqualified in the first round. In 1954, they looked better as they played in the quarterfinal; but in 1958, they got back to their starting point, being crushed out in the first round for the second time.

In 1962, they appeared in the quarterfinals for another time, but their greatest moment took place in 1966, when they were given the trophy after a controversial final. In 1970, they reached the quarterfinals again, prior to their Group round 2 exit in 1982.

1986 saw them get knocked-out by Argentina after a debatable goal from Diego Maradona, but in 1990, England arrived in fourth place. The France 1998 World Cup did not seem to be beneficial for the English team, as they were thrown-out in the Round of 16. England could only get into the quarterfinals of the tournament in 2002 and 2006; however this year, we can expect a completely different chapter.

England registered their name in the 2010 edition after finishing their qualification campaign as leaders of their table with 27 points, ahead of Ukraine who had to advance into the play-offs. The Three Lions are now with the United States, Algeria and Slovenia in Group C, in the Round of 32.

2010 FIFA World Cup - Group E - Japan

Leader or Ruler: Emperor Akihito

Kingdom: Empire of Japan

In the World Cup: Just as Group E side Denmark, Japan have also qualified for the World Cup 4 times in history. They first played in the competition in 1998, but they were immediately sent home in the group stage. In the 2002, Japan attempted to steal the headlines as co-hosts, but they were only capable of reaching the Round of 16.

In 2006, Japan lost in Round 1 for the second time, due to losses to Australia and Brazil in their mighty group. This year, the Blue Samurais are among the teams contesting for the cup in Africa, and as they were drawn in Group E alongside Denmark, the Netherland and Cameroon, they will have to do additional work to make history.

2010 FIFA World Cup - Group E - Netherlands

Leader or Ruler: Queen Beatrix

Kingdom: Kingdom of the Netherlands

In the World Cup: The Netherlands first played in the World Cup in 1934, the year in which they finished in the first round. They were not any stronger in 1938, but in 1974, they became finalists, just as in 1978 when they finished with silver medals.

1990 and 2006 saw them knocked-out in the Round of 16, while they featured in the quarterfinals in 1994. They were beaten in the second semifinal in 1998, but this year, they could succeed in the World Cup, since South Africa is one of their familiar lands.

The Netherlands won all their qualifying matches to appear in the finals, topping their group with 24 points. They are now positioned in Group E along with Japan, Denmark, and Cameroon.

2010 FIFA World Cup - Group H - Spain

Leader or Ruler: Juan Carlos I

Kingdom: Kingdom of Spain

In the World Cup: Spain finished in fourth place in 1950, after reaching the quarter-final in 1934. They were crushed out in the first round in 1962 and 1966, and they were again beaten in Round 1 and Round 2 in 1978 and 1982 respectively.

They became quarterfinalists in 1986, 1994 and 2002; but they were silenced in 1990 and 2006, as they were punished in the Round of 16... Their 1998 run was destroyed in Round 1; nonetheless, as Confederations Cup bronze medalists and reigning UEFA Champions, they could win the competition in South Africa in July to break their mysterious curse.

Spain won all their games in the qualifying part of the South African tournament to lead their qualifying group. They are now with Switzerland, Honduras and Chile in Group H.
 

Related Articles

Member Sign In »

Username Password
Forgot Password | Remember
Not a Member Yet? Register Now