Their Dream is Over

FIFA World Cup 2014 Qualification

It might seem a world away, but for some countries, the 2014 World Cup has already finished.

Qualifiers for the finals in Brazil began in June, and these nations will be watching FIFA's big party on television having been eliminated:

Afghanistan
Anguilla
Aruba
British Virgin Islands
Cambodia
Chinese Taipei
East Timor
Macao
Mongolia
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
Turks and Caicos

And at the end of today, Montserrat look likely to join them, trailing Belize 5-2 from their home leg.

With just over three years before the finals in Brazil, the tournament's top gunner is Vietnamese hot-shot Lê Công Vinh with seven goals, followed by the Bahamas' Lesly St.Fleur with five.

South American qualification begins in October, Africa and Oceania in November 2011 and Europe in August 2012.

On the 29th of July, FIFA will determine the inter-federation playoffs at the end of normal qualification and on the 30th will make the draw for UEFA, CAF and CONMEBOL qualifiers.

The breakdown of finalists is thus:

Brazil (hosts), Europe 13, Africa 5, Asia 4 or 5, South America 4 or 5, North & Central America 3 or 4, Oceania 0 or 1.

(c) Sean O'Conor & Soccerphile

Tags

World Cup Pens
World Cup Posters
Euro 2012 football