It’s a historic World Cup, and not just because it’s being played for the first time in history in a Gulf country. For the first time in the history of a World Cup, the final draw will bring together at least one representative from each continent of the globe, with the obvious exception of Antarctica. But Africa, America, Asia, Europe and Oceania are at the rendezvous of these round of 16 which begin on Saturday.
A first essentially linked to the Australian surprise, coming out second in a pool where the Blues featured. The Socceroos successively dominated Tunisia (1-0) and Denmark (1-0) to rally for the second time in their history, after 2006, the round of 16 where they will face Argentina on Saturday (8 p.m.). It should be noted that the Australians compete in the qualifications of the Asian zone, as well as the Cup of this continent.
This world premiere had been “failed” during this 2006 World Cup in Germany, precisely because no Asian had come out of the pools. This time there will be at least Japan, who finished top of their group by beating Germany and Spain by the same score (2-1). The Japanese can still be joined by South Korea. But with only one point, the South Koreans are on unfavorable waivers before facing Portugal.
Africa responds
The Africans are guaranteed to be at least two in the round of 16. Senegal and Morocco validated their ticket, brilliantly for the Moroccans who finished first in their group ahead of Croatia and Belgium. Unprecedented for an African selection since 1998 and Nigeria which had then preceded Paraguay, Spain and Bulgaria. The Atlas Lions and those of Teranga can still be joined by Ghana, who play their place against Uruguay on Friday (4 p.m.), or even by Cameroon, forced to achieve the feat against Brazil in the evening. .
America rests on its two usual pillars, Brazil and Argentina, but is reinforced by the presence of the United States. The Uruguayans can increase the contingent to four.
Finally, Europe is guaranteed to have at least seven teams: England, Croatia, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Poland and Portugal. They will be a maximum of eight, if Serbia or Switzerland qualify in the evening. The poor performance of Germany, Belgium and Denmark weighs down the balance sheet of the Old Continent somewhat.
