It's Looking Good For Some...And Terrible For Portugal

So, with yesterday's 2010 World Cup Qualifying matches out of the way, things are looking a little clearer, especially in the European groups.

The Dutch have qualified already, from admittedly the weakest possible Group (Scotland are the next placed team, a mere 11 points behind the Netherlands).

Almost certain to qualify now are England, who beat Kazakhstan 4-0 and then saw Croatia and Ukraine draw 2-2 : the ideal result for Capello's side.

Spain, too, are pretty much there, although they didn't play yesterday.

However, some big teams are struggling. Portugal were being held by Albania until a last minute goal got them a much needed win. They're still languishing in third in Group 1 and have away matches at Denmark and Hungary to come. So, I doubt Portugal will be at the 2010 World Cup Finals.

Elsewhere, spare a thought for Israel. They don't lose many matches in World Cup qualifying campaigns and yet never seem to qualify. They're currently 4th in Group 2 and yet have only lost once.

Their record in the last 3 qualification campaings stands at 24 matches played, just three lost and yet still they haven't managed to qualify.