32 games in.  Everyone has 2 matches under their belt.  A few teams are already thru, a few teams are already out.  So let’s look at how each region has done.

1) Europe

The proud home of former World Cup Champions such as Italy, Germany, France and England.  Plus Spain, Portugal, and others.  The group with the most teams allocated to the tourney – 13.  And they have been an absolute disaster.  Sure, stats wise they may look ok with a combined record of 10-8-8.  But their big guns have all been lackluster.  France has stopped playing, England is asleep, Italy’s effort is unfathomable, and the only team that is unscathed thus far is the Netherlands.  Basically, Europe loses to South America, ties Concacaf, and beats Asia and Africa. Yet still, somehow, almost everyone is still alive, and many will proceed.  They are like watching a really boring movie for 90 minutes because the finale is tremendous.

2) Africa

Poor Africa.  6 teams this year since they are also the host.  And sadly, almost every team has been over matched.  With a record of 1 Win, 4 Draws and 7 Losses, it’s really hard to justify this much African representation.  Especially since the only win came thanks to a penalty.  Quite disappointing since we were all rooting for them.

3) Asia

At 2-3-5 (I’m including New Zealand), this is another group where you have to question why they get so much representation with 5 teams.  Australia’s been unlucky, South Korea crushed Greece, and New Zealand got that tie against Italy.  But really these teams are over-matched.  The only question is why Brazil didn’t run the score up on North Korea.  Maybe Kim Jong Il threatened to test a missile in their direction.  Maybe they paid them.  Maybe Brazil put huge dollars down on 2-1. For whatever reason, the Brazilian team confusingly refused to drub the team like they could have.  Portugal must not have been on the same money line – they crushed North Korea 7-nil.

4) Concacaf

Not a bad showing thus far for our region.  The U.S. has 2 ties vs Europe, and should have a win and a tie. Mexico has a win over France, and their tie came against the host team in the first game.  Unfortunately, Honduras got stuck with Chile and Spain…. Regardless, Concacaf’s 6 points in 6 games is more impressive than Africa’s 7 points in 12 games, or Asia’s 9 points in 10 games.

5) South America

I don’t care who wins the whole thing.  The best soccer/football in the world is coming from South America.  5 teams with 8 WINS, 2 TIES and NO LOSSES.  Africa has 7 points with 6 teams.  South America has 8 WINS.  Unless Paraguay screws it up, all 5 South American teams should advance to the Round of 16.  And remember there was a huge race for 4th, 5th, and 6th place in the qualifying round.  So an extra South American team in the future might not be a bad thing.