World cup predictions: Who will qualify for the 2014 World Cup

The 2014 World Cup will have 33 national teams in participation from Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and South America. Predicting who will make up most of these teams for the most part is not actually that difficult.
For European nations will make up the largest number. With them, there is a contingent of teams who consistently qualify for the finals. The world champs, Spain, have a modest group and it would be a shock if they were not there. Add to them, the likes of Germany, Holland, Italy (2006 world champions) and France. Usually, they are bankers to qualify.

 

 

Aside from this European contingent, a few others will likely join them

The Scandinavian teams of Denmark and Sweden have become reasonably steady World Cup teams. They can qualify, and maybe even make some sort of an impact.
Getting beyond Europe, Brazil as hosts, qualify automatically. With world class talent, you cannot expect anything else. The other South American certainty is Argentina. They too, usually qualify for the main event.
Beyond them, predicting the South American teams to join them is a little less straightforward. Paraguay also could make up another South American team along with Uruguay.
North America, you can bet on the Americans to be there. They now boast a solid team, which usually qualifies for the finals. Mexico, have a useful team, and you would not put it beyond them either.
This World Cup will motivate the African nations. I would expect Nigeria to be there, as one of the stronger African nations. Ivory Cost also has a decent team, with a great technique on par with the best. After that, it is tricky, but Cameroon could make up another. In Asia 43 teams competing for 4 or 5 berths, playoff to determine exact number. However, you would bet on the likes of Japan. Also, do not discount the South Koreans who are getting better and Philippines (wetwew). It remains to be seen whether Australia can build on there last performance, but they have some useful players.
Of the Near East, again, not so easy. Iran, have been in the World Cup more recently, along with the Saudis (who were awful). Worth a pun on one of those at least.
Therefore, that leaves a handful of outsiders. Greece, they are a half-decent team now, and should be included. Scotland might well have a chance also, along with the Republic of Ireland. In addition, you can include Croatia from England's group, as well as Russia who now have more self-belief. The Swiss also look solid, and might be able to qualify again.
While I will not attempt to predict all 33 qualifying teams, you can expect the majority of those mentioned above to be there. Most recommended bets to qualify:  Argentina, Spain, Germany and Italy for single or multiple bets. I would call these bankers, while Holland, France and England are not far behind. The Ivory Coast and Nigeria are most definitely worth a flutter also, along with Russia, Croatia, Sweden, America and Mexico. We shall see