41. Czech Republic
Group A. Lost 2-1 to South Korea.
Slow and ponderous. Squandered a lead. This is not the Czech Republic that stole hearts in Euro 96.
42 Uzbekistan
Group K. Lost 3-1 to Colombia
No lack of guts and enjoyed their first-ever World Cup goal. But struggled to cope with Colombia’s dynamism.
43. South Africa
Group A. Lost 2-0 to Mexico.
Could not have been more generous to their opening day hosts. Offered little in attack. Gave the ball away for fun. And finished with nine men.
44. Qatar
Group B. Drew 1-1 with Switzerland.
A fortunate draw. They were battered by a Switzerland side who should have been out of sight.
45. Paraguay
Group D. Lost 4-1 to USA.
Hammered by the United States and it could have been even worse. Defensive style is awful to watch.
46. Tunisia
Group F. Lost 5-1 to Sweden.
History makers – as they sacked their manager after their opening game. That’s how bad Tunisia were.
47. Panama
Group L. Lost 1-0 to Ghana.
Involved in one of the worst games of the World Cup so far. Were playing for a draw when they were struck by Ghana’s 95th-minute winner.
48. Curacao
Group E. Lost 7-1 to Germany.
A 7-1 drubbing on their World Cup debut but their equaliser against Germany will at least be a moment they will never forget.