> World Cup 2010: Teams at a glance

Group 1: Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Hungary, Albania, Malta
Portugal face a tough battle in what looks like being one of the toughest groups. Sweden have a strong qualifying record while Denmark are on an upward curve having only narrowly missed out on Euro 2008.

Group 2: Greece, Israel, Switzerland, Moldova, Latvia, Luxembourg
Arguably the weakest of the nine qualifying groups. Israel's strength at home could give them a chance of ending their long wait for another World Cup appearance.

Group 3: Czech Republic, Poland, Northern Ireland, Slovakia, Slovenia, San Marino
On current form, the Czechs should comfortably top this group but their encounters with neighbours Slovakia will be intriguing while Northern Ireland will hope to build on recent wins over Sweden and Spain by pushing the top seeds and Poland.

Group 4: Germany, Russia, Finland, Wales, Azerbaijan, Liechtenstein
Russia will be the primary obstacle to Germany topping the group and Guus Hiddink's young squad will have gained confidence after pipping England for a place at Euro 2008.

Group 5: Spain, Turkey, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Armenia, Estonia
A tough draw for Spain but they will still expect to hold off Turkey and take the automatic qualifying spot. Bosnia arguably could be more tricky opponents than Belgium.

Group 6: Croatia, England, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Andorra
Neither Croatia nor England will have wanted to face each other again so soon after crossing swords in qualifying for Euro 2008. Croatia won both those matches and will start as favourites but both the top two will be wary of Ukraine.

Group 7: France, Romania, Serbia, Lithuania, Austria, Faroe Islands
Should be straightforward for France although Romania are one of the most improved sides in Europe and Serbia are very hard to break down.

Group 8: Italy, Bulgaria, Ireland, Cyprus, Georgia, Montenegro
Italy should expect to stroll through this group though none of the away matches will be straightforward. Managerless Ireland will need a major improvement if they are to challenge for the runners-up spot.

Group 9: Netherlands, Scotland, Norway, FYR Macedonia, Iceland
Favourites Holland will not relish facing either Scotland or Norway, both improving sides who narrowly missed out on Euro 2008. Battle for second place could be three-way affair if Macedonia can perform consistently at their best.