Germany, Belgium & the nations that have qualified for the World Cup

Joachim Low's men booked their ticket for Brazil on Friday evening, while Switzerland and Colombia also sealed qualification

With World Cup 2014 one step closer after Friday's round of qualifiers across the globe, four more nations have secured qualification to next year's showpiece in Brazil.

The hosts had already been joined by Asian representatives Japan, Australia, Iran and South Korea at an earlier stage, as well as Netherlands, Italy (both Uefa), Argentina (Conmebol), Costa Rica and USA(both Concacaf) and more teams from Europe and South America have now wrapped up qualification, too.

Belgium booked their place in next summer's World Cup finals after recording a good 2-1 away win over Croatia, with Romelu Lukaku netting twice to seal the deal for the Rode Duivels.

Additionally, Germany ensured qualification following a 3-0 victory over Republic of Ireland in Cologne. Sami Khedira, Andre Schurrle and Mesut Ozil all found the net for Joachim Low's men.

Elsewhere, Switzerland became the fifth European team to qualify for next year's tournament courtesy of a narrow 2-1 away win over Albania as Xherdan Shaqiri and Michael Lang hammered home crucial goals.

Finally, Colombia joined hosts Brazil and Argentina as the third South-American representative after an impressive comeback versus Chile. Jose Pekerman's team were trailing by three goals at half-time, but fought back after the break as Teofilo Gutierrez and a Radamel Falcao double salvaged a 3-3 draw.

NATIONS ALREADY QUALIFIED FOR WORLD CUP 2014

TEAM	CONFEDERATION	LAST APPEARANCE	BEST PERFORMANCE
Brazil	Conmebol	2010	Winners
Argentina	Conmebol	2010	Winners
Colombia	Conmebol	1998	Round of 16
Netherlands	Uefa	2010	Runners-up
Italy	Uefa	2010	Winners
Belgium	Uefa	2002	Fourth place
Germany	Uefa	2010	Winners
Switzerland	Uefa	2010	Quarter-finals
Japan	AFC	2010	Round of 16
Australia	AFC	2010	Round of 16
Iran	AFC	2006	Group stage
South Korea	AFC	2010	Fourth place
Costa Rica	Concacaf	2006	Round of 16
USA	Concacaf	2010	Third place

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Record-breaking Van Persie silences Dutch critics

Robin van Persie has received his fair share of criticism over the years for his occasionally underwhelming performances for Netherlands, but the Manchester United star once again showed that he is one of the best attackers Oranje have ever had with a superb display in Friday's 8-1 triumph over Hungary.

The former Arsenal man opened the scoring after 16 minutes of play, only to double his personal tally shortly before the break to take him level with Patrick Kluivert on 40 goals for the national team - a feat he celebrated with the assistant coach on the sidelines on Friday night.

But Van Persie was not done just yet and got his hat-trick after the interval as he calmly slotted home from Arjen Robben's knock-down to dethrone Kluivert as the Dutch all-time leading goalscorer with 41 goals in 80 appearances, silencing any lingering critics once and for all.

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Ten things you don’t know about Burkina Faso

The West African minnows stand on the brink of their first-ever World Cup and Goal picks out some fun facts about the nation and its football team

When Burkina Faso take on Algeria on Saturday, they will be on the verge of making history. The West African nation have never made it to the World Cup. 

After topping a group that contained Congo, Gabon and Niger in the second round of qualification to the 2014 edition of the tournament, Paul Put's men stand one two-legged tie away from a ticket to Brazil.

Due to their minnow status, not much is known about Burkina Faso, but Goal is here to give you the low-down on Paul Put's side.

The truth behind the nickname

Burkina Faso's nickname - les Etalons - has an interesting backstory. Translating directly as the Stallions, in reference to a legendary princess called Yennenga, considered to be the mother of the Mossi people, who make up around 40 per cent of the country's population.

Legend has it that she got into a disagreement with her father, King Nedega, over marriage due to her status as an important fighter, but a horseman helped her escape on a stallion. On her travels, she met a hunter called Riale and they had a child together called Ouedraogo, which means 'stallion'.

Hosting rights

In 1998, Burkina Faso hosted the Africa Cup of Nations for the only time in their history to date. It was just the third time they had appeared at the tournament, but they made it all the way to the semi-finals, losing to eventual winners Egypt.

In the third place play-off, they met the Democratic Republic of Congo but lost on penalties after a thrilling 4-4 draw which saw them let a three-goal lead slip in the final 15 minutes of normal time.

Shady history

Burkina Faso coach Paul Put, a Belgian, took charge of the national team in 2012 after a four-year spell in charge of Gambia. But his repuation in his homeland was tainted.

During his brief time at Lierse, he allegedly was part of the Ye Zheyun match-fixing scandal in 2005 and was banned for three years by the Belgian authorities. For his part, however, he has always maintained that his role in the scandal was over-emphasised.

Class of 2001

Despite having never made the World Cup with the senior team, Burkina Faso have enjoyed some success at Fifa's youth tournaments. At the 2001 Under-17 World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago, they were something of a surprise package, finishing in third place after making in through a group that contained a Fernando Torres-inspired Spain and an Argentina team boasting Carlos Tevez and Pablo Zabaleta.

Two years later, they reached the 2003 Under-20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, but did not replicate their extraordinary run, topping their group but losing to Canada in the round of 16.

One-team league

The country's top flight - the Burkinabe Premier League - has often seen one team dominate. During the 1970s, Silures were the team to beat, winning seven straight titles before passing the baton to Etoile Filante, who won eight between 1985 and 1994.

Most recently, though, ASFA Yennenga have been the country's finest. They have triumphed in the last five editions of the league. Their most recent title victory was their 13th - taking them past Etoile Filante's 12.

Large diaspora

Of the 24 players Put called up for the upcoming clash with Algeria, only one - uncapped goalkeeper Lare Mohamed Diarra - is based in Burkina Faso's own league, though a few others have elected to remain in Africa.

Among those plying their trade in Europe are three Ligue 1 players: Olympique Lyonnais' Bakary Kone, Jonathan Pitroipa of Stade Rennais and Evian star Djakaridja Kone. Meanwhile, Chelsea fans will be interested in 18-year-old midfielder Bertrand Traore, who has won nine caps for his country despite not yet making his professional debut for the Blues.

Living legend

Journeyman striker Moumoni Dagano is Burkina Faso's all-time record goalscorer with a total of 31 goals. The 32-year-old has represented a total of 10 clubs in his career, including spells in Belgium and for Sochaux.

He left Europe in 2008 for Qatar, where he has plied his trade for Al Klor (twice), Lekhwiya and Al Sailiya, his current employers, over two separate spells.

New names

Burkina Faso took on its current name on August 4, 1984, having previously gone by Upper Volta and their national stadium, Stade du 4 Aout, is named in the event's honour.

The 40,000-capacity arena is home to Etoile Filante, is used for the athletics as well as football and is situated in Ouagadougou, the nation's capital.

Golden age

Even if they fail to ovecome Algeria, there's no doubt that 2013 has been a year to remember for Burkina Faso. They entered the Africa Cup of Nations this winter as expected cannon fodder, but made it all the way to the final for the first time in their history.

After topping a group that contained eventual winners Nigeria and holders Zambia, they saw off the likes of Ghana and Togo en route to the showpiece. Their Fifa ranking has shot up from 92nd to 51st since the turn of the year.

Espionage

In a controversial turn of events, two Algerian journalists were arrested earlier in October for taking photographs of the stadium in which the Fennec Foxes will take on Burkina Faso on Saturday.

Two of them, from the Arabic Algerian daily Ennahar were initially charged with espionage and had their gear confiscated by police. Ambassadors from their homeland were forced to step in and ensure they were released and allowed to work in the country.

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Ronaldo hoping to avoid France in play-off

The captain admits his side must accept defeat in the race for automatic World Cup qualification, while boss Paulo Bento refused to blame Rui Patricio

Cristiano Ronaldo admits he is wary of potentially facing France in a World Cup qualifying play-off afterPortugal's 1-1 draw with Israel on Friday all-but-ended their chances of automatic qualification.

The Seleccao succumbed to a late Eden Ben Basat goal after a mistake from goalkeeper Rui Patricio, meaning that a draw for Russia in Azerbaijan on Tuesday will be enough to see them clinch top spot in Group F after they beat Luxembourg 4-0.

While Portugal can still mathematically snatch the automatic spot away from Fabio Capello's men, Ronaldo conceded his side are almost certain to be facing another play-off for a major tournament, having also navigated the process to reach World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012.

"It's not a drama to be in the play-offs," the 28-year-old told A Bola. "It's become normal, it's not a surprise because that's what has happened to us in recent years. 

"[Automatic qualification] is mathematically possible but not up to us. We must be content to play the play-off.

"Hopefully, we'll now get a bit of luck and not get a complicated team. The only team I wouldn't like to face is France."

Portugal spurned a number of chances before Patricio's kick landed straight at the feet of Ben Basat for an easy equaliser, with head coach Paulo Bento refusing to place sole blame on his goalkeeper for the result.

"Mistakes are made collectively," Bento said after the match. "In the second half we started just as well but after 10 minutes we had more difficulties to move the ball, we were more inaccurate and ended up penalised for a situation that can happen.

"We tried to react but more with the heart, using a more direct game that we are not prepared for.

"We ended up being penalised for a mistake."

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Del Bosque frustrated at persistent Spain struggles

Xavi and Alvaro Negredo goals earned a nervy win over Belarus to take la Roja closer to Brazil, but their coach is concerned with recent performances

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has admitted his team struggled to a 2-1 win over Belarus on Friday and is concerned that lacklustre performances against inferior opposition is becoming something of a pattern.

It took la Roja over an hour to break the deadlock in Mallorca through Xavi and Alvaro Negredo, but a late goal from Sergey Kornilenko ensured a nervy finish for the world champions.

While Del Bosque was happy to see his side take another significant step towards World Cup qualification at the Iberostar stadium, he conceded they have failed to play their best football during much of their recent matches.

"It is true that the match seemed a repeat of recent others we have had," Del Bosque said after the game.

"The games with Finland [in September], Georgia [last year] and Belarus have been kind of a copy.

"We can't deny we struggled and we couldn't score until the 15th minute in the second half but we can be satisfied. We carried on with our spirit after taking the lead.

"The goal they scored complicated the match and it sowed concern in us because we weren't comfortable.

"But the most important thing is we have taken a step forward in our aim of trying to qualify for the World Cup."

Del Bosque also explained that he selected Victor Valdes in goal ahead of regular captain Iker Casillas due to the Real Madrid captain's lack of playing time this season domestically.

"I have already said we are going to try to act following logic and common sense," Del Bosque said of his goalkeeper selection.

"Casillas got injured against Galatasaray and he has played just one game in these last five weeks, so we believed it was convenient that Victor took the place.

"This is not significant, we don't say that in the future he is going to play or not but we keep the incentive for the others."

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Deschamps relieved as Benzema ends goal drought

The striker scored his first international goal in 1222 minutes on Friday, leaving his coach delighted with the result and Franck Ribery's performance

France boss Didier Deschamps has expressed his relief at seeing Karim Benzema end his international goal drought in the 6-0 demolition of Australia on Friday.

The Real Madrid star netted the final strike of the match early in the second half after coming on as a substitute, bringing an end to a torrid run of 1222 minutes without a goal for les Bleus.

Deschamps was thrilled to see the 25-year-old back on the scoresheet but remains uncertain who he will deploy as his central striker heading in to November's World Cup play-offs, after Olivier Giroud continued his fine form with two more goals on Friday.

"When he [Benzema] came on, he had nothing to be applauded for," he told reporters after the match. "All of a sudden, it's the opposite.

"It's good, I'm happy for him and for the team. He needed it because it's been a long time [since he last scored].

"Since I became coach, Karim has played more matches than Olivier. I don't know what will happen before our game in November. One of them may have a problem. I hope not, I want to have both for their different qualities."

All six of France's goals emanated from the left-hand side of midfield where Franck Ribery was deployed and Deschamps believes it was little coincidence to see the Bayern Munich star at the heart of the team's best attacking play.

"It seems logical to me that our game leans to the left, because of the player we have there," continued Deschamps. "Until proven otherwise, he is one of the best players in the world. The more he touches the ball, the better. He can also play on the right, but differently.

"If we can take this forward as a habit then we will not complain. It's obviously nothing trivial to score six goals. You could say Australia are not a great team, but they have qualified for the World Cup. Our intentions were good from the start. We put them under constant pressure."

Deschamps experimented with Samir Nasri in the No.10 role and the 44-year-old hinted that the Manchester City man could continue in such a position in future.

"I was convinced before the game that Samir was a very good footballer. He confirmed that tonight in a role in which Mathieu usually plays," he added. "It was a chance to see Samir in that role. Afterwards, I'll make a choice."

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Van Persie: I didn't expect to break Kluivert record today

The 30-year-old has admitted his surprise shrugging off a pre-match injury to score a hat-trick in Netherlands' 8-1 thrashing of Hungary on Friday

Robin van Persie has admitted that he had his doubts over whether he would even feature Netherlandsagainst Hungary on Friday, let alone breaking Patrick Kluivert's Oranje goalscoring record.

The Manchester United forward went into the tie two goals behind the former Barcelona star's tally and netted a brilliant hat-trick to take the record in his own right.

Van Persie was subbed off an hour into the match, but admits he had only discovered he would play a few hours before kick-off.

“I didn’t expect to play actually. We took a small gamble," the 30-year-old told SBS6. 

“It went better the last days with my toe. This morning we decided that I would play an hour. I didn’t expect that it would go like this.”

Van Persie was quick to shift praise onto his team-mates, while admitting he was not thrilled with how he started the match.

“In the first five minutes I lost two balls. I was not happy with that. But the team reacted well and we didn’t concede goals from it. After the first ten minutes we showed really good football.

“The greatest moment of the night was my second goal. The pass from Arjen [Robben] was brilliant. It was a floater. I only had to give the last touch with my head. The first one was a bit with my shoulder.

“When I was a young boy, I was good with headers. After that I let it slip a bit. It wasn’t a weapon of mine. 

“In the last couple of years I trained more with my head. That has worked for me. You can see that now.”

Netherlands complete their 2014 World Cup qualification campaign with a trip to Turkey on Tuesday.

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