WHO ELSE WON’T BE THERE

ITALY

The 2006 World Cup winners were humbled by Sweden, who held onto the 1-0 lead from their first leg to frustrate the Italians in Monday’s scoreless draw in Milan. A tearful Gianluigi Buffon confirmed his international retirement, along with Daniele de Rossi and Andrea Barzagli, the last three World Cup winners still playing for Italy.

HOLLAND

Also eliminated by the Swedes. Despite winning 2-0 on the final match day, it wasn’t enough as Holland needed a seven-goal swing to pip Sweden to the play-offs. France won Group A making it a second successive tournament they have failed to qualify for.

CHILE

Arturo Vidal, Claudio Bravo and Alexis Sanchez will also have to watch from afar as the South American outfit finished sixth out of 10, not even earning an inter-confederation play-off spot.

USA

Although ultimately knocked out amid great controversy, the USA failed to qualify after a poor campaign. Described as the “most surreal and embarrassing night in US soccer history”, they lost their final game 2-1 to Trinidad and Tobago. It’s the first World Cup they’ll have missed since Mexico 1986. Panama took advantage although their goal against Costa Rica did not cross the line.

CAMEROON

A 1-1 draw three days after a 4-0 thrashing from Nigeria back in September sent the African Cup of Nations champions out.