This changing world - The emerging nations who have shaken up the old order
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.South Korea
South Korea
Population: 48.3m. Number of clubs: 476. Number of registered players: 2,047. Year Football Federation founded: 1928. Talismanic player: Park Ji-Sung. World ranking: 40. Dutch coach Guus Hiddink politely turned down Korean nationality after taking the side into the semi-finals, but the team of no-name brands has already said "thank you" for his input. In having the better of a draw with England in a warm-up and beating Poland, Portugal, Italy and Spain, they have led the awakening of Asian football at these finals. Tireless, they have shown the world there's no "i" in "t-e-a-m".
Senegal
Population: 10m. Number of clubs: 75. Registered players: 3,977. Year Football Federation founded: 1960. Talismanic player: El Hadji Diouf. World ranking: 42. The country which saw 40 million slaves pass through Dakar is now supplying the world with a rare breed of footballing talent. Runners-up in the 2002 African Nations' Cup, they beat their former colonial masters (France) and also saw off Sweden en route to the quarter-finals at their first World Cup. Having shaken off the shackles of inferiority the east Africans have flourished under French coach Bruno Metsu's blending of flair and teamwork.
Turkey
Population: 67.3m. Number of clubs: 230. Registered players: 64,521. Year Football Federation founded: 1923. Talismanic player: Hasan Sas. Ranked: 22. News flash: Turkey's footballers grab headlines ahead of fans behaving badly shock. Not the prettiest or most disciplined of teams, they have always been rugged, physical and in fear of no one. But throw in a couple of gifted ball players and this once most volatile of teams suddenly resemble a world-class unit. "We are climbing the steps one by one," coach Senol Gunes says. "We don't need to write history any more, let's write the future." The future is now.
United States
Population: 281m. Number of clubs: 7,000. Number of registered players: 1,411,500. Year Football Federation founded: 1913. Talismanic player: Landon Donovan. World ranking: 13. The term "minnows" regarding a country of 281m people sounds like a contradiction in terms, but the success of their world champion women has helped raise the profile of men's "sah-ker". Big MLS games are drawing crowds of 20,000 and by beating Portugal and drawing with South Korea, they showed a solid form guide. In 1930 they reached the World Cup semi-finals. History has a way of repeating itself.
Japan
Population: 127m. Number of clubs: 13,047. Number of registered players: 358,989. Year Football Federation founded: 1921. Talismanic player: Junichi Inamoto. World ranking: 32. After the humiliation of France '98 – beaten in all three matches in their first finals – they won their group here and left one Arsène Wenger with a red face, having already handed the impressive Inamoto his P45 at Highbury. The J League is growing in strength and departing French coach Philippe Troussier has instilled pride and purpose. Short of strikers, they should unearth a few before Germany 2006.
South Africa
Population: 43.6m. Number of clubs: 51,944. Number of registered players: 1,039,880. Year Football Federation founded: 1991. World ranking: 37.
Talismanic player: Sibusiso Zuma.
In 1996 they were African champions, held rugby union bragging rights and won more golds at the Atlanta Games than Britain. Many feel their honeymoon period of sporting success has since ended, but four points and five goals from only their second World Cup finals shows promise for the continent's most developed country. Denied 2006, they should host 2010.
Watch this space: China (pop: 2.3bn)...
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments