Streaking to the World Cup

4 years ago, I posted a blog talking about the 8 teams who've made each of the last 5 World Cups (94 98 02 06 10) and how they were doing.  All 8 of them would advance to Brazil '14, although Mexico needed San Zusi and a trip to New Zealand to get there.

So, how are they now?

Sorted by length of streak

Brazil	Since 1930	IN, Clinched 1st Continent
Germany	Since 1954	2 matches left in round; On pace to Qualify
Italy	Since 1962	2 matches left in round; On pace to Reach Playoff
Argentina	Since 1974	2 matches left in round; On pace to Reach Playoff
Spain	Since 1978	2 matches left in round; On pace to Qualify
South Korea	Since 1986	IN, Clinched 2nd Group A Asia
USA	Since 1990	2 matches left in round; On pace to Reach Playoff
Mexico	Since 1994	IN, Clinched Top 3 Continent

Brazil and Mexico took care of business, getting their tickets to Russia with at least three games left to play.

Defending World Cup Champion Germany leads their group and should qualify.

Italy and Spain are top two in the same European group.  The winner qualifies, the 2nd place team in the group goes to a playoff.

Argentina is in a 7 team traffic jam of close teams holding places 2-8.   5th place overall in South America (where Argentina is) means a playoff against the Oceania Team, now known to be New Zealand.

South Korea survived a close scare, and would've been forced to win two playoff pairings if Syria had won their final match.  But, since Syria got a draw and didn't overtake South Korea, South Korea has extended their streak to 9 straight World Cups.

The USA is in 4th place by a thread (goal difference), and is still in this position after getting a critical draw in a road match against the 4th place team, Honduras.  We got leapfrogged by Panama, sitting in temporary possession of the last automatic ticket to Russia.

In CONCACAF (region with USA, rest of North & Central America & Caribbean...

• The 3rd place team gets in. (currently Panama)
• The 4th place team plays either Syria or Australia to advance. (currently USA)
• The 5th place team is OUT. (currently Honduras)