Japan: Regular qualifiers, but Japan have struggled to impress on the big stage and they lack the pedigree of their Asian rivals South Korea. A rapidly-improving nation thanks to strength of the J-League, Japan remain unlikely to progress beyond the group stages and South Africa could prove to be no more than another stagepost on the nation's learning curve. Threat rating: 1/5
North Korea: Having qualified for the first time since 1966, North Korea will provide novelty value if nothing else. Qualification was built on resolute defending and a strong team ethic amongst players who train together on a daily basis, so opponents can expect a frustrating 90 minutes against the North Koreans, who proved by beating Italy in 1966 that they have the ability to shock. Threat rating: 2/5
South Korea: Don't expect the South Koreans to win the World Cup, but of all the so-called minnows, they are potentially the most threatening to the established nations. Manchester United midfielder Ji-sung Park typifies their relentless work ethic and the 2002 semi-finalists will expect to progress to the knock-out stages. Threat rating: 4/5
