World Cup One Timers

After Vanuatu Under 20's secured qualification to the Under 20's World Cup in Korea, for the first time in the countries history. It felt like a good idea to have a look at some other World Cup One Timers and see how they got on.

Angola- 2006 (Germany)
The African nation made their one and only appearance in Germany in 2006. Angola finished third in their group after two credible draws against Mexico and Iran. Losing 1-0 to Portugal is also an achievement as Portugal went on to the semi finals.

Angola 2006

China - 2002 (Korea/Japan)
Despite having the Worlds biggest population China have only ever appeared on Footballs greatest stage once. They were drawn in the same group as Brazil, Turkey and Costa Rica, losing all three games and failing to score a single goal.

UAE - 1990 (Italy)
The United Arab Emirates found themselves in a tough group for their only appearance at the World Cup, having to face West Germany and Yugoslavia. They were knocked out after losing all three games but did manager to score against West Germany in a 5-1 defeat.

Iraq - 1986 (Mexico)
Four years before the first Gulf War, Iraq traveled to Mexico for their first and to date only World Cup appearance. They finished bottom of their group losing all three games but only conceding four goals. They only scored the one in a 2-1 defeat to Belgium.

Iraq 1986

Kuwait - 1982 (Spain)
Kuwait's only World Cup appearance came in Spain in 1982. Drawn in England's group they would go on to finish bottom with one point, which came from a 1-1 draw with Czechoslovakia. How did they fair against England I hear you cry, well they only lost 1-0 thanks to a Trevor Francis goal in the 27th minute.

Kuwait V England

Zaire (Now DR Congo) - 1974 (West Germany)
Zaire are the most commonly known one timers as they were the first Sub-Saharan African team to qaulify. Unfortunately they were unable to provide any shocks and left the tournament after conceding fourteen goals and scoring none. They were smashed 9-0 by Yugoslavia and beaten 3-0 and 2-0 by Brazil and Scotland respectively.

Israel - 1970 (Mexico)
Israel's only appearance in the World Cup was a tough one. Drawn in a group with Italy,Sweden and Uruguay it looked like they would get walked allover, but this was not the case. They did finish bottom of the group but with two points after some very credible draws against Italy and Sweden. Their only defeat was by Uruguay who beat them 2-0.

Israel 1970