The GlobalPost Insider’s Guide to World Cup 2010

BOSTON — It’s not just 32 teams that are going to the 2010 World Cup. The hearts and souls of 32 countries are competing in South Africa too.

The World Cup is compelling because of the nexus of team and country — how each team is rooted in a nation’s history and culture and how the national psyche affects its performance (and vice versa).

GlobalPost’s World Cup 2010 Insider’s Guide takes advantage of our network of correspondents around the globe. We also describe — uniquely — each team's core, as only its fans at home understand it.

We reveal: why English, Dutch, Spanish and Mexican fans are consumed by a volatile mixture of hope and dread; why Argentines could turn on their greatest soccer hero; why Ivory Coast may be the great African hope; why the American team may feel less pressure than any; and why North Koreans may be the only fans unable to watch their team.

Our guide also delivers on soccer analysis — each team’s key players, tactics and Cup prospects. We hope you enjoy getting the inside scoop on the World Cup teams.

And then test your knowledge on our quiz.

Read the latest on World Cup 2010: soccer stars and stories

Africa

Algeria World Cup soccer team hopes to continue success

Algerian soccer players aim to prove themselves African in World Cup.

Cameroon World Cup 2010 expectations low

Cameroon's national soccer team hopes to survive the first round of games against tough European teams.

Ghana World Cup team is one of Africa's hopes to shine

Ghana's World Cup soccer team, with its strong players, coaching and history of success in 2006, hopes to do its country and continent proud.

Africa's soccer promise, the Ivory Coast World Cup team, is depending on Drogba

Ivory Coast is relying on powerhouse top-scorer Didier Drogba to succeed in a tough draw at this year's games.

Nigeria World Cup fans still believe in their national team

Nigeria's Super Eagles will need to overcome inconsistent playing to impress at this summer's soccer games.

South Africa World Cup fans dream of a surprise victory as the host country

South Africans are hoping to showcase their "rainbow nation" and stun the world with a successful Cup; both on and off the field.

Americas

Argentina World Cup soccer team needs to pull it together in 2010

Argentina boasts Lionel Messi, the world's best soccer player, but it won't shine at games unless the players and coach work as a team.

Five-time victors Brazil World Cup team confident

Brazil's national team heads to the Cup backed by soccer-crazy fans and star-studded roster.

Chile World Cup team aspires to glory

Chilean soccer players and fans alike have lofty visions of this year's soccer World Cup after qualifying second.

Honduras World Cup fans have no illusions about winning

Honduras soccer World Cup last minute qualification may be their high point of the games.

Mexico soccer World Cup fans bitter to be bested by the United States

Mexico doesn't have much of a shot at going far in the Cup, but fans would like to see redemption against the US.

Paraguay World Cup team aims to prove itself in 2010 games

The Paraguayan national team hopes to prove itself equal to powerful neighbors Brazil and Argentina at the Cup.

United States World Cup soccer fans are drawn to South Africa.

Americans are still disinterested compared to other soccer-crazed nations, but South Africa's World Cup has caught their attention.

Uruguay World Cup soccer team dreams of rising again

Uruguayan fans hope that their team will return to its former glory in the 2010 Cup, but the team consistently fails to rise to the occasion.

Asia

Australia World Cup team shoots high

Up-and-coming Australian soccer team aims to build on success of 2006 performance despite a brutal draw.

Japan World Cup 2010 chances dim

The lackluster Japanese national soccer team is likely to be knocked out of the Cup early on.

North Korea World Cup team closely watched by government

North Korean soccer players have a unique motivation to win the Cup: a government so invested it tells players how to cut their hair.

South Korea Republic World Cup fans have high expectations for national soccer team

South Korean soccer fans hope for success at this year's games to prove their 2002 upset wasn't a fluke.

New Zealand soccer World Cup team lucky just to be in the games

No one expects too much of New Zealand's All Whites in the World Cup — not even the Kiwis themselves.

Europe

Denmark World Cup team hopes to go far

The Danes hope to make their mark in the soccer world by beating out European teams.

The Brits, as always, have big dreams for England World Cup team

England World Cup soccer team may have the players, coach and draw it needs to finally fulfill fans' lofty expectations.

France soccer World Cup fans have little faith in their team

A disappointing coach, disinterested fans and a prostitution scandal are weighing on France's national team ahead of the games.

Germany World Cup soccer fans revel in supporting their team

Germans, once wary of any show of nationalism, will celebrate their team in 2010 much as they did in 2006.

Greek heads aren't in the game

The country's economic crisis has distracted fans from the Greece World Cup team, but a soccer success could give spirits a much-needed lift.

Italy World Cup team aims to defend its reign as champions

Italy has a good shot at claiming victory yet again, but may be weighed-down by aging players and scandal.

Netherlands World Cup fans are cautiously optimistic

Holland's national soccer team, haunted by World Cups past, is hoping luck will finally be on its side at this year's games.

Portugal World Cup soccer team in scoring slump

Portugal, despite boasting A-list players including Cristiano Ronaldo, needs to start scoring if it is to succeed at the Cup.

Serbia World Cup team aims to make a name for itself

Serbia is setting out to establish itself as a powerhouse team at its first Cup as an independent soccer entity.

Slovakia World Cup team already successful

Slovakia already sees the Cup as a success after beating out the Czech Republic, with a shot at the second round if they capitalize on a lucky draw.

Slovenia World Cup team confident going into the games

The Slovenian team is positive in its own abilities and group placement, and in not repeating the embarrassment of the 2002 Cup.

Spain World Cup soccer fans expect their team to rise to the occasion

Spain's stumble in South Africa's Confederations Cup and injured star players aren't enough to discourage fans of their "beautiful game."

Switzerland World Cup team brings a multi-cultural face to South Africa

Although Switzerland is struggling with xenophobia it will bring a diverse, if not outstanding, team to the Cup.