The 2006 World Cup has 8 new qualifiers amongst the 32 teams. A quarter of the total. The largest number in all the World Cups, since qualifying rounds began. Out of them 4 are from Africa, 3 from Europe, and 1 from the Caribbean.
So how have they done so far?
Italy 2 Ghana 0
Argentina 2 Cote D’Ivoire 1
Trinidad and Tobago 0 Sweden 0
Czech Republic 3 USA 0
South Korea 2 Togo 1
Netherlands 1 Serbia & Montenegro 0
Portugal 1 Angola 0
Spain 4 Ukraine 0
The Czech Republic and the Ukaine have had experience playing as Czechoslovakia and USSR. Similarly, Serbia and Montenegro were also part of Yugloslavia when they played the WC.
On the other hand the Socceroos from Australia are almost as good as new having played last in the 1974 World Cup. And they beat Japan 3-1.
The African newcomers are still looking for their first victory. Although all of them played exceptionally well. I think Portugal was lucky to get away with the victory against Angola. Trinidad and Tobago drew with Sweden 0-0, a match that they can consider a victory. The Czech Republic pulverized the US 3-0. And Spain is doing the same with the Ukraine 4-0. Netherlands won over SMT 1-0.
One win (a blowout), a draw (actually a moral victory), and 6 losses (5 close, 1 blowout)