Four more Chelsea players helped their countries qualify for next year's World Cup in South Africa over the weekend. Michael Ballack captained Germany into the finals. Salomon Kalou and Didier Drogba propelled Ivory Coast to its second consecutive WC appearance. And Branislav Ivanovic powered Serbia into the mix.
They join our English contingent -- Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, John Terry, Ashley Cole -- Michael Essien of Ghana and Brazil's Alex (if healthy) as qualifiers.
Of those yet to book passage, several still have the opportunity to do so. France, with Florent Malouda and Nicolas Anelka, in tow are destined for the WC playoffs. A win over Malta midweek for our Portugese click -- featuring Deco, Paulo Ferreira and Ricardo Carvalho -- will see them reach the playoffs as well. Russia, and Yuri Zhirkov, is also a lock for the playoffs. Petr Cech has much more work to do. His homeland, the Czech Republic, remain behind Slovenia and Slovakia -- with on-loan Chelsea youngster Miroslav Stoch making a significant contribution -- in Group 3.
I know we're months away from the World Cup. Hell, we're months away from knowing the full compliment of countries that will compete. That doesn't mean we can't speculate, though.
Of countries featuring Chelsea players, which has the best chance at winning World Cup 2010 in South Africa. Let me know, people.