World Cup Power Rankings:
1. Spain
Deserved winners after standing firm in the face of Holland's overly aggressive gameplan in the final. The majestic Andres Iniesta fittingly netted the winner minutes from the end.
2. Netherlands
Tried to counter Spain's passing game with a destructive plan of their own. But after a flurry of cards they were left to rue Arjen Robben's near miss in the second half of normal time.
3. Germany
Victories over England and Argentina counted for little in the final reckoning as Spain proved too good for them. But they did beat Uruguay to finish third, with Thomas Muller scoring again.
4. Uruguay
Had to settle for fourth after losing an entertaining play-off with Germany 3-2. Return home with heads held high after a fine tournament, with Diego Forlan one of the World Cup stars.
5. Brazil
The most impressive team in the tournament until 45 minutes into their quarter-final clash with Holland. But then they gave up their composure, their discipline and their World Cup dream.
6. Argentina
Topped the rankings until crashing down to earth with a huge bump as they were ripped to shreds by Germany in the quarter-finals. Lionel Messi never hit the heights expected of him.
7. Ghana
Carried the African standard gallantly all the way to the quarter-finals and were a last-gasp penalty away from a semi-final place before losing agonisingly on spot-kicks to Uruguay.
8. Paraguay
A well-disciplined team throughout and could have made it to the semi-finals if Oscar Cardozo had converted his penalty against Spain. But the South Americans lacked ambition going forward.
9. Mexico
Started well against Argentina but fell apart after a controversial opener from Carlos Tevez in the last 16. Enough encouraging signs to suggest this World Cup wasn't just a one-off.
10. Portugal
May have battered North Korea, but failed to score against - and rarely even threatened - decent opposition. Ronaldo was, along with Rooney, the tournament's great disappointment.
11. Chile
Lost to a top-class Brazil side in the last 16, but no disgrace in that. Chile depart the tournament with heads held high after winning plenty of new fans with their attacking approach.
12. United States
Failed to shine as they lost 2-1 against Ghana in the Round of 16. Finished top of Group C but depart South Africa with plenty of thoughts of what might have been.
13. Slovakia
Could not reproduce their heroics of win over Italy when they took on impressive Holland. Once they went a goal down they lacked the finesse to break down the Dutch.
14. South Korea
Produced a battling display against Uruguay but it wasn't enough as they lost 2-1. Can be pleased to have reached the knockout stages after finishing second in Group B.
15. Japan
Where was the verve of the group stages? The Blue Samurai went out on penalties after a timid, fearful display in a truly appalling last-16 clash with Paraguay.
16. England
A goal that never was cannot hide the fact England were abject against Germany. One half-decent display out of four makes a mockery of them being third favourites from the outset.
17. Switzerland
Departed the tournament with a whimper following the disappointing 0-0 draw against Honduras as they failed to build on the memorable 1-0 win over Spain their first match.
18. Ivory Coast
Left South Africa after a 3-0 win over the Group G basement boys North Korea. Portugal's draw against Brazil meant that the Elephants were mathematically unable to progress.
19. Australia
Paid the price for that 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Germany. Saved the best for last with a 2-1 defeat of Serbia, but the goal difference mountain was just too steep a climb.
20. Denmark
Did not have the firepower or finesse to beat a Japan side that deserved their 3-1 victory. Would have expected to reach the last after defeating Cameroon but fell well short of what was required.
21. Slovenia
Tough to take as the USA's late winner against Algeria sent them out of the World Cup. Defeat against England meant they needed a draw in that game to progress.
22. New Zealand
New Zealand ended their Group F campaign with three draws. They failed to test Paraguay as they played out a 0-0 draw but will leave South Africa with plenty of plaudits.
23. South Africa
The first host nation to fail to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup in history but they ended the tournament with a win as they defeated flops France 2-1.
24. Serbia
A curious but disappointing performance, with victory over group winners Germany sandwiched by defeats to Ghana and Australia. Neat and tidy, but paid for lack of killer instinct.
25. Honduras
Produced a battling performance last time out to draw 0-0 against Switzerland but they weren't good enough to impress in South Africa as they finished bottom of Group H.
26. Greece
Former European champions were desperately dull to watch and unsurprisingly home early. They were stubborn for an hour in a 2-0 defeat to Argentina but had little to offer in return.
27. Algeria
A 1-0 defeat against the United States confirmed their exit from the World Cup but it was always going to be tough to progress with a swing in goal difference needed after earlier results.
28. Italy
The defending champions limped out of the tournament by finishing bottom of Group F after defeat by Slovakia. Coach-in-waiting Cesare Prandelli will need to revamp an ageing team.
29. Nigeria
Another African side departing the scene of their own World Cup early and though they at least entertained in a 2-2 thriller with South Korea, woeful finishing cost them dear.
30. France
A disgraceful campaign with warring players and an incompetent coach came to a suitably ignominious end with a 2-1 defeat to hosts South Africa in their final game.
31. Cameroon
Already out of the competition before their final group game, but with the shackles off they produced their best performance in going down 2-1 to two-time finalists Holland.
32. North Korea
Failed to shine as they lost 3-0 against Ivory Coast and 7-0 to Portugal. Narrow 2-1 defeat in clash with Brazil means they returned home with some pride but no points on the board.
2010 World Cup
The best pictures from the 31 day football festival that was World Cup 2010 in South Africa. Go to Gallery
Spain celebrations
Pictures from Spain's return to Madrid after winning the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Go to Gallery
Holland 0 Spain 1
Pictures from the World Cup final between Holland and Spain at Soccer City in Johannesburg. Go to Gallery
2010 World Cup WAGs
We are not sure who should play up front for this World Cup team. Why don't you decide? Go to Gallery
Uruguay 2 Germany 3
Pictures from the third / fourth place play-off between Uruguay and Germany at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Go to Gallery