31.   The Tigers had a woeful start to the season and were in danger of missing the finals before their remarkable winning streak.

32.   The world record holder almost missed the finals after stumbling on the last hurdle in the qualifying heat.

33.   There was more to come when fourth-ranked Wang Luna, expected to be a major threat to Poll, missed the final as well.

34.   United States team captain Josh Davis, a winner of three gold medals at the Atlanta Olympics, missed the final.

35.   While Australia went unbeaten through its World Cup campaign under Venables, it missed the finals on the away goals rule and Venables moved on to Crystal Palace.

36.   Ze Roberto, the Brazilian midfielder, then received a yellow card for arguing with Danish referee Kim Milton Nielsen and will miss the final.

37.   He scored the goal that clinched victory against South Korea in the semi-finals - but picked up a yellow card that means he will now miss the final.

38.   He will now miss the final.

39.   After some early shocks, they could easily have missed the finals for only the second time in their history.

40.   Baggio will have to be careful on Wednesday as he is one of five Italians, including Maldini, for whom another yellow card would mean missing the final.