I am trying to think of another country that matches the variation in France's World Cup record in recent editions. 1986 - Third 1990 - DNQ 1994 - DNQ 1998 - Champions 2002 - Group Stage 2006 - Finalists 2010 - Group Stage It's like they're the manic-depressives of world football. In fact, you have to go back to France 1938 to find a tournament where they made it past the first round and didn't at least come 3rd. The only other team I can think of that comes even close is the Netherlands. Post-war to 2006 they were knocked out prior to the QFs only once - yet also failed to qualify entirely for 7 tournaments.
I was thinking about the same thing earlier. How about Czechoslovakia: 1934 Finalist 1938 QF 1950 DNQ 1954 1R 1958 1R 1962 Finalist 1966 DNQ 1970 1R 1974 DNQ ----1976 Euro Champions 1978 DNQ 1982 1R 1986 DNQ 1990 QF Pretty erratic as well. But then you have Greece who were European Champions six years ago and have stank always before and ever since.
Uruguay would also find an honourable mention in such a list: 1930 - Winners 1934- Did not participate (even though they were cup holders) 1938- Did not participate 1950 - Winners 1954- 4th place 1958- DNQ 1962- 1st round 1966- Quarter finals 1970- 4th place 1974- 1st round 1978- DNQ 1982- DNQ 1986- 2nd round 1990- 2nd round 1994- DNQ 1998- DNQ 2002- 1st round 2006 - DNQ