Review: Day 13

Group C

          England   1-0   Slovenia

             Algeria   0-1   USA

Final Standings:

1. USA
2. England
3. Slovenia
4. Algeria

The destination of Group C came down to the final minutes in Pretoria. USA and Algeria were scoreless in a game both needed to win to advance. A solitary goal from the US would be enough to take them through but they played 91 minutes without getting one.

In Port Elizabeth the final whistle had already blown. The English players celebrated their victory which meant they were guaranteed a place in the second round. Their opponents, Slovenia, were also through at the time their game ended.

Landon Donovan's injury time goal for the States was not only essential for the future of the game in the country but it appeared to be as crucial to the player himself. The LA Galaxy midfielder cried in his post match interview and later on again in his post match press conference.

The Americans had lofty expectations ahead of their foray into Africa. They had a supposedly straightforward group and were extremely impressive against both Spain and Brazil in the Confederations Cup last summer. Failure to advance from this group would have been a step back for a growing game stateside.

Despite England's 1-0 win over Slovenia, the Three Lions finished second and are now faced with the daunting challenge of Germany on Sunday. Today's win has seen a disillusioned nation become confident once again. Apparently England can win this World Cup after all.

The English team definitely deserved their win and were much improved from their first two performances. The urgency and passion you would expect from an English team was back, in patches, and it was enough to win this game comfortably. Only one goal was scored however, and a heavy price could have been paid.

The style of football played may have been enough to beat a European minnow but it won't exactly have Germany, or potential quarter-final opponents Argentina, running scared. The English controlled possession and won by virtue of playing at pace and doing a lot of huffing and puffing. A tactic that was good enough to beat a limited team that were playing for a draw.

When superior opposition comes along on Sunday England will have far less possession than they had today. The players are certainly capable of improving as the tournament goes on but if the youthful Germans are on their game England could be chasing shadows all day.

Fabio Capello was clearly relieved at the final whistle. The Italian spoke of his joy at the victory and how his players played with freedom. His delight was quite uncharacteristic of the renowned disciplinarian and he seemed to be doing all he could to praise his players and build up the performance of his team. The jury is still out.   

As for the two sides bowing out, Slovenia and Algeria have fought bravely but found their rightful place after three games. They performed more admirably than the less informed would have expected though and they deserve some credit for that. Ultimately it was a failure to score goals, especially in the case of Algeria who failed to score in three games, that cost them.

Group D

         Germany   1-0   Ghana

         Australia   2-1   Serbia

Final Standings:

1. Germany

2. Ghana

3. Australia

4. Serbia

Despite their defeat at Soccer City, Ghana have still qualified for the last 16 for the second consecutive time in only their second World Cup. Mezut Ozil's strike though, probably the goal of the tournament so far, was enough to see the group favourites come out on top against the west Africans. 

Defeat was still enough for the Balck Stars because of Serbia's failure to equalize in the last few minutes in Nelspruit. In a topsy turvy game the Serbians dominated the first half only to completely collapse in the second. Tim Cahill scored a powerful header from 12 yards out after 69 minutes and Brett Holman followed up four minutes later from long range. 

At that point Australia were two goals away from progression, a third from themselves and a second from Germany and an unlikely place in the second round would have gone to the Socceroos. Mark Schwarzer's error seven minutes from time ended the Australian dream however. 

Marko Pantelic took advantage meaning a second goal from the White Eagles would send them through in place of Ghana on goals scored and they almost got it. Pantelic had another chance but didn't take advantage and even a late controversial penalty claim went against them.

In an ironic twist of fate Tim Cahill handled the ball in his penalty area but the Serbian claims were waved away. In each of their first two games Serbia conceded a penalty based on a handball decision but against Australia an even more blatant handling of the Jabulani went against them. 

That decision left the eastern Europeans furious but ultimately they brought the defeat upon themselves. The Socceroos should have been put away in the first half and the Serbs have paid the price for both conservative play and bad finishing in their three games.

Ghana took full advantage and now face an intriguing and winnable tie against the US on Saturday. Despite losing to die mannschaft the Black Stars were well organised, extremely quick around the park and counterattacked with a lot of purpose. The shambolic German defence gave the Ghanaians a host of opportunities to score ad it must be worrying that their only two goals have come from the penalty spot.

The Germans were once again good going forward, their passing was crisp and their attacking options moved freely. It was an end to end game but as it wore on the Germans went about securing that winning goal.

The temperament of Mezut Ozil has been under scrutiny, is he capable of performing when it matters and can the handle the pressure at such a young age? Bigger tests are yet to come but the Werder Bremen playmaker stood up to the plate and took advantage of the rare bit of space he was given to score the games' defining goal. 

Good in possession they may be but their is a worrying concern that without it goals will be shipped. As long as the Germans can keep the ball away from the English players then they have what it takes to reach the quarter finals.

Once again, the group table doesn't lie and in this instance the two most attacking teams in Group D have progressed. 

Australia must feel that they threw away their World Cup in their first game with Germany. Since then they have played with commitment and a desire to win. They almost pulled it off against Ghana and probably should have but the deserved sendings off they suffered ultimately decided their fate.

As for Serbia, so much was expected from the Balkan nation. The have Champions League regulars in their ranks and qualified impressively but for the second tournament running have flattered to deceive.   

       

Preview: Day 13

Group C

England v Slovenia, Port Elizabeth 

Algeria v USA, Pretoria

both 3pm

As they Stand:

1. Slovenia   4pts 
2. USA        2
3. England    2
4. Algeria     1

Quite simply, England need to win today to keep their World Cup dream alive. One would think that is within their grasp against such a smaller footballing nation in Slovenia but recent performances suggest it will be a struggle for the Three Lions to get the required result.

Slovenia has a population of just over two million and only a fraction of the playing resources and financial budget of their opposition today but they sit proudly on top of a group in which they were expected to be also-rans.

For England to win today against such a well organised and physical outfit that is capable of scoring goals, every aspect of their game is going to have to change. The cohesion, pace and intensity found during the qualifiers seems to have disappeared but the players are certainly capable of rediscovering it. Or are they?

From the outside there looks to be some in squad unrest and disillusionment with their manager. Players are bored and don't look as though they even believe they can win the tournament now. A tournament they always believe they can win until they actually start playing.

Slovenia may very well play for the draw and that could cost them. For all England's problems there are still players capable of putting the ball in the net when an opportunity arises. A draw would be enough to see the Slovenes into the second round either as group winners or runners-up and from their two performances so far, especially against the US in the first half, they have every chance of booking their place in the last 16.

USA are favourites to join either of the above in the knockout stages. For them, a win is required and that may be enough to top Group C. While Algeria also have ambitions of continuing their tournament The States have shown a lot more heart and Intensity than the North Africans had to face against England. The Algerians could be overran in Loftus Versfeld this afternoon.

The Algerians could easily have beaten England but they looked incapable of finding that final pass to unlock their defence. They could have played all night and neither team would have scored.

A shock could be on the cards today. USA are almost certainties to advance and Slovenia may join them. much to the embarrassment and shame of 60 million Englishmen.

Probable Teams:    

England: James, Johnson, Upson, Terry, A, Cole, Barry, Lampard, Gerrard, J. Cole, Defoe, Rooney.

Slovenia: Handanovic, Brecko, Suler, Cesar, Jokic, Birsa, Koren, Radosavljvic, Kirm, Ljubijankic, Novakovic.

Algeria: M'Bolhi, Bougherra, Yahia, Halliche, Belhadj, Lacen, Boudebouz, Yebda, Ziani, Kadir, Matmour

USA: Howard, Bocanegra, Onyewu, Demerit, Cherundolu, Bradley, Edu, Dempsey, Donovan, Buddle, Altidore.
Group D

Germany v Ghana, Soccer City

Australia v Serbia, Nelspruit

both 7:30pm

As They Stand:

1. Ghana      4pts
2. Germany  3
3. Serbia      3
4. Australia   1

Much like Group C, all four teams in Group D stand a very possible chance of qualification for the next round, although Germany and Serbia are surely favourites to get there.

Ghana currently top the group but they may rue their failure to put away the ten men of Australia in their 1-1 draw last Saturday. Going into tonight's game with Germany on six points would have left them in a much stronger position but as it is they will most certainly need a precious point as Serbia should also be good enough to beat the depleted Socceroos.

Ghana have a strong immigrant population in Germany. Gerald Asamoah and David Odonkor have gone before and now Jerome Boateng is in the squad. His brother Kevin Prince is in the Ghanaian line up having defected from the country of his birth. Incidentally, it was Boateng's tackle on German captain Michael Ballack that caused the Chelsea midfielder to miss out on the World Cup.

Their is an argument that the Germans are better off without their leader, that he commands too much respect and authority in the changing room. Without him Die Mannschaft have been impressive and even let off the leash, even in the loss to Serbia. Mezut Ozil or Sami Khedira may not even be in the team had Ballack been there.

Miroslav Klose is missing for the game in Johannesburg but Germany should have enough nous to beat a comparatively unimpressive Ghana team. The West Africans may have beaten Serbia but against ten men they were clueless in going about getting a winner against Australia. Their own youthful inexperience may cost them their second round place and effectively end African involvement.

Serbia will be confident of progressing having beaten Germany and turning their own campaign around in the process. Milos Krasic, Nikola Zigic and Milan Jovanovic finally came good in their second outing and continuously caused problems that they hadn't done against Ghana.

All four of Serbia's defensive line of Branislav Ivanovic, Nemanja Vidic, Neven Subotic and Aleksandar Kolarov are all on yellow cards and any one of them may find themselves accepting a suspension for the sake of a place in round two. Subotic may be replaced bey the reutrning Alksandar Lukovic however.

Australia have Tim Cahill returning for what could be their final game. A win will be enough for the Socceroos as long as Germany and Ghana don't draw. They are without veteran defender Craig Moore and Harry Kewell for tonight's pivotal game which makes their task that much harder.

It should be an attacking game though as both sides need a win. Their inferior goal difference to Germany means Serbia have no option but to win in case that becomes a decisive factor, while Australia will know a win is the only thing that will give them any chance.   

Probable Teams:

Germany: Neuer, Badstuber, Friedrich, Mertesacker, Lahm, Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Ozil, Muller, Podolski, Cacau.

Ghana: Kingson, Pantsil, Mensah, Vorsah, Sarpei, Boateng, Asamoah, Annan, Tagoe, Ayew, Gyan.

Australia: Schwarzer, Wilkshire, Neill, Beauchamp, Chipperfield, Culina, Cahill, Valeri, Emerton, Bresciano, Kennedy.

Serbia: Stojkovic, Ivanovic, Vidic, Lukovic, Kolarov, Kuzmanovic, Stankovic, Krasic, Jovanovic, Zigic, Pantelic.  

Review: Day 12

Group A

Mexico   0-1   Uruguay

France   1-2   South Africa

Final Standings

1. Uruguay

2. Mexico

3. South Africa
4. France

South Africa ended their World Cup campaign on a high note with a victory over France in Bloemfontein. The European superpower and the Bafana Bafana both needed to record big wins to progress but the home side will still take heart from a first World Cup win over a traditional big name and for bowing out with a courageous performance.    

South Africa will regret not playing with such intent and vigour in their pivotal second game with Uruguay. The home side were thoroughly dismantled that day and ultimately paid the price for the amount of goals they conceded because Mexico progressed in their stead despite finishing on the same amount of points.

As for Les Bleus, they head home in disgrace. Player unrest and in-squad turmoil over the past three weeks finally caught up with the team after their loss to Mexico last Thursday. The fall out from that game was clearly evident today as Raymond Domenech made six changes to his starting line up and those that were on the pitch performed in shame.

South Africa's early two goal lead was aided by the dismissal of Yoann Gourcuff but their lead was fully deserved anyway. In fact, it could have been three before half time had Katlego Mphela kept his shot inside the far post.

Bafana Bafana started the second half with similar intent but as time past the four goals they needed looked unlikely. Once Florent Malouda got one back the game fizzled out as the home side new their fate had been settled.

Uruguay, on the other hand, were the stand out team from Group A. They have gone through their three games without conceding a goal and have attacked confidently in their final two games. The have both defensive solidity and a goal threat, something a lot of underdogs have failed to combine in the group stages.

Their game with Mexico in Rustenburg was heavily expected to be a draw but both teams attacked from the off as they tried their best to avoid a second round meeting with Argentina. That honour ultimately befell Mexico for the second consecutive tournament. 

A sole header from Ajax goal machine Luis Suarez was enough to settle an open game. Both El Tri and La Celeste had their chances to score further goals but the Uruguayan defence stood firm to capture top place in Group B.

Uruguay are playing in only their second World Cup since 1990, the last time they reached the second round. The two time World champions will feel they now have a great chance to create new football memories for their country as South Korea now stand in their path. 

Mexico have qualified for their fifth consecutive second round, a destination they would have expected to reach before the tournament. Unfortunately for the Mexicans they are faced with the daunting prospect of Argentina, again.  

Group B

Argentina   2-0   Greece

South Korea   2-2   Nigeria

Final Standings

1. Argentina

2. South Korea

3. Greece

4. Nigeria

Argentina, even with a raft of changes to their starting lineup, completed a clean sweep of group stage victories. Maxi Rodrigues, Sergio Aguero and Diego Milito came in to form a new attack but la Albiceleste were just as strong as in their opening two games.

The Argentinians had been impressive going forward against Nigeria and South Korea and that form continued tonight in Polokwane. If anything they were even more attacking as Greece were happy to sit back and hope to steal a goal on the counterattack.

The goals finally came late on from Martin Demichelis and veteran striker Martin Palermo. Both were greeted by mass celebrations on the pitch and in the dugout as both were extremely popular goal scorers.

Palermo spent ten years in the wilderness before a recall from Diego Maradona last year, while Demichelis has been an error prone defender in recent games for his country and Bayern Munich. 

The Greeks started with only one man up front. Georgios Samaras had the unenviable task of leading the line in what was a generally defensive performance. The Celtic striker caused some problems for the Argentinian defense when he got the ball but often he was too isolated and forced to create opportunities on his own. 

He did have one opening with the scores still level but he hurriedly shot across the goal and wide of the far post. The Europeans now bow out as a result of their continued negativity but Argentina appear to be more united and confident with each passing game.

Argentina will be joined in the second round by South Korea, who managed to hang on for the draw that sees the Red Devils progress from the group stage outside their own country for the first time. 

The story about their draw with Nigeria is really about the opposition though. Nigeria lost their opening two games but still had the chance to qualify had they scored a third decisive goal in their final game. With the score at 1-0, the Super Eagles hit the post and with the side's level for the final 20 minutes both Ayegbeni Yakubu and Obafemi Martins missed chances that were probably easier to score. 

Coach Lars Lagerback has been paid over €1 million for the three competitive games his side have played but surely the millions of Nigerians in west Africa should be worthy of more. Had Sani Kaita not been sent off with his team 1-0 up against Greece they may well have qualified but over all they got what they deserved. 

The Koreans were more reminiscent of their opening game than their heavy defeat to Argentina. The passed briskly and showed high levels of energy as one would expect. The Asians were also quite adept with free kicks, an attribute most countries don't possess so far.

The tournament has been a bad one for African teams, as Nigeria become the third to officially bow out with Cameroon and South Africa, but the game is clearly on the up in Asia as not only South Korea but Japan have a great opportunity to progress to the second round.        

Preview: Day 12

Group A

Mexico v Uruguay, Rustenburg

France v South Africa, Bloemfontein 

(both 3pm)

Many believe Group A to be a foregone conclusion and the most straightforward of the eight groups at this World Cup. With one game to go for each team, all Uruguay and Mexico need to do is draw their game at Royal Bafokeng for both to progress to the second round.

The situation evokes memories of 1982 when Germany beat Austria 1-0 in a game that saw both progress to the second group stage. That game has set the current trend for final group matches being played simultaneously. More recently, in Euro 2004, Denmark and Sweden played out a 2-2 draw on the final day of the group stage, a result that conveniently saw both reach the quarter finals at the expense of an unbeaten Italy, conservatively coached by Giovanni Trapattoni.

Perhaps matters will be different this time however. While both will be desperate to make the last 16, neither will want to play Argentina, probable winners of Group B. Argentina are traditionally Uruguay's biggest rivals and the alibiceleste knocked Mexico out of the Mundial at the second round stage four years ago. They are not a welcome prospect.

A draw will leave El Tri up against it in round two, but they would rather take their chances against Argentina than not be there at all.

If one of the top two decides to go for the win and succeed, or even fail for that matter, either France or South Africa will be waiting in the wings to replace them in second spot. Both sides go into their encounter in turmoil, especially France.

For the French the tournament has been a disaster. Results have not gone their way, their performance against Mexico was spiritless and lacking direction and Nikolas Anelka has been subsequently sent home for a half time outburst in that latter match directed toward Raymond Domenech.

Since last Thursday, captain Patrice Evra has claimed their is a traitor in the camp, players have refused to train, members of the French Football Federation have resigned and rumour has it some players will chose not to play against Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein.

The feeling seems to be that Les Bleus have already accepted their elimination, believing the Spanish speaking duo will conspire against them.

As for the hosts they are already without the suspended goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune and midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi which makes their mountain that much harder to climb. Moeneeb Josephs will come as 'keeper for their do or die encounter.

A victory for Bafana Bafana will shine some light on their tournament and they would love to bow out on a good note. Their performance against Uruguay was so bad that a repeat is surely not possible and they will presumably have the heart to take the game to the French, who despite their superior players are a team in decline and chaos.

A win for either side, one feels, won't be enough anyway.

Prediction

1. Uruguay
2. Mexico
3. France
4. South Africa

Probable teams:

Mexico (4-3-3): Perez, Aguilar, Osorio, Rodrigues, Salcido, Marquez, Catro, Torrado, Dos Santos, Hernandez, Franco.

Uruguay (4-4-3): Muscila, M Pereira, Godin, Lugano, Fucile, Perez, A Pereira, Arevalo, Cavani, Forlan, Suarez.

France (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Sagna, Gallas, Abidal, Evra; Toulalan, Diaby; Ribery, Gourcuff, Malouda; Henry.


South Africa (4-4-1-1): Josephs; Gaxa, Khumalo, Mokoena, Masilela; Modise, Sibaya, Letsholonyane, Tshabalala; Pienaar; Mphela.
 


Group B

Argentina v Greece, Polokwane

Korea Republic v Nigeria, Durban 

(both 7:30pm)

Any two of the four teams comprising Group B can still qualify for the second round but Argentina appear to be confident enough of their progression that Diego Maradona might even ring the changes for his sides game with Greece.

Javier Mascherano, Walter Samuel and Jonas Guttierez are all certain to miss out. The latter is suspended, the former is on yellow and won't be risked and Samuel is injured for the game. Carlos Tevez and tournament top scorer Gonzalo Higuain are also expected to be replaced by Sergio Aguero and Diego Milito as el Diego does his best to keep all his superstars happy.

One superstar forward set to play is Leo Messi, who has been the orchestrator of everything positive Argentina have done thus far. Their two victories would not have been so emphatic without him.

Even a draw will give the Argies top spot and a potential second round clash with Mexico in a repeat of four years ago, but a victory seems more likely against a Greek them that will probably need a win to progress. A lot of space should therefore be handed to Argentina's attacking quartet of the three aforementioned and Angel di Maria.

Greece did well to turn around the game with Nigeria, scoring their first World Cup goals and pints in the process. The sending off clearly helped their cause and raised their spirits but taking the game to the opposition has never been a strenght of Otto Rehhagel's team. They will be delighted to even have this opportunity and if they can pull off a victory their place in the last 16 will be well deserved.  

That position should go to South Korea though. The performed with a pace and intent that neither Greece nor Nigeria have shown when they beat Greece on day two of the tournament. They retreated back into their shell against Argentina but if they return to the strategy that saw the red devils pick up three points they should beat a disheartened Nigeria team.

Nigeria will qualify if Greece fail to pick up a point and they can beat Korea by two goals. Not an insurmountable ambition but performances so far suggest it might just be beyond them. The Super Eagles have been reasonably impressive going forward, especially when Peter Odemwingie and Kalu Uche are on the pitch but at the back there are goals there for the taking. If not for the heroics of goalkeeper Enyeama the Africans goal difference would be so bad they'd be already out. If they can assert some physical dominance over the fit Koreans and score first, then they may have a chance.

The proposition of a second round tie with Uruguay should be enough motivation any team needs. The South Americans have been impressive but they won't be feared by any of the three vying for second place in Group B. A point should be enough for South Korea to progress with Argentina and they have appeared the most determined thus far to reach the next stage of the World Cup.  

Prediction
1. Argentina
2. South Korea
3. Greece
4. Nigeria

Probable teams:

Argentina (4-2-3-1): Romero; Otamendi, Burdisso, Demichelis, Rodriguez; Bolatti, Veron; Messi, Aguero, Di Maria; Milito.

Greece (4-5-1): Tzvoras; Seitaridis, Kyrgiakos, Torosidis, Vyntra; Ninis, Tziolis, Karagounis, Katsouranis, Salpingidis; Gekas.



South Korea (4-4-2): Jung S-R; Oh B-S, Cho Y-H, Lee J-S, Lee Y-P; Park J-S, Kim J-W, Ki S-Y, Lee C-Y; Park C-Y, Yeom K-H.



Nigeria (4-3-3): Enyeama; Odiah, Yobo, Shittu, Taiwo; Etuhu, Haruna, Yussuf; Uche, Yakubu, Odemwingie.

Review: Day 11

Group G

     Korea DPR   0-7   Portugal



North Korea became the second team, after Cameroon, to exit the 2010 World Cup. The 7-0 drubbing at the hands of Portugal is obviously a disappointing way to bid adieu but once again they acquitted themselves quite well, despite what the scoreline suggests.

At half time the Koreans trailed to a sole Raul Meireles goal having matched their opponents play for play in the first half. A perfected weighted pass that found Meireles was what made the difference as both teams attacked and created half chances for themselves.

The people's Wyane Rooney, Jong Tae-Se led the line admirably for his country and his title as North Korea's best player has been justified over the past two game. The rest of his team mates showed a lot more attacking potential than they had against Brazil and they defended in numbers yet again. Everything changed in the second half however.

Once the second goal went in early in the second half the Koreans were dead and buried. Simao's well created goal knocked the life out of a previously energetic Korean team. They were tired from their endeavours thus far and paid the price.

Further goals from Hugo Almeida, Liedson, Cristiano Ronaldo and two from Tiago Mendes sealed a 7-0 win that could even have been greater. In the final third the Portuguese showed a lot of pace and creativity and they were enjoying themselves in a way that was absent from their first game.

Changes had been made with Tiago, Simao, Miguel and Almeida coming in and everything came off for Carlos Queiros. For all their improvement Cristiano Ronaldo was still disappointing. He fell over needlessly and appeared to sulk when it was his team mates rather than himself who scored. He greeted his goal, the sixth, with a smile that was non-existent beforehand as his colleagues were in delirium. Ronaldo shot on sight with better options around him and his general theatrics were disrespectful to his own team and the opposition.

All round it was an impressive display, but whether it would be good enough to see them progress to the final stages is still open to debate.        

Group H

        Chile   1-0   Switzerland

Chile may be two from two and sitting pretty atop Group H but their place in the the last 16 is still very much in doubt. Even with six points guaranteed, defeat to Spain on Friday could conceivably leave them lying in third and going home.

Perform as they have so far though and it could be the pre tournament favourites who head home earlier than expected. Once again La Roja attacked from start to finish and saw just reward. Once again Alexis Sanchez impressed, as did Jean Beausejour when not straying offside and Humberto Suazo made a welcome return to the team having missed the opener with Honduras.

The single goal from Durban born substitute Mark Gonzalez was just about enough to dispose of the ten men of Switzerland, although they could have paid the price for wasteful finishing and bad decision making in the final third.

The sending off of Valon Behrami after half an hour saw the European team become even more defensive. Two flat banks of four sat in their own half for the following 50 minutes until it was finally breached and the Swiss were forced to move further up the pitch.

The Chilenos looked to be running out of ideas until Esteban Paredes broke the off side trap and crossed for Gonzalez to head home at the back post. The game opened up thereafter as the Swiss tactic of holding out for a draw was broken.

They nearly got the draw they wanted had Eren Derdiyok finished from 12 yards out. How he didn't is a mystery but it would have been unjust on a far superior Chile team who had done all the running all day. 

Chile nearly paid the price for their wasteful finishing in the last ten minutes. They countered so often than a second or third should have been scored but they nearly paid the ultimate price.

The Swiss showed that they can play a bit too when given the chance and that's what they'll have to do against Honduras. A victory in that game of any note should be enough to seem them through but it would be at the expense of one of the tournament's two most entertaining teams.    

         Honduras   0-2   Spain



Spain got their World Cup campaign back on track at Ellis Park in Johannesburg tonight, although they may live the rue the amount of chances they spurned as goal difference may prove to be a decisive factor come Friday night.

Two goals from David Villa, that brought his total to 40 in 60 caps, was enough to see off a committed but limited Honduran team. The Barcelona front man even missed a penalty that would have made him joint top scorer with Gonzalo Higuain of Argentina.

Spain were positive from the get go. They got the ball down and passed it around and waited for openings that were far more forthcoming than in Durban last Wednesday. Vicente del Bosque added greater width to the team than in that game with Switzerland as Jesus Navas started on the right ahead of David Silva. Fernando Torres also got a start as he continues to prove his fitness. The Liverpool centre forward got plenty of chances but lacked sharpness in front of goal.

The game was all Spain and a goal from Villa in either half secured a comfortable victory. The European champions will need to step up another gear if they are to win this tournament however.

 La furia roja came for the win and they got it but another one is required on Friday to make sure of progression. Neutral observers will expect the Swiss to beat Honduras so only a victory will do against Chile in what could be the game of the tournament so far as two of its most attacking teams meet in what is a pivotal clash.   

Review: Day 10

 Group F     

     Paraguay   2-0   Slovakia

Paraguay are becoming of a surprise package at this World Cup. Their strict organisation and obvious passion has brought them to the summit of Group F with only a tie against supposed minnows New Zealand to come.

Goals in each half from Enrique Vera and Cristian Riveros gave the South Americans a much deserved win over a poor Slovakian team in Bloemfontein.  

Pre tournament the Paraguayans were written off as uninspiring, over physical and dull but such pre-conceived notions must now be dismissed. Gerardo Martino's side are clearly a superior version to the committed but dour representatives of 1998, 2002 and 2006, all of which were got progressively worse. 

Realistic quarter finalists were on view today and they are just another example of how Latin American sides are dominating this tournament. Between the five South American nations and Mexico, it is played 11, lost zero. 

Not only are Paraguay passionate about their countries cause, but they can play some good stuff too, as evident by the two goals they scored. Defending from the front is their strongest asset though, a feature of their game that lasts for 90 minutes. 

Slovakia can only dream of being in Paraguay's position. First tournament apprehension and inexperience has clearly overcome a side that can boast some of the most promising midfielders in Europe. Vladimir Weiss senior has gone with a safety first approach which has failed spectacularly, first against the All Whites and now in the second game. A win over Italy is their only hope of survival, and even that may not be enough.    

       Italy   1-1   New Zealand

Italy experienced their most embarrassing World Cup result since losing to North Korea in 1966, in Nelspruit on Sunday. Defeats to Ireland, Croatia and South Korea have occurred in the intervening years but this must be their lowest ebb in generations as the Azzurri are now on the brink of elimination at the group stage for the first time since 1974. 

The quality and unity of four years ago just doesn't seem to be there this time around. Marcelo Lippi's magic dust has had no effect thus far but a win over Slovakia on Thursday will see the Italians qualify for the second round for a likely clash with Holland.

Lippi's team don't look to have what it takes at this level. Players who are stars in Serie 'A' such as Daniele de Rossi, Riccardo Montolivo, Claudio Marchisio and Simone Pepe have underperformed in the first two games while strikers who score for fun at home, Alberto Gilardino, Toto di Natale and to a lesser extent Vincenzo Iaquinta have terrible international records. 

In Nelspruit today they were ineffective and rarely created a chance between them. The defence wasn't much better, especially for New Zealand's goal. All round there is no creativity or inspiration in the team and even a draw today was a touch fortunate.

De Rossi's dive brought about the equaliser from the penalty spot. Without that fortuitous goal their World Cup may already be over as Paraguay and the All Whites would only need to play out a draw in their final game. As it is, they should still live to fight another day.

New Zealand can therefore count themselves slightly unlucky but this is, of course, the finest result in their football history. The late draw with the Slovaks was a bonus in a group in which they were supposed to struggle but now qualification is a possibility, a situation beyond their wildest dreams. 

They actually played well, were well organised, were not intimidated by the World Champions and even took the game to them at times. A chance to win the game even arose late on but they shot just wide. Whatever happens on Thursday, it has been a successful World Cup.      

Group G

       Brazil   3-1   Ivory Coast

Brazil have joined Holland in the last 16 of the tournament after only two games following their eventful win over Cote d'Ivoire at Soccer City. 

A Luis Fabiano brace and a third from Manchester City reject Elano gave the Selecao a comfortable lead deep into the second half. Didier Drogba's clever header was no more than a deserved consolation for this team. 

The game was even enough for the first half. Both teams passed the ball around well. The Elephants counter attacked quickly and the Brazilians passed the ball around effectively without either ever creating any clear cut chances. Then Fabiano stormed into the box to hammer the ball past Boubacar Barry. 

It was Fabiano's second goal that saw the game descend into chaos. Two handballs were interspersed between his ball juggling in the lead up to volleying the ball home. The goal stood and frustration eventually boiled over. 

Two Ivorians should have been sent off for a couple of potential leg breaking tackles. Elano was forced to limp off two minutes after his goal but the damage could have been worse. The Africans started to play act as well in a last ditch attempt to get some samba boys sent off. The tactic finally worked. 

Kaka was sent off and looks set to miss the final game after two soft yellows that make Miroslav Klose look like an assassin. Kader Keita ran into the number 10 and fell to the ground clutching his face and appeared to also have a seizure. Kaka may miss the final game against Portugal, but he may have been rested anyway. 

The Elephants however, have made no friends from their performance and elimination looks imminent. They'll need Portugal to lose to Brazil, as well as racking up the goals themselves against North Korea. 

More importantly, Brazil look the part but there is room for improvement. Brazilian flamboyance has been infrequent but it will no doubt click with time.          

Review: Day 9

        Australia 1-1 Ghana

Australia’s ten-men earned a well deserved draw against the Black Stars just outside Sun City, but the Socceroos are still facing an uphill battle to reach the second round again.

Ultimately it will be last Sunday’s 4-0 reverse against Germany that will cost Australia progression, because even a win over Serbia may not be enough to qualify due to their inferior goal difference.

There heart cannot be doubted though. Harry Kewell’s sending off after 25 minutes would have broke many teams, but the Socceroos still attacked to the death and almost secured the victory.

Ghana started the game very nervously. A youthful centre half partnership of Jonathan Mensah and Lee Addy were clearly anxious and those nerves ultimately resulted in an early goal from Brett Holman. Mark Bresciano’s free kick was parried by Ghanaian goalkeeper Richard Kingson but only into the path of Holman.

The Black Stars relaxed however as the game wore on and especially following Harry Kewell’s dismissal. The Galatasaray forward missed the first game and may have already seen his World Cup end after only a quarter of the match. Annan’s shot was stopped on the goal line by the former Leeds man and he was rightly sent off, although he didn’t see it this way himself.

Asamoah Gyan scored his second penalty of the tournament but his team failed to stamp their authority thereafter. For the remainder of the half Ghana controlled possession but failed to create any clear chances.

Such a pattern continued into the second. Ghana shot from range at will but never tested Mark Schwarzer. The final ball was never there for Ghana, much to Gyan’s frustration and they almost paid the price for their inexperience in attack.

Scott Chipperfield and Luke Wilkshire had great opportunities to win the game as the Socceroos pressed forward in search of a pivotal winning goal, but as was the case for Ghana the shooting was inaccurate.

Realistically Australia needed to win as now their final game won’t feature either Kewell or Craig Moore, who are both suspended.

Ghana may also have spoiled their good work of last Sunday as surely they will need to beat Germany on Wednesday to reach the second round. Before today they represented Africa’s best hope of progression, that mantle now moves to Ivory Coast.