Round of 16: Day 3 Preview

Monday June 28th

       Holland v Slovakia

     Duban, 3pm (Irish Time)

The Netherlands are one of only two teams to go through the group stages three for three, the other being Argentina. The fact that they managed to do so without truly showing their hand will give them even greater confidence going into their second round meeting with Slovakia.

Prior to the tournament the Dutch mould have predicted a last 16 meeting with the Eastern Europeans but only a week ago surely they expected it to be Italy. They will be thankful that it is not the world champions who stand in their way, but Slovakia still pose a threat if their performance against the Azzurri is anything to go by.

After two dismally dull showings against New Zealand and Paraguay the Slovaks finally came out and played when they had to. They were first to every ball and much sharper against Italy. Their talented midfielders, Marek Hamsik, Wladimir Weiss and Miroslav Stoch, were finally playing to their true ability rather than playing in a straight jacket as they had done. Not only did they outplay Italy but they showed hey were scoring impressive and cleverly created goals, most notably the third from a quick throw in.

With renewed confidence on show in the Slovak camp, the Oranje will need to raise their game if they're to reach the quarter finals for the first time since 1998. A more cautious approach will no doubt be on show again from the underdogs and it will be up to Holland's midfield magicians to finally show the world what they can do.

Thus far Holland have been slow and narrow when going forward. Impact substitutions have made the biggest impression in all their games. Eljero Elia, Ibrahim Afellay and Arjen Robben have all played their part from the bench and it is almost time for Bert van Marvijk to dispense with Raphael van der Vaart for a more dynamic winger.

The defence, which was previously a worry, has stood firm but the main talking point has been the stuttering attack. Wesley Sneijder and Robin van Persie may not be best friends but if the two of them can finally come to life thentheir team may know no bounds.

The history books show that only three teams have ever won all their group games and gone on to win the trophy. Two of those came in the past 12 years however. France in 1998 and Brazil in 2002 didn't drop a point before picking up the coveted trophy. If Holland are to make it four than a comfortable victory in Durban is the best way to start.

Slovakia and Holland have never met before. The dutch are at full strenght but Robben looks likely to start from the bench again. Strba is suspended for Slovakia but the man who scored the crucial third against Italy is set to deputise, Kamil Kopunek.

Probable Teams:

Holland: Stekelenburg, Van Der Wiel, Mathijsen, Heitinga, Van Bronckhorst, De Jong, Van Bommel, Sneijder, Kuyt, Van Der Vaart, Van Persie.   

Slovakia: Mucha, Pekarik, Skrtel, Durica, Zebavnik, Kucka, Hamsik, Kopunek, Stoch, Jendrisek, Vittek.

           Brazil v Chile

Ellis Park, Johannesburg, 7:30pm

Brazil have not lost to Chile since a 2002 World Cup qualifier. That may not seem like a long time but they teams have played a host of games in the intervening period in which the Chilenos had their asses handed to them.

La Roja are rightly comended for their attack at all costs approach and it would be a blessing if other nations would follow suit but such a tactic has been their own worst enemy against the Selecao in their most recent meetings. In qualification Chile finished a point behind Brazil and even won more games than their round of 16 opponents, but they lost their two matches with their more illustrious South American cousins.

A 3-0 away defeat and a 4-2 home reverse will not make for inspirational viewing ahead of their game in Ellis Park, a stadium Brazilians are already very familiar with from last years Confederations Cup final and this summers opener with North Korea.

In 1998 the two nations met at the same stage. A Ronaldo inspired Brazil won 4-1 but a Chile team featuring Ivan Zamorano and Marcelo Salas gave as good as they got for the majority of the game. Ultimately the superior class of the world's best player was the difference.

The fear is that a repeat may occur this year. Marcelo Bielsa already has to plan without two of his centre backs, Waldo Ponce and Gary Medel. Left sided midfielder Estrada is also suspended following his sending off against Spain. The high number of absentees is hardly surprising considering Chile have committed more fouls than any other team.   

In comparison, Brazil will welcome back Kaka, Robinho and Elano to their starting line up following their absences from the dour goalless draw with Portugal. The team in canary yellow are yet to hit their stride but it is still 29 games since their last defeat and Chile have only beaten them seven times in 65 attempts.

Whatever Chile team Bielsa puts out they will still maintain the same 3-3-1-3 shape that is their trademark. If they can maintain the pace and intensity they have shown so far then this Brazil side may be there for the taking. The opposite can also occur however and Brazil may overpower their opponents yet again.

Either way, the tournament will finally be losing one of its five South American teams on Monday night.

Probable Teams:

Brazil: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Juan, Michel Bastos, Felipe Melo, Gilberto Silva, Elano, Kaka, Robinho, Luis Fabiano.

Chile: Bravo, Isla, Jara, Fuentes, Carmona, Milla, Vidal, Fernandez, Sanchez, Beausejour, Suazo.  

Round of 16: Day 2

Germans In Bloem

Germany   4-1   England        Bloemfontein

Germany produced the most spectacular display of the tournament in thrashing the English 4-1 in Bloemfontein. The game was shrouded in controversy but there can be no doubting which team deserved to progress to the quarter finals.

Four goals of varying degrees of beauty were the least die mannschaft deserved from what was a fascintating last 16 tie between two of the World Cups traditional heavyweights. The pace, movement and passing of the German attack and midfield was so potent they looked like scoring from every surge into the oppositions half. 

Following this victory over one of their many Europeans adversaries, this young German team must now be considered serious contenders for the grand prize. Two weeks ago they were an unknown quantity but now they are the most promising team in world football with Mesut Ozil as their prized asset.

Once the scrappy early exchanges were concluded the Germans went about putting their stamp on the game. Ozil run from deep caught the English defence unawares and the first may have come after a matter of minutes had it not been for David James. The Three Lions had been given a warning of things to come.

For all their pace and clever interplay it was a very English move than provided the opening goal. A long punt from German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer bounced over John Terry only for Miroslav Klose to pounce and poke home his 50th international goal. 

Twelve minutes later they scored a second. Klose released the enthusiastic Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller down the right in the 32nd minute, who keep his cool and passed the ball across the box to Lukas Podolski who took one touched before unleashing a customary left foot rocket that went in off the far post.

At 2-0 Fabio Capello's team were yet to turn up. Wayne Rooney and Jermaine Defoe were isolated up front and the only shots that Neuer faced were speculative attempts from distance but then they got a lucky break. A short corner allowed Steven Gerrard the space to plant a cross on Matthew Upson's head who nodded into the empty net beyond the nervy Schalke 'keeper. 

The games pivotal moment came only two minutes later. Amid a scramble on the edge of the German 18-yard box Frank Lampard attempted to lob Neuer. The Chelsea midfielder achieved just that but the ball was adjudged to have not crossed the line. The majority of those in the stadium knew it was a goal but the referreeing officials believed otherwise.

Such a scenario once again raises questions about the use of goal line technology. One would have thought a bigger controversy than the Thierry Henry incident was unlikely to occur so soon but it already has. The most high profile game of the World Cup so far has seen an officiating error outrageous proportions. Another embarrassing moment for Sepp Blatter was only hours away as well, in the evening game in Soccer City.

England pressed for the remainder of the half and their opponents were clearly rattled and in dire need of the half time break. Engalnds pressure though, was no more than kick and rush, or huff and puff. Capello's prehistoric 4-4-2 system contained no element of surprise but the players didn't exactly help. The midfield was icapable of linking with the strikers and players couldn't find each other from ten yards. When a simple pass was on offer the likes of Gareth Barry and Gerrard were more interested in firing fifty yard hail mary passes diaganolly across the pitch, a tactic that saw them lose the ball rather than penetrate the German rearguard. 

A composed mannschaft came out for the second half. Jogi Low's team started passing the ball elegantly once more and ultimately just reward would come through two ruthless counterattacks. Firstly, a Lampard free kick rebounded off the wall and ten seconds later the ball was in the English net. With options ahead of him Bastian Schweinsteiger kept his composure to pick out Muller on the right hand edge of the penalty area who drilled the Jabulani past a hapless James, who was partly at fault. 

Only minutes later an attacking England throw-in became goal number four. With Terry in an advanced position an English defence was non existent. A long clearance come pass found Ozil on the left, who turned on the after burners to brush past Glen Johnson. Once on his own the Werder Bremen schemer waited for Muller to arrive at the far post, who was all to happy to end England's "golden generation". 

The Germans passed the ball effortlessly to a chorus of oles as the game became an embarrassment for the Premier League's superstars. Despite the misfortune surrounding the goal that never was, the Three Lions can have no complaints about their exit. All their talk of finishing the job in 90 minutes and being ready for penalties if they came about now looks a tad silly. The national confidence that followed the narrow win over Slovenia was completely in vain. 

The inquest will now begin into their spectacular demise. Capello may become the new Sven while the teams elder statesmen may be cast aside in favour of a more German approach. In the end it was the standard of the players rather than their manager that ended their World Cup dream. The English stars of the Premier League have a supporting cast of the world's top talent, and how they would love to call upon the likes of Javier Macherano, Didier Drogba and Nemanja, Vidic but put a bunch of Englishmen together and they cant pass the ball five yards in front of them.            

As for the Germans, there is no limit to how far they can go. Argentina's clueless performance against Mexico will see them become favourites to reach a third successive semi final when they meet next Saturday in Cape Town. Further showings like todays and that they may go even further than that. 

God Still on Diego's Side

Argentina   3-1   Mexico     Soccer City, Johannesburg

Another came that involved controversial undertones was Argentina's victory of the Mexicans at Soccer City. Diego Maradona's team made the most of their good fortune to set up a quarter final with their Nemesis from 2006, Germany.

A bright start from the Mexican players was rendered pointless once Carlos Tevez headed home from an offside position. The Manchester City forward was the closest man to the Mexican goal when Leo Messi clipped the ball towards his head but the referees assistant failed to see the blatant offside before his eyes.

The goal visibly rattled Javier Aguirre's team. The incident was shown on the big screen in the stadium and th injustice was there even for the officials to see. Both groups of players swarmed the assistant referee as the Mexicans hoped to have the goal rescinded and the Argentines tried to enforce the letter of the law and keep their goal.

The yellow card Rafael Marquez picked up for a heavy challenge on Barcelona team mate Messi was an indictment of how his team had crumbled, as was the second goal. Ricardo Osorio's under hit pass across his 18-yard box to Marquez only found Gonzalo Higuain who rounded Oscar Perez and slotted the ball into an empty net. World Cups are won and lost in such moment.

If the first goal was hard to come to terms with then the second was a killer. Their impressive start to the game that saw both Andres Guardado and Carlos Salcido seemed like a different match as the sides approached half time.

Departing the field at half time the Mexicans were still clearly upset about the previous 45 minutes. Both benches and staff members clashed on the side lines as the teams departed the field of play.

Tevez put the final nail in the coffin only minutes after the restart. His rocket from 25 yards left Perez with no chance as the ball shock the top right hand corner of the net. Much like his coach had done in 1986, Tevez followed up a controversial goal with a sublime one.

For the remainder of the game El Tri pressed forward but at times only half heartedly. Chances were few and far between and those that did arise were badly executed such as a header from Javier Hernandez and a tame near post effort from Pablo Barrera. Otherwise they were restricted to shooting from distance. 

The Argentine's looked a little lost for the majority of the second period. Rarely did their front three get on the ball and their play looked more off-the-cuff than pre-ordained. If Messi and Tevez aren't prominent in the game then Argentina may not have the fire power elsewhere to create and score goals, which is exactly how the second half was played. 

Hernandez pulled a goal back and in so doing proved his worth to Manchester United fans with the quality of his finish. It gave his side some brief hope of an unlikely comeback but as the clock counted down any openings were not forthcoming. In the end the Argentines could wind down the clock and turn their attention to next Saturday's grudge match. 

Four years ago la albiceleste were inglorious in defeat in Berlin. Jose Peckerman's disastrous substitutions had cost his team a place in the semi finals as Germany equalised and went on to win on penalties. Tensions boiled over after the shoot-out and revenge will surely be in the air for the likes of Gabriel Heinze and Javier Mascherano when they meet again next week.    

Round of 16: Day 1

Uruguay Role Back the Years

     South Korea   1-2   Uruguay          Port Elizabeth

South Korea threw everything they had at Uruguay in the second half of the last 16 clash but in the end the Red Devils fell to a wonder goal from Ajax captain Luis Suarez.

La Celeste will now move on to face the last remaining African team for a place in the World Cup semi finals next Friday, in what is their first quarter final in 40 years.

The two time champions started the game the brighter. Diego Forlan was prominent in everything his team did in the opening minutes but once his team scored after eight minutes he reverted into his shell. 

The Atletico Madrid goal machine whipped in a teasing but easily manageable cross that Korean goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong decided to let role past him. As the hole South Korean defensive line decided to stop playing Luis Suarez was popping up at the back post to stroke the Jabulani into an empty net. 

Considering Uruguay's form in the group stages one would be forgiven for thinking the game was already over. With three games played the South Americans had conceded no goals even though they gave up the majority of possession, but this is a spirited and talented South Korean team who were creating history for Asian football by reaching the last 16 outside their own country. 

The Koreans came out to play once they fell behind. The Uruguayans left their attacking trio of Suarez, Forlan and Cavani alone in the Korean half as the remainder of the team retreated into their own. Led by captain Diego Lugano the celeste rearguard had forced the Red Devils into only shooting from distance. The South Koreans had raised their game however, playing at pace and passing the ball quickly while throwing bodies forward whenever they counterattacked. 

Once the second half came along the South Koreans had their opponents on the ropes. An equalizer seemed inevitable as the Uruguayan defence began to creak for the first time in over three and a half games. 

Eventually the Asians get their just reward for all their rain soaked pressure. A free kick is swung into the area from the left. It's headed up into the air by Victorino. The goalkeeper Muslera comes out to claim but gets nowhere near. Lee Chung-young gets his head to it, and guides it into the empty net. Uruguay concede a goal at last - and what a terrible one it is too.

With 20 minutes left the game completely opened up as both sides smelled blood. With the rain lashing down the game turned into a dog fight, especially with the pitch being torn to pieces. Despite the damage to the surface, it didn't stop Suarez winning the game for his country. 

Following a corner from the far side of the pitch, the Ajax man retrieved the over hit corner at the edge of the box to the left of the goal frame. One touch took him away from two defenders and gave him all the space that was required to bend a beautiful strike around the keeper and inside the far post. 

The magnitude of the perfect finish showed the importance of the goal. Suarez jumped over photographers to embrace the substitutes, injuring one in the process, but the smile could not be wiped from his face. It was a goal worthy of winning any game. 

South Korean fought valiantly until the final minute and they can take heart from not only a positive performance but a successful tournament. Their up and down group stage showings culminated in a daring display in Port Elizabeth. They left everything they had out on the field.

All five South American teams still remain as Uruguay live to fight another day. Ultimately it was their talent up front that was the difference as Suarez jumps to the top of the scoring charts with a host of others on three.

Montevideo was sent into rapturous celebrations as Uruguayans now firmly believe in their ability to win a third mundial and a first in 60 years.  

Black Stars oust Stars and Stripes

Ghana   2-1   USA   (aet)    Rustenburg

Ghana had already been the last African nation represented in the tournament and their stay is set to last for at least six more days having become only the third African side to ever reach a World Cup quarter final.

Where Cameroon (1990) and Senegal (2002) have previously fallen the Black Stars will be confident of going that extra step, especially if they can play with the unpredictability they showed against the US in Rustenburg.   

In their three previous outings, the Ghanaians scored just twice and both came via the penalty spot. As impressive as their attacking pace and options has been they haven't looked like converting it into goals, but they did in Rustenburg on Saturday night.

With only five minutes played Kevin Prince Boateng made the most of a stray ball in midfield. One touch to his left took him away from the American defenders and gave him the space to hit a low drive past Tim Howard from the edge of the box.

Much more was expected from the States here. While they were delighted to score the goal that got them to the second round this should have been the least of the pre tournament expectations. A quarter final was surely the minimum ambition of Bob Bradley's team and they have failed in that mission. When faced with the prospect of an erratic Ghana team rather than Germany, USA should have been able to take advantage of that blessing.

For the remainder of the half the African team were the better team. They used possession wisely and forged some opportunities. The American defence were nervous and always under threat when the Ghanaians had the ball. Saying that, the Americans were unlucky not to win the game in 90 minutes.

The Stars and Stripes dominated the second half. The entire team never stopped running and scoring chances came thick and fast until Landon Donovan finally created a penalty for his team single handedly. He seemed to say a prayer as he kneeled on the turf before slotting it in off the post while sending Richard Kingson the wrong way. The perfect penalty.

Beeny Feilhaber and Robbie Findley had further opportunity to win the game for the States, in a half where Ghana offered nothing going forward and the US dominated possession. Unfortunately for the Americans they lacked a striker capable of taking an accurate shot. Any chance they forged was aimed straight at Kingson.

With extra time still to come USA should were confident of completing the turnaround. They had passed the ball smoothly and been patient as they pursued an equaliser. They knew that chances would come if they held their nerve. 

In practically a repeat of the opening goal the American defence let a Ghanaian get away from them to score at the near post. Only a couple of minutes into the first half of extra time Asamoah Gyan moved joint top of the race for the Golden Boot following his stunning half volley that rendered Howard helpless. 

For the remainder of the match the Black Stars wasted time where applicable but also were confident in possession. As the game reached the closing stages they weren't so confident in defence however as they were bombarded with corners and long balls but in the end South Africa could celebrate the success of the continents last remaining son. 

For this team to overcome Uruguay a method to their madness will need to come about. Players like Asamoah, Gyan and Ayew, who is suspended, are certainly fine talents but their appears to be no strategy to their teams play in the final third of the pitch. Everything is off the cuff and instinctive which is wonderful to see if it comes off but for the majority of this tournament so far, it has not. 

USA will be wondering how they let this game slip away. Their second half showing alone should have won them the match but now their can be no complaints. The Ghanaians brought as much to the encounter as their opposition, in particular two stunning goals.    

Group Stage Awards

Best Game: Slovakia 3-2 Italy

Best Player: Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Honourable Mention: Diego Forlan (Uruguay)

Best Goal: 1. Fabio Quagliarella (ITALY v Slovakia)

Best Team: Argentina

Best XI:
GK Diego Benaglio (Switzerland)
Fabio Coentrao (Portugal), Lucio (Brazil), Diego Lugano (Uruguay), Phillip Lahm (Germany),
Mesut Ozil (Germany), Keisuke Honda (Japan), Alexis Sanchez (Chile)
Leo Messi (Argentina), Diego Forlan (Uruguay), David Villa (Spain).

Worst Game: Slovenia 1-0 Algeria

Worst Miss: Ayegbeni Yakubu (NIGERIA v South Korea)

Worst Team: Algeria

Worst Refereeing Performance: Khalil Al Ghamdi (Chile v Switzerland)

Award for Diving Offences (team): SLOVAKIA v Italy

Award for Diving Offences (player): Kader Keita (IVORY COAST v Brazil)

Biggest Disappointment (team): 1. Serbia

Biggest Disappointment (player): Yoann Gourcuff

Biggest Disappointment XI:

Hugo Lloris (France),
Jonas Guttierez (Argentina), Nemanja Vidic (Serbia), Martin Demichelis (Argentina),
Felipe Melo (Brazil), Riccardo Montolivo (Italy), Stephen Pienaar (South Africa), Yoann Gourcuff (France)
Wayne Rooney (England), Antonio di Natale (Italy), Oscar Cardozo (Paraguay)  

Rising Star: Mesut Ozil

Surprise Package: New Zealand

Best Elimiated XI:
Diego Benaglio (Switzerland),
Stephan Lichsteiner (Switzerland), Ryan Nelson (New Zealand), Simon Kjaer (Denmark),
Gokhan Inler (Switzerland), Valter Birsa (Slovania), Milos Krasic (Serbia), Dennis Rommedahl (Denmark),
Peter Odemwingie (Nigeria), Fabio Quagliarella (Italy), Gervinho (Ivory Coast)

Review: Day 15

Group G

Brazil   0-0   Portugal

Ivory Coast   3-0   North Korea

Final Standings

1. Brazil

2. Portugal

3. Ivory Coast

4. North Korea

Back on December 4th when the draw was made, Brazil versus Portugal was instantly looked upon on as the game to watch of the opening round. How wrong everyone was...

The game on Friday afternoon was scrappy and neither side attacked in numbers. Often Cristiano Ronaldo was left on his own to run into dead ends and for Brazil Julio Baptista is certainly not Kaka. That said, the finest display of natinal anthems yet seen was on show before the game.

With both sides sure to qualify an open game between two relaxed teams was expected but it never materialised. There was a fear of defeat, even though future opponents were still unknown. Ultimately a lack of a Brazilian playmaker cost the team here. With nobody to provide a final pass for Nilmar and Luis Fabiano the Selecao were never going to score. 

This performance wont go down well in South America also. The Brazilian media will now feel justified in their pevious criticism of Dunga. The Samba boys have only produced sporadic magic thus far and not once in Durban against Portugal. Such a showing wont do against Chile on Monday.

Portugal won't be getting past Spain either if they're this dire again. Their own Sellecao may feel aggrieved, especially Pepe, with some of the rough treatment they suffered. Raul Merieles had what was his sides best and practically only chance but now, in two of their three games, have failed to score. Leading strikers Liedson and Hugo Almeida have been used but neither made the cut for Friday's game. 

Ivory Coast missed their chance to progress when settling for a draw against a very underwhelming Portugal team in their opening game. That result and their subsequent loss to Brazil left them needing eight goals today and hoping the Brazilians could get one. The Elephants managed three and a hatful of other attempts but their chase was always going to be in vain. 

The North Koreans impressed in their first match with Brazil but as their opposition have learned more about them the goals have began to flood in. Having conceded 12 in three games that leaves them with by far the worst defensive record of all 32 teams. Incidentally it is their neighbours to the south who have conceded the second most goals, along with Australia, but they still progressed having shipped six goals.         

Group H

Chile   1-2   Spain

Honduras   0-0   Switzerland

Final Standings

1. Spain

2. Chile

3. Switzerland

4. Honduras

The European champions won Group H even though the lost their opening match. The pre-tournament favourites had no option but to win their final two games, a feat they achieved but not as convincingly as one would expect. 

Chile gave them a helping hand in Pretoria though. Both centre backs, Gary Medel and Waldo Ponce, picked up yellow cards and Marco Estrada was sent off in the aftermath of Spain's second goal for a accidental challenge on Fernando Torres which the Liverpool striker made the most of.  

From that point La Seleccion should have pushed on to finish off their opponents through their passing and movement but Chile continued to show the spirit that has been familiar off them so far.

Marcelo Bielsa's team started the game brightly despite picking up some needless yellow cards. The passed the ball confidently and got forward in numbers with every opportunity but a couple of calamities almost cost them a place in the second round. With the score at 2-0, a solitary Swiss goal against Honduras would have ended their tournament. 

Having got an early goal back right after half time the game settled. At that point the Swiss needed two to progress which seemed unlikely. Spain controlled possession against the ten men for the remainder of the game but Chile were happy to get behind the ball in the knowledge they they wouldn't be easily breached. 

What was potentially the game of the first round between two attacking teams was partially spoiled by the sending off in the first half. Even with their lead Spain looked vulnerable to the Chilean attack. A comeback was never likely though once Estrada left the field. 

In the end, the scoreline suited both sides, although Chile will be the more worried having to face a Brazil team who defeated them twice in qualifying, comfortably. Playing them without their two suspended centre halves makes the task even more daunting.

The two goal victory that Switzerland needed would have been expected by both Chile and Spain but it never came to be. The Swiss art of defending had to be compromised in favour of goal scoring but the goals never game, and either did the chances. Eren Derdiyok probably had the best of them but much as he did in the final minute against Chile, he continuously fluffed his lines.

The three points could easily have swung the other way had the Hondurans shown some confidence in front of goal, but they depart the scene having failed to score, just like Algeria.   

Ottmar Hitzfeld's team started the tournament with its biggest shock at that point but their defensive tactics won them no friends. The players to score goals and those to set hem up are there but they failed to click when it mattered most.  

Review: Day 14

Group E

     Holland   2-1   Cameroon

      Denmark   1-3   Japan

Final Standings:

1. Holland

2. Japan

3. Denmark

4. Cameroon

Japanese expertise with the dead ball was enough to hep the Blue Samurai qualify for the last 16 outside their own country for the very first time. In many ways this World Cup has been a disaster for African teams but for the the Asian representatives it has been an undoubted success even at this reasonably early stage.

Japan are the only group runner up so far to have won two of their three games. Even a couple of group winners have failed to record two victories. One of those two sides is Paraguay, who are up next for the Japanese next week.

Only four goals have been scored direct from free kicks thus far. Three have been by Asian players and the other came for Nigeria rather fortuitously. Two came last night for Japan against Denmark and their was nothing Thomas Sorensen could do to stop them.

Firstly Keisuke Honda shot spectacularly from 35 yards out. His piledriver swerved and dipped beyond the hapless keeper and it wasn't too long before Yasuhito Endo bent his effort around the Danish wall and into the bottom right hand corner. Thirty minutes were gone and the game was already over. Denmark needed three to progress.

The best was still to come however. A combination of quick passing, sharp movement and good balance saw Shinji Okazaki slot home a third from 12 yards out.

Honda is fast making a name for himself. Is excellent early year form with CSKA Moscow has been improved upon here and the forward was the best player on the pitch in Rustenburg. His pace, free kick ability and quality on the ball will all be needed if the Blue Samurai are to outdo the South Koreans this year.

Denmark went into the game as favourites and started well but after two sucker punches before the half hour mark they were dead and buried. More was expected of Olsen's Eleven having qualified so impressively, even beating Portugal in Lisbon. Ultimately, they have been a disappointment and it's the first time in their four World Cup appearances that Denmark have failed to progress to the Knockout stages. 

The Netherlands finished off a clean sweep of group victories against Cameroon in what was a more entertaining performance than what has gone before. Robin van Persie is off the mark and Arjen Robben is back from injury so the Dutch will take a lot of satisfaction from their nights work.

With Cameroon already out and the Dutch practically assured of top spot this was the closest thing to a dead rubber that was on offer in the first round. All of the other 15 final group matches have a defining purpose, bar perhaps North Korea versus Ivory Coast but the miracle may transpire.

When the Indomitable Lions look back on their campaign they will know that this was an opportunity missed, much like Nigeria will be feeling. They were lifeless in losing to Japan and should have beaten Denmark. Chances were spurned and somehow they lost all three games. Paul Le Guen has already announced his intention to quit after two weeks of dressing room upheaval.

Holland march on to face Slovakia in yet another game in which the opposition will try to stifle their attacking variations. Robben may prove to be the spark and finally brings the Oranje to life.

Group F

           Italy   2-3   Slovakia

    New Zealand   0-0   Paraguay

Final Standings:
1. Paraguay
2. Slovakia
3. New Zealand
4. Italy

Italy experienced their most embarrassing campaign since 1974 but at least they were involved in the game of the tournament. With an hour played both the Azzurri and the Slovaks forgot how to defend and started playing at 100 m/ph, although it could be said the Italians had already forgotten how to defend.

The game opened up in the blink of an eye as Slovakia sought after a decisive second goal and Italy chased the equaliser they needed to progress. Once Robert Vittek made it 2-0 after 73 minutes the game was up for the Italians. A triumph for youth over experience was only a quarter of an hour away.

The Slovaks were a let down in their first two games. They played defensively even against New Zealand and clearly played for a draw in the 2-0 defeat to Paraguay. A win was the only way forward in Soccer City though and it was fully warranted for their lively, enthusiastic performance here.

The Slovaks would have found some new supporters for the manner in which they dismantled the world champions if not for the dramatics late in the game. A series of incidents saw the eastern Europeans feigning injury on the floor. Luckily Howard Webb is not so easily fooled and didn't put up with any theatrics.

For all their time wasting the Italians had their chance to score the crucial equalizer but Simone Pepe was wasteful at the back post in the 94th minute. The resulted goal kick ended Italy's reign and brought a halt to this team. Revolution is in the air.

In all three displays they conceded first and were clearly lacking in ideas in how to break down their opponents. The cream of Serie A is certainly not Italian.

Note: Fabio Quagliarella scored the best goal of the tournament so far in the final minutes.

Slovakia will be joined by Paraguay in round two. Their game with the New Zealand All Whites was played out in the shadows of the amazing events in Johannesburg but a draw was enough to both see them top the group and forge the All Whites reputation as heroes at home despite their elimination.

Paraguay will be hard to break down for anyone and preserves South America's unbeaten record in this World Cup, while New Zealand's three draws is an astounding feat for a team expected to be soundly beaten in all three of their games.

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.