With two matches played and one more match to go in the group stages of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, it seems we're getting some kind of semblance of who will advance to the round of 16 knock out stages.
In Group A, France and South Africa have a point each, and Uruguay and Mexico both have 4 points to lead the group. France plays South Africa, and both will be looking to win. However, if Uruguay and Mexico just draw their match, then both will advance with the goal difference to decide who sits on top. Lot of math left, should Mexico or Uruguay lose a match, but I'm thinking both will advance anyway.
In Group B, Nigeria is definitely out, and Argentina have their foot in the door with 6 points. South Korea and Greece both have 3 points, and South Korea can snag the spot if they win against Nigeria. If Greece beat Argentina - highly unlikely, but you'll never know these days - then, it'll go down to goal difference. Argentina have that base covered, but it could get tricky for South Korea and Greece. I think it could be South Korea and Argentina.
In Group C, it is all up for grabs. Slovenia may have 4 points to lead the group, but the US and England have 2 points each while Algeria has a point. England must win against Slovenia in their last match of the group stage, and the US must win against Algeria to advance. Slovenia just need a draw to secure their spot in the round of 16 while the US will need better. If the England and US are still tied in points, England will lose on goal difference. From the way the trend plays out - it looks like Slovenia and US to top the group.
In Group D, Ghana lead with four points, Germany and Serbia have three points, and Australia have a point. Ghana will face Germany and will need to book the win to hold on because if they lose to Germany and Serbia win against Australia (which is most likely), then it could be Germany and Serbia advancing. Serbia can top the group with a win if Ghana and Germany settle for the draw. Germany can't have that, and they'll need to produce a big win to advance.
In Group E, the Netherlands are certain to advance with 6 points, and Cameron will surely be taken out with zero points. The big question lies in the crucial match between Japan vs Denmark, who each have three points. Denmark are behind on the goal difference, so they cannot settle for a draw. It's either win or go home. If there are no drastic changes, it looks like Netherlands and Japan.
In Group F, Paraguay lead with 4 points, New Zealand and Italy have 2 points and Slovakia has one point. Paraguay will have to deal with New Zealand while Italy will clash with Slovakia. It's anyone's ball game, but Paraguay will just need at least a draw to advance. New Zealand cannot settle for a draw, and must win or go home. Most certainly, the winner of Italy vs Slovakia will have a shot if New Zealand loses.
In Group G, North Korea are out. Brazil definitely has their spot, and it's left to play for Portugal and Ivory Coast. Portugal has 4 points while Ivory Coast has 1 point. Ivory Coast can even up the points if Portugal lose to Brazil, but it might not be enough to overcome the goal difference, especially with Portugal scoring 7 goals to beat North Korea. From the way it looks, it's Brazil and Portugal to move forward.
In Group H, Chile leads with 6 points, Spain and Switzerland have 3 points while the Honduras has nothing. Spain will be facing Chile in their last match which is a win or go home match. Switzerland will look to ascertain their spot with a win against Honduras
From what I predict - the 16 teams who will advance will be Uruguay, Mexico, Argentina, South Korea, Slovenia, USA, Ghana, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Paraguay, Italy, Brazil, Portugal, Chile, Spain.
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