Groups finely poised as World Cup starts to live up to the hype

The second round of group games is now complete, and thankfully they offered up everything that the first failed to: goals, excitement, and a few upsets. Whilst North Korea and Cameroon know they will be heading home after their third group fixture, in theory every other side could still qualify, which should make for some interesting games as teams go all out for a place in the last sixteen.

In Group A, Uruguay and Mexico know that a draw will seem them both through, although the incentive to win the group is the likely avoidance of Argentina in the next round, so don’t necessarily expect the South American sides to play for a draw. However, a loss for either side could see them displaced in second spot by either France (if they show up) or South Africa, should there be a sufficient swing in goal difference.

Argentina have already qualified from Group B and it would be a surprise not to see them go through as group winners, needing just a point against Greece to assure this. South Korea looked well placed to join them, and should be confident of three points against a Nigeria side who need to win, and hope that Greece lose; a scenario which would guarantee them qualification by virtue of goal difference.

England’s predicament in Group C has been well publicised and in all likelihood only a win will do against Slovenia. If they draw, and the USA do so as well against Algeria, they will need to better the American’s goal total. Should England draw 2-2 and the Bob Bradley’s side draw 0-0, we are left with the improbable eventuality of having to pick lots to decide who finishs as group runner-up. Algeria need to win and hope that England draw or lose.

Germany’s defeat to Serbia saw the form book thrown out of the window and Group D could now go a number of ways. Ghana will win the group should they beat Germany, who will subseqently go out if Serbia pick up a point against Australia or the Soceroos win and score a hatful of goals. A Germany victory should see them win the group, and they would stumble through as runners-up if they draw and the Serbia vs. Australia game is also drawn.

Like Argentina, the Netherlands have secured qualification from their group and will be assured of winning Group E if they take a point off Cameroon, who are definitely going home. Should they lose, and either Japan and Denmark win their encounter, they could miss on top spot. In all probability however, these two teams are playing for second spot. A draw would be enough for the Japanese by virtue of goal difference, whilst Denmark need to win.

New Zealand’s stunning draw against Italy means Group F is far from done and dusted. The world champions need a win against Slovakia to be certain of qualification, but even that would not be enough to win the group should Paraguay see off New Zealand. In what would be a fitting if somewhat unlikely reward for their performances to date, a victory for the All Whites over Paraguary would guarantee them a place in the last sixteen.

Only some fairly drastic results in Group G will prevent Portugal joining Brazil in the last sixteen. A point would be enough to absolute guarantee Portuguese progress, but even if they lose the Ivory Coast will still require a nine goal swing in goal difference to trump Carlos Quieroz’s side, following their 7-0 demolition of North Korea. A victory over Brazil would see Portugal upset the odds and top their group, Dunga’s side need just a point.

Along with England, Italy, France and Germany, there is also still the chance of a high profile casualty in Group H and Spain may yet regret their profligacy in front of goal against Honduras last night. They will go through if they beat a confident looking Chile side, although not as group winners if Switzerland can outscore them in their game against Honduras. A draw would only be enough for the European champions if Switzerland lose or draw.

By a few minutes before 9.30pm on Friday, we will know the make up of the tournament’s  last sixteen. However, between now and then there is a lot of football to be played with a lot of different result permutations still possible. If the second round of games has been anything to go by, there could be a few surprises and at least one big name falling at the first hurdle. The elimination process starts at 3pm today; expect some tears and tantrums before the week is out.