The third and final game of the group matches for the World Cup. This will determine who advances and who will be sent home packing. Who’s advancing from each group? Find out now…
Mexico vs. Uruguay:
Mexico builds off of its beat down against France to win and clinch a spot in elimination. It doesn’t come easy as Uruguay puts up a battle in hopes to move on as well. Mexico prevails 2-1.
France vs. South Africa:
France tries its hardest to make a push into the elimination but just like Anelka, the French are sent home. This game ends up being a defensive duel but no goals are scored. Draw 0-0.
Nigeria vs. Korea Republic:
In another close battle of teams fighting to advance, Korea Republic takes the narrow victory with a late goal. Korea Republic 1-0.
Greece vs. Argentina:
After their first World Cup victory ever, the Greeks look to continue their success and win to advance to the elimination round. Argentina kindly reminds them this is not Dreamland and gives them a dose of reality. Argentina 3-0.
Slovenia vs. England:
I’ve been sitting here waiting for England to show any signs of life in this tournament. They have plenty of individual talent but it seems like they cannot bring it all together as a cohesive unit. I’m still not sold on Slovenia and I feel their opponents have beaten themselves more than they have beaten their opponents. I don’t think Slovenia can win this game, but I also have zero faith in the Three Lions as well. I will still go with the Brits in a narrow 1-0 win in a boring game where defense doesn’t prevail, but sloppiness on offense keeps this game this close.
USA vs. Algeria
Plain and simple, if the US wins they move on. If they don’t, they have to get lucky. After a stunning and near flawless seond half against Slovenia, I think the USA will continue to play well in this game. In my mind, defense wins championships and no player has more heart this World Cup than Tim Howard. Algeria plays way above their talent level but still fall short 1-0. USA wins and advances to the elimination round.
Ghana vs. Germany
It’s win or go home for the Group D teams. Germany stumbled in the last game and will not go home early. Ghana puts up a valiant effort but the favorites will not be denied twice. Germany wins 3-1.
Australia vs. Serbia
Serbia continues to impress in this years tourney. Playing for a chance to advance, the Serbians crush the Australians and send them back down under. Although it doesn’t really look like it, Australia tries to win this game but they just don’t have the skills to make it. Serbia wins 2-0.
Denmark vs. Japan
In the battle of “Which Team from Group E Will Be Eliminated in the Elimination Round First,” match these two teams battle till the end. It is Denmark who earns the right to be clobbered in the elimination round while Japan goes home. Denmark wins 2-1.
Cameroon vs. Netherlands
And Cameroon achieves the rare sweep in this World Cup! 3 matches played all three resulting in…losses. The Netherlands could have picked 10 people out of the crowd and fielded a better team in this 4-0 massacre.
Slovakia vs. Italy
In a match up of two teams from the worst group in the World Cup, neither team really looks like it knows what is going on. They both look lost and cannot pull a string of good offensive plays together if a gun were pointed at their heads. In result, the two teams tie in a thrilling(snore) match 0-0.
Paraguay vs. New Zealand
Another two teams from the, mediocre at best group, battle for a chance to advance. If Paraguay wins, they’re in. If New Zealand wins, they have a shot to get in. The Kiwis prevail in this one, shocking Paraguay in a close game. New Zealand wins 2-1.
Portugal vs. Brazil
This might possibly be the best game in the entire World Cup(minus the championship game obviously). These two teams turn a game into an act of war. Offensive onslaughts keep the shots a flowing the entire game but the defense rarely breaks. At half the teams are tied 1-1 and Portugal starts very strong offensively getting many opportunities but never able to hit the back of the net. But in the end Brazil is the better finisher and is just too strong and too balanced for the full 90 minutes. Brazil wins 3-1.
Korea DPR vs. Cote d’Ivoire
Another game of inferior teams, and another tie. And no one seems to care. Due to apathy, I’ll keep it short: 1-1.
Chile vs. Spain
Like I said earlier, Spain won’t be embarrassed again in this opening round. They’re saving that for the elimination round. Chile doesn’t seem like much of a contender and Spain wins 3-1.
Switzerland vs. Honduras
I will also pose a repeat for this one. The Swiss only get lucky once. Honduras 1-0.
Paraguay breakthroughs to the quarter finals of the World Cup! Who would have thought so?