The first two games of the World Cup have had a few surprises, some disappointments, and only two teams (Argentina and Spain) showing true class. Going into the final matches for each group, there are many countries with a chance to advance, and only a few meaningless games.

Group A

Both Ecuador and Germany are both on six points and will be playing to avoid England in the next round. While Germany have two convincing wins, Ecuador’s pacy forwards could take advantage of the host’s defense and pull an upset. Ecuador just need a draw to top the group. Niether Poland nor Costa Rica have a chance of advancing.

Group B

England plays Sweden in a match-up of two teams who have yet to live up to their potential, and are progressing slowly. Much will depend on the fitness of their main strikers, Wayne Rooney for England and Zlatan Ibrahimovic for Sweden. Trinidad and Tobago still have a chance to get to the Round of 16 if England wins and they defeat Paraguay by a few goals. Paraguay have looked awful in their first two matches and could be thinking about the plane ride home. T&T seem inspired and could pull off the miracle. Second place could be decided on goal difference. England will advance in first place with a win or a draw.

Group C

Holland and Argentina are both assured of advancing to the next round and it’s unclear whether the two teams will play to win or will use the match to play some reserve players and rest their starters. Argentina has looked flawless so far and should win regardless of whom they play. Sadly there is no place for the Ivory Coast in the next round but they should have a bright future. Serbia and Montenegro have been one of the biggest disappointments of the finals and they will be happy when it ends.

Group D

One of the worst performances in Mexican history against Angola this past weekend gives the Africans a slight hope of advancing into the next round. If Portugal win, and they should, the Africans could leap over Mexico if goal difference is in their favor. This would be historic for Angola and a national disaster for the North Americans who see themselves as a world power. Iran should be proud of their performances but still do not have the quality to get the results they desire.

Group E

The newly crowned Group of Death sees every team with a decent chance of advancing. Unlikely though it is, Italy can still be knocked out of the tournament so they will be playing to win against the Czech Republic. Italy are through with a draw or win. The Czechs could be through with a draw but really need a win. As they are not the same team without Jan Koller and Milan Baros, an Italian win looks likely. If this happens, then the winner of the Ghana v USA match will go through. The Africans seem most likely to advance although you never know how the Americans will play.

Group F

Brazil has already advanced to the next round and the biggest question for them is whether coach Carlos Parreira is brave enough to start Robinho in the place of the useless (okay that’s a strong word) Ronaldo. Brazil are a different team with Robinho up front and Parreira should be strong enough to make the call. The other three teams in the group still have a chance of qualifying and the possibilities are endless. Japan could benefit from Brazil playing a mostly meaningless game or they could just as easily fall apart as they have been inconsistent and they are playing Brazil. The Australia v Croatia winner likely goes through and you have to think the Socceroos have the edge as coach Guus Hiddink has instilled in them the organization and guile to go deep in the tournament, where Croatia still do not look comfortable in the final third, having yet to score a goal.

Group G

The biggest disappointment of the tournament so far has to be the play of France. To advance they will need to defeat Togo probably by 3 goals to leapfrog Switzerland and/or South Korea. The French will have to do it without Zinedine Zidane who has possibly played his final match for Les Bleus as he is disqualified for yellow card accumulation. This could actually help the French as maybe coach Raymond Domonech will be forced to play a 4-4-2 instead of his previous system, which unsuccessfully isolated striker Thierry Henry. With a partner he can be the proficient goalscorer he is with Arsenal. The winner of South Korea v Switzerland automatically goes through. The Koreans were not supposed to play so well outside the friendly confines of their own home, but have surprised with their speed, fitness, and determination, the same factors that propelled them to the semifinals four years ago.

Group H

Spain has been very impressive in their two wins by a combined total of 7-1. They may rest players in a meaningless match against Saudi Arabia. Tunisia and Ukraine will play in Berlin with the winner moving on. Ukraine are certainly the favorites after recovering from their 4-0 defeat at the hands of Spain to defeat Saudi Arabia by the same score. Ukraine advance with a draw, Tunisia needs a win.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 20th, 2006 at 8:56 am and is filed under World Cup 2006. You can subscribe via RSS 2.0 feed to this post's comments. Both comments and pings are currently closed.