World Cup update

Well, the first 2 rounds of group matches are over. Let's have a look at what the possibilities are for all the groups.

Group A

The teams which will qualify have been decided, namely Germany and Ecuador. The winner of the group will be decided by the Germany-Ecuador game. Germany need to win to top the group, as they are behind on goal difference. Poland and Costa Rica are playing for pride after being eliminated from the tournament.

Group B

This is a more open group. England have already qualified, thanks to 2 rather fortuitous wins. Paraguay, are definitely out. But, Sweden and Trinidad & Tobago are in with a chance for the second qualifying spot. In fact, if Sweden beat England, they win the group. However, if the England-Sweden game is a draw, then England top the group and Sweden are in 2nd place, regardless of what happens in the T&T-Paraguay game. So, the islanders need to win if they are to nurture any hopes of qualification.

Group C

A rather tame end for the expected "Group of Death". Holland and Argentina meet to decide who tops the group. Cote d'Ivoire and Serbia & Montenegro play for pride in their game as both have alredy been eliminated.

Group D

A similar situation as in Group B. Portugal have already qualified with 2 wins. Mexico, who take on Portugal need to at least draw to stay out of reach of Angola, but they top the group if they win. Angola need to beat Iran by a 4 goal margin, and hope that Portugal beat Mexico. Iran are already out of it.

Group E

The most interesting group of the lot. A whole lot of permutations and combinations are possible, with everybody in with a chance. Italy needs at least a draw to get through. The Czech Republic need to beat Italy to be sure of qualification. A draw will suffice only if the other group game ends in a draw or if the US wins by less than 3 goals, thanks to better goal difference than Ghana. Ghana need to beat the US to qualify. The US can also qualify if they beat Ghana and Italy beat the Czechs, but a draw or Czech victory will bring goal difference into play.

Group F

Well, Brazil are through thanks to 2 narrow victories. They only need a draw against Japan to ensure topping the group. Australia need to win to ensure qualification, as a Japanese victory over Brazil can send them out of the tournament, but a draw might be enough, as the Japanese victory looks unlikely. Croatia need to beat Australia and hope that Brazil don't lose to Japan.

Group G

Another group to watch. France are in grave danger of being eliminated. They need to beat Togo by at least a 2 goal margin to ensure qualification, as a draw between the Swiss and the Koreans would leave all 3 level on 5 points, and goal difference would come into play. If either the Swiss or Koreans win, France's qualification becomes easier. Togo are already out of the tournament.

Group H

Spain have already qualified, and take on Saudi Arabia in their last game. The Saudis with 1 point need to win to have any hope of qualifying, but that looks unlikely. Ukraine takes on Tunisia, knowing that a win will see them through, although a draw might leave them vulnerable to a Saudi win. Tunisia are in the same boat as Saudi Arabia, only they have a much better goal difference.

This round of group games promises quite a bit of excitement. Let's see what happens.