shawThings.net : a collection of shaw things ...

Overview

The business end of the round-robin stage of the finals. Each team knows what they need from their last game in order to qualify for the knockout stage. Incredibly 30/32 of the teams are still in it, although some are obviously better off than others. Each group's last two games are played simultaneously. In a leap forward since the last world cup, we now have the channels and SBS has permission to show both games live.

At the end of this round 16 teams head home. The big news was Italy finishing last in their group. France were also disappointing, but were in poor form and the outcome was not that surprising. Asia / Oceania fared pretty well. Japan and South Korea are deservedly through, while Australia almost made it. Korea DPR were a little disappointing, while New Zealand were inspired, but sadly the only undefeated team to miss out.

Africa didn't fare so well, with only Ghana going through and then only just. Of the other four, only South Africa didn't finish at the bottom of their pool. Europe had a big contingent, but of the second-tier teams only Slovakia went through. Of the top tier, Italy and France bombed, while the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Germany went through well, while England fell over the line.

The South Americans were the best performing continent. All five went through, with only Chile missing out on top spot in their group. North America did pretty well. The USA finished top of their group, while Mexico went through for their fifth finals in a row. Only Honduras bombed out.

Day 15

Chile vs Spain: down 0-2 at half-time, the lively Chileans went down to 10 men which made it very hard to get back into match. The fought bravely but went down 1-2.

Switzerland vs Honduras: A single goal would have been enough for the Swiss, but they just couldn't manage it. 0-0 and both teams go home.

Portugal vs Brazil: a draw would suit both teams, but both made a pretty good effort to try and win. But 0-0 was hardly surprising given both teams would want to avoid injury.

Korea DPR vs Cote d'Ivoire: Korea go home with three losses after being comprehensively beaten 0-3. The result was not enough for the Africans though.

Day 14

Slovakia vs Italy: one of the games of the tournament so far. A struggling Italy tried to force themselves into life, but a high error rate stymied their attack and defence. Slovakia, while perhaps not having the quality, played much better football. They were rewarded with a goal in each half and looked to have it wrapped up 2-0. Then came the most dramatic 20 minutes or so, where Italy got one back, had one cleared off the line, had one denied for off-side, conceded a third, scored a second and had a couple of late chances to draw the match (which would have been enough). But the world champions go home. 2-3.

Paraguay vs New Zealand: the Kiwis faced the form team of their group needing something from the match and probably a win. Paraguay needed only a draw. The Kiwis fought bravely and kept out a dominant Paraguay, but couldn't find the goal to keep them in it. 0-0. Disappointing for NZ, but they were undefeated and won a lot of fans and respect.

Denmark vs Japan: Denmark had their chances, but in the end the Japanese were ruthless and fully deserving of the 3-1 win and a place in the next round.

Cameroon vs Netherlands: the Dutch maintained their perfect record to finish on 9 points. They had to work for it, but deserved the win: 1-2.

Day 13

Germany vs Ghana: A very tight, very tense struggle. In the end, Germany snuck home 1-0. Ghana still went through.

Australia vs Serbia: When Holman scored our second goal you could dream we might pull of a miracle. After we conceded it was all over. Still an excellent result against a strong side. 2-1 but going home. Full report.

Slovenia vs England: after a dismal tournament to date, England finally showed some life and managed some good football. They only managed a single goal but it was enough.

USA vs Algeria: I thought the USA would win this comfortably, but Algeria put up a great fight. It took an injury time goal for the USA to win 1-0 and go through.

Day 12

Nigeria vs South Korea: South Korea really only needed a draw from this game as you'd expect Greece to lose. Down 0-1, they fought back to lead 2-1, before conceding and it finished all square at 2-2. The first Asian team through.

Greece vs Argentina: Greece had the unenviable task of trying to get a result against an in form Argentina. They didn't come close. 0-2.

France vs South Africa: a mighty win for South Africa, but sadly not enough to avoid being the first host to go out at the group stage. France have been in complete disarray in the last week and the result was not a surprise. 1-2

Mexico vs Uruguay: the top two teams battled it out in a tight match. Uruguay's solitary goal was enough to claim a win. Mexico still qualified for the round of 16, incredibly the fifth consecutive world cup finals they have done so.