The road to the last 16

With all teams having now played twice at the World Cup in South Africa, we analyse the eight groups and consider the potential last 16 line-up.

Roos sweat on final outcome

GROUP A

Uruguay and Mexico are in firm control and will both progress if their meeting in Rustenburg ends in a draw. However, with a probable last-16 clash against Argentina in store for the runners-up, Mexico could initially be inclined to push for a win. That would open the door for France or South Africa who must win in Bloemfontein and hope to overhaul one of the other sides on goal difference or goals scored.

Verdict: Uruguay and Mexico to progress.

GROUP B

Argentina seems to have this group sewn up after two impressive attacking performances, leaving South Korea and Greece to fight it out for second place. It should be in Korea's hands as it takes on a Nigeria side already beaten twice, while Greece tackles Diego Maradona's men. Events would get interesting, however, if Argentina eases up and fails to win. Nigeria needs to win convincingly and hope Argentina beats Greece.

Verdict: Argentina and South Korea ease through.

GROUP C

Despite two unconvincing performances, England still knows a win over Slovenia will take it through. Anything less, however, could be catastrophic. It is level on points with the USA but trails on goals scored by two and a low-scoring draw would not be good enough. A draw would be enough for Slovenia while the US would go through with a victory. Algeria is not yet out of contention but needs to win in Pretoria and hope for a favourable result in Port Elizabeth.

Verdict: England to hit form and power through alongside the US.

GROUP D

The group is delicately poised. Ghana is in control and knows a draw would be sufficient, but its final opponent Germany, smarting after a shock loss to Serbia, needs a win to be sure. A win would also suffice for Serbia. Australia could still creep through by beating Serbia, depending on the other result, but could do with winning handsomely - and not getting anyone sent off.

Verdict: Germany to win and take the group in style with Serbia following.

GROUP E

With the Netherlands through and Cameroon eliminated, Group E comes down to a shootout between Denmark and Japan in Rustenburg for the final place. Both sides are level on points after one win but Japan has the better goal difference and can afford a draw.

Verdict: Japan to edge out the Danes and join the Netherlands in last 16.

GROUP F

All four teams could still make it but Paraguay, the only side to have won a game, are in the driving seat. A draw against New Zealand in Polokwane would see it through but the All Whites and Italy must push for victories. Nothing currently separates Italy and New Zealand and two more stalemates could see the situation come down to the drawing of lots. Italy has a slender edge in that a draw would suffice if New Zealand loses. Slovakia can sneak in if it beats Italy and the other result goes its way.

Verdict: Italy dig deep to find the required win and join Paraguay in the next round.

GROUP G

The issue is all but settled here with Brazil already through and Portugal almost certain to join them. Their contest in Durban is realistically a battle to decide who finishes top. Even if Portugal loses, Ivory Coast faces a monumental task to overturn a nine-goal disadvantage. North Korea has nothing to play for but pride.

Verdict: Brazil through as group winner with Portugal second.

GROUP H

Despite an impressive start to its campaign, Chile could remarkably still go out if it loses to Spain, who must win to be sure of going through. Should Spain triumph and Switzerland also beat Honduras, three teams would be tied on six points. Chile therefore could yet come to rue the squandering of numerous chances in both their 1-0 successes as goal difference could come into play. Honduras, however, could help them by making life difficult for the Swiss.

Verdict: Almost impossible to predict but Spain might turn it on to win the group with Chile just hanging on for second on goals scored.


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