Spain assure themselves of advancing with a win over Chile. By no means a lock, but can’t ask for anything more.
**Mexico vs Uruguay 10:00 A.M. EST
France vs South Africa 10:00 A.M. EST
Nigeria vs Korea Republic 2:30 P.M. EST
Greece vs Argentina 2:30 P.M. EST**
So, four matches per day close the group stage. For those not in the know both FIFA and UEFA do this – play final group matches at the same time – in order to try to avoid fixes as teams don’t know beforehand what result/score will get them through. Those that aren’t already in anyway. But there’s still quite a bit of gamesmanship to these matches as teams play for both, possible next round encounters and “giving a helping hand” if need be to a simpatico opponent. See Mexico vs Uruguay per example.
Having said that, the tension only rises…
Set your DVRs and enjoy The Beautiful Game!
Me? Neverrr. 
I was quite pleased with the spacing, the 4-3-3 and the movement – significantly faster than the debacle vs the Swiss. But our finishing leaves a lot to be desired ATM.
Hope it doesn’t come back to bite us in the butt.
I don’t see that Uruguay and Mexico will be doing each other any favours. I imagine that Mexico’s ambitions extend beyond merely getting past the group stages, since they have done that many times before. Second place in the group would mean facing Argentina in the second round. First place would put off such heavyweight opponents until at least the quarters, and maybe they’d bypass Argentina all together? Many a slip twixt cup and lip. Well worth winning the group, I would have thought.
I agree, Argentina are certainly worth avoiding so Mexico will not settle for a draw against Uruguay. France and South Africa both need to overcome significant goal differentials so should be going all out for goals in their game (although France’s squad seems to have imploded).
Group B looks similar, with all four teams still in with mathematical chances, although Nigeria has a bit of a mountain to climb.
Check the drama and “Prima Donna-ism” at the damn gate of the stadium, dammit.
Thanks
Q
Spain really should have taken more of their chances–they could have beaten Honduras by 5 or 6 goals, and considering how the group will probably be decided by goal difference, they might come to regret those missed opportunities (especially David Villa on that penalty miss! after sending the keeper the wrong way and STILL missing the target!).
But I doubt that will happen. I have the feeling that they’ll beat Chile in the final game (which will take them above or level with Chile on goal difference, with Spain winning in number of goals scored in the latter scenario). Plus, I can’t see Switzerland scoring enough goals to overtake Spain in goal difference (should they beat Honduras–I could easily see that one end in a draw). So I think we’ll see Spain winning the group, and Chile coming in second–and they’ll be rewarded for the efforts with a Last 16 match against either Portugal or Brazil.
I wish we could see more of Fabregas. As an Arsenal supporter, I’m undoubtedly biased, but Fabregas seemed to have a positive impact as soon as he came on as a substitute–reminiscent of his form in Euro 2008 (during which he also started on the bench). I guess del Bosque can’t find room for him in the starting line-up without sacrificing Xavi or Iniesta?
This is true, but it would be SO much funnier if France were somehow able to score enough goals against South Africa to overtake Mexico in goal difference*, only to be eliminated by a Mexico-Uruguay scoreless draw.
*as the table stands right now, France would need to score 5 goals (without conceding any) to overtake Mexico for second place–although, of course, if Mexico lose, then their goal difference would also be affected, and France wouldn’t have to score quite so many. In almost any scenario, though, France will have a steep mountain to climb, and their squad’s melt-down surely won’t help–I wouldn’t be terribly surprised if South Africa beat them, which would also be enjoyable to watch.
True, but I’m not that old.
Very slight nitpick, but should Spain win they will be ahead on goal differential. Even if they win 1-0, that would make Spain +2 and Chile only +1, no?
This is correct. Moreover, it means that if Switzerland beats Honduras and Spain beats Chile, the best Chile can do is tie the Swiss on goal differential. Right now, Chile is +2, Switzerland is +1. If the final games proceed according to expectation, Chile would be (at best) +1, and Switzerland would be (at worst) +1.
True. However if, say, Spain and Switzerland both win 1-0, then the Chile/Switzerland advancement would go to goals in head-to-head matches, which would put Chile through.
Or, if, say, the Swiss win 1-0, and Spain wins 2-1, then Chile would go through on total goals.
There are a lot of scenarios where Chile gets left out, but they’re not out of it yet.
I’ve only just noticed that the Group pages on Wikipedia include a summary of the permutations. Here’s their take on Group H. I think it accords with fachverwirrt’s analysis.
:smack:
Of course. I forgot to deduct the goal from Chile’s tally in that hypothetical scenario.
Hey there, Gunner buddy.
I’ve been trying to work out what team has the most of it’s current or former players playing in this World Cup; I think Arsenal has to be pretty up there.
If you count present and ex-players, Man U must be near the top.
This is the mostly likely outcome; Switzerland showed a weak performance, when they were forced to give up their defensive stance and develop pressure and an attacking game. Sure, they had one man less on the field but that doesn’t explain the almost total lack of coordination in offence.
Fabregas was a good addition; all in all, the Spanish team still didn’t look like the tiki-taka-campaigners of the Euro 2008, but they were much improved and were lucky enough to deal with a woefully outclassed opponent. I hope, they will regain their self-assurance in time to make it far into the next stages.
Go South Africa!
And a red card for France. The implosion continues.
I must say that I have never seen a team devour itself so thoroughly as France has done during this year’s World Cup.