Wednesday Round-up: No Surprises
All the top teams advanced to the Round of 16 in Germany today. Argentina and Portugal won Group C and D, respectively. Netherlands and Mexico go through as runners up.
Mexico looked to be in some trouble early in the first half, as they found themselves down 2-nil with Portugal (and Angola) looking ever dangerous. But they pulled back a goal and Iran managed to tie Angola, allowing the Mexicans to stumble through to the second round, despite the 2-1 loss. Omar Bravo missed a penalty shot for Mexico in the second half that allowed Portugal to go through with 3 wins in as many games.
In Group C, Argentina held off Netherlands for a 0-0 draw that put them on top of the group. Argentina will face Mexico next round; the Dutch have a date with Portugal.
The most irrelevant game of the day may have been the best match. Ivory Coast overtook Serbia & Montenegro in the second half for 3-2 win.
Tomorrow's matches:
Czech Republic - Italy
The Czechs go through with a win. Italy wins the group with a win. Both teams could go through with a tie, depending on the Ghana-USA result. Both teams could be eliminated with a loss.
USA-Ghana
The US goes through with a win coupled with an Italian win. Ghana goes through with a win, could possibly win the group. Several other scenarios could play out, this group is still fairly wide open.
Japan-Brazil
Japan needs a win and an Australia loss to go through. Brazil has qualified for Round 2 already and just needs a tie to win the group outright.
Australia-Croatia
Australia goes through with a win, could advance with a tie. Croatia needs a win and a Japan tie or loss to advance.
Comments
Yay!!! Australia is thru!!!!!!!
Posted by: me | June 22, 2006 08:09 PM
usa lost against ghana yay
Posted by: chuy | June 23, 2006 01:03 AM
What a great game, what a great event. Go you Aussies... we're in no illusion that we are going to make the final but then again who would have thought we'd make the final 16 with some outstanding football. Italy will be a good test but bring it on we say. You wouldn't believe what this will do for soccer in Australia, it's been a bloody long time coming.
Posted by: Simon B | June 23, 2006 10:17 AM
That's not just the best answer. It's the beesstt answer!
Posted by: Chaas | June 21, 2011 05:17 PM