Final score - after extra time - 120'
United States
1 - 2
Ghana

18:30 GMT, June 26, 2010

Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg, South Africa


Asamoah Gyan kept the African flag flying at the World Cup with a spectacular left-foot strike in extra-time to take Ghana through to their first quarter-final.


MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Richard Kingson - Although Asamoah Gyan will get the headlines for his winning goal, it was the form of goalkeeper Kingson that allowed Ghana to get to extra-time in the first place. He made three great saves in regulation time, the pick of which was to deny Benny Feilhaber in a one-on-one.

USA verdict: Yet another slow start for the USA meant they were up against it from the start. Ghana swarmed all over their midfield and defence and coach Bob Bradley was forced to make tactical change after just 30 minutes - replacing holding-midfielder Ricardo Clark with Maurice Edu. The change allowed the USA to get back into the game and, in the second-half, got the goal that their improvement deserved. But as the match restarted for extra-time the trademark early lapse of concentration returned as Ghana scored and this time they could not recover.

Ghana verdict: The Black Stars began in rampant fashion - scoring after just five minutes and then carving through the USA midfield with ease for the next 30 minutes. However, Ghana allowed the USA a foothold in the game before the break and in the second-half could not regain their dominance as they dropped deeper and deeper and invited pressure. Milovan Rajevac's side started extra-time in quick-fire fashion once again and took the lead just two minutes after the restart. Steven Appiah's calm assurance and rediscovered self belief saw Ghana through to the end.

Could do better: Ricardo Clark - He was selected ahead of Jose Torres and Maurice Edu in central midfield but his first contribution was the error that lead to Ghana's opening goal. He lasted only 30 minutes as the game passed him by before being hauled off. The poor lad may never recover.

Stat attack: The USA led for only 206 seconds at the 2010 World Cup.

It was the second time in successive World Cups that Ghana had defeated the United States, having effectively dumped them out of the tournament four years ago by beating them in the final group game.

Gyan's goal, after 93 minutes, was worthy of winning any game after he outmuscled USA captain Carlos Bocanegra to blast his shot past goalkeeper Tim Howard.

It settled a contest that was level at full time after Landon Donovan's second-half penalty cancelled out a fifth-minute strike from Kevin-Prince Boateng.

It was just reward for Ghana's talent and power in a dramatic encounter at the Royal Bafokeng stadium and the sole surviving African nation must now fancy their chances of creating an even bigger ripple at this tournament, with Uruguay awaiting them in the last-eight.

Former president Bill Clinton had turned up to support the USA and was sitting for a time next to Rolling Stone Mick Jagger, who might well have made his plans expecting England to have topped Group C and been playing down the road from their training headquarters.

The USA had stymied those plans by finishing first but it was clear they were going to be stretched by Ghana's pace.

The Black Stars could hardly have made a more stunning start. Portsmouth's Boateng picked up the ball just inside his own half, slalomed past three defenders and unleashed a left-foot shot which flew past Howard.

It was Ghana's first goal at this World Cup from open play, having beaten Serbia and drawn with Australia in the group phase courtesy of two penalties. But Boateng's strike demonstrated their firepower and they might have added to their lead with Gyan, who plays for French club Rennes, a constant threat.

So superior were Ghana in that first period that after 31 minutes a concerned USA coach Bob Bradley substituted midfielder Ricardo Clark, who had received an early booking, and brought on Maurice Edu.

The Americans picked up the tempo immediately and could have equalised after 35 minutes when Robbie Findley raced clear only to see his right-foot shot smartly saved by goalkeeper Richard Kingson.

The USA came out after half-time, however, with a more determined, more attacking attitude and the excellent Kingson was straight into the action, forced to pull off a splendid save from Benny Feilhaber.

With Fulham's Clint Dempsey at the heart of their good work the Americans surged forward and they received their reward after 62 minutes. Dempsey was the architect, weaving his way through the Ghana defence into the penalty area where he drew the challenge and was brought down by defender Jonathan Mensah.

Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai pointed to the spot and Los Angeles Galaxy's Donovan stepped up to slide home his third goal in four matches.

The USA dream appeared back on, especially as they are a team who make a habit of stirring comebacks. They had their chances. Jozy Altidore might have done better when clear after 80 minutes but he spooned his effort wide under pressure from a defender.

So to a frantic extra-time and Gyan's stunning strike which sent the USA home and Ghana into ecstasy.

Germany v England

14:00 GMT, June 27, 2010

Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, South Africa


When England face Germany on Sunday, one of the greatest footballing rivalries will be renewed.

The spectre of penalties will loom large over the England players, having suffered semi-final defeats on spot-kicks to a German team at both the 1990 World Cup and Euro 96, not to mention England's unenviable position of having the worst record on penalties in world football. But if England are to continue a run of form which sees them unbeaten against Germany in three meetings on foreign soil then the focus must be on winning the match, and not any shootout.

The history between the two nations is well documented, with England's one and only World Cup win coming against West Germany at Wembley in 1966. The Germans had the Indian sign over England for 34 years, including a showdown at the 1970 World Cup, a draw at the 1982 World Cup and those infamous shootouts, before England finally gained a competitive victory over Germany at Euro 2000.

The days of Germany ruling the roost over England now seem to be a thing of the past, with England winning 5-1 in Munich in a World Cup qualifier in 2001 and coming away victorious from Berlin in an international friendly in November 2008. Germany have also had their share of success in that time, though, so there is every reason to suggest this game will be a tight affair.

England are at full strength going into the game, with all 23 squad members taking part in training. With Ledley King back from a groin injury and Jamie Carragher available again following suspension, Fabio Capello has options at the back. England kept a clean sheet in picking up their first, crucial win over Slovenia on Wednesday and put in a much-improved overall performance, so it seems unlikely there will be any changes to the starting-line-up, with Matthew Upson keeping his place alongside John Terry.

The pressure will be on Wayne Rooney to finally get on the scoresheet after a disappointing campaign and, while there were positives against Slovenia, England's top players must improve to oust Joachim Low's side.

While England may put out an unchanged side, Germany have decisions to make. One is made for them as Miroslav Klose comes back from a one-match ban while Cacau, who started in his place against Ghana, will miss the match with a stomach strain.

More concerning is the fitness of Bastian Schweinsteiger, the lynchpin who, alongside Sami Khedira, has held the midfield together for Mesut Ozil to provide the attacking impetus. But Schweinsteiger has a thigh muscle injury and, with the England game coming just four days after the last group game, he may not have sufficient time to recover. If Low is forced to deploy Toni Kroos in his place, it could be pivotal, but Schweinsteiger took place in full training on Saturday.

Germany also have issues at left back. Bayern Munich's Holger Badstuber played there in the first two games but came in for much criticism. Jerome Boateng was then brought in to start against Ghana but he was replaced in the 73rd minute by Marcell Jansen and also faces a race against time to prove his fitness. Low will probably not decide who plays there until Sunday.

Germany player to watch: Miroslav Klose. Second only to Gerd Muller in Germany's all-time scoring chart, Klose went into the finals with questions to answer after a dismal season with Bayern Munich. A goal in the first game against Australia relieved some of the pressure but he was then controversially sent off against Serbia. England have yet to face a quality forward yet in the finals, with Robert Green's gaffe against USA the only goal conceded, and despite Klose's troubles, he is a tournament performer and his display could be the difference.

England player to watch: Jermain Defoe. With only one goal against a major nation, and that being in an international friendly against Netherlands, questions remain over Defoe's pedigree on the biggest of stages. Goals against Andorra, Kahzakstan and Trinidad & Tobago and all well and good, but Germany will not allow the same time and space. His match-winning performance against Slovenia provided a timely boost, and his ability to shake off the shackles of the German back line may shape England's hopes.

Key battle: Germany's left-back v James Milner. The fact that we do not know if Badstuber, Boateng, Jansen or even Lahm will play on the left for Germany must pose problems for Low's organisation at the back. After playing like a rabbit in the headlights against USA, Milner was dangerous on the wing against Slovenia and provided the cross for Defoe to guide home the winner. If Milner can again impress, up against Germany's "problem position", England's forwards may have plenty to feed off.

Trivia: Paul the Octopus is the sensation of Germany, correctly predicting all the team's results at this World Cup - including the Serbia defeat. He picked Germany for this game.

Stats: England have played Germany four times at the World Cup, and each game has finished level after 90 minutes, with three extending to extra-time and one being decided on penalty kicks. England have taken 29 corners so far in the World Cup - more than any other team after the end of the group stage.

Odds: Germany (2.87), the draw (3.20) and England (2.62) with Bet365. Germany to win on penalties is 9.50 and England 10.00.

Prediction: A tough one to call, and perhaps the availability of Schweinsteiger could prove the difference between these teams.

Argentina v Mexico

18:30 GMT, June 27, 2010

Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa


Argentina and Mexico clash at Soccer City on Sunday in a repeat of their second-round tie of four years ago. That game in Leipzig was an end-to-end affair, with the sides only separated by Maxi Rodriguez's superb extra-time strike.


There are comparisons to be drawn between the two fixtures. In Germany, Argentina had strolled through their group to set up the second-round date with Mexico and were considered hot favourites to make the quarter-finals, but Mexico had different ideas and took the game to their South American rivals. Expect a similar approach this time around.

Mexico may have been more impressive in South Africa than they were at the last World Cup, but Argentina, in reaching the knockout stages with a 100% record, remain the pundits' choice to make it through.

However, Argentina have yet to come up against a team capable of getting in behind them to cause real problems. Even so, Diego Maradona's exciting side have still looked suspect at the back against the likes of South Korea and Nigeria. If Mexico can acquit themselves well against a dangerous opponent, it is far from certain that Argentina will be the team lining up against England or Germany.

Maradona made several changes to his side against Greece, including resting hat-trick hero Gonzalo Higuain and Carlos Tevez, but they will return to his first-choice side against the Mexicans. Gabriel Heinze and Jonas Gutierrez should also be back in the fold, though the injured Walter Samuel will still be missing.

Mexico's only change should be to recall the suspended Efrain Juarez in place of Hector Moreno.

Argentina player to watch: Carlos Tevez - The Manchester City striker has been somewhat overshadowed at this World Cup so far by the mesmerising skills of Lionel Messi and the goals of Higuain. That said, Tevez has still been a tricky customer throughout and it could be that placing too much emphasis on marking Messi and Higuain could free up space for Tevez.

Mexico player to watch: Carlos Salcido. PSV Eindhoven defender Salcido has been one of the star performers of this World Cup. His marauding, skilful runs up the left flank from the back have caused problems for opposition defences and there is every chance that Argentina's soft under-belly could come unstuck from one of these bursts.

Key battle: Guillermo Franco v Jonas Gutierrez - As a tricky midfielder playing at right back, Gutierrez has looked an accident waiting to happen for Argentina so far. With Mexico sure to break frequently and with pace, they are likely to target Gutierrez as a weak point. Franco will look to attack this area with support from Salcido.

Trivia: Gabriel Heinze, Javier Mascherano, Maxi Rodriguez and Carlos Tevez all played in the 2006 game against Mexico and Messi was on the bench. Carlos Salcido, Rafael Marquez, Ricardo Osorio, Andres Guardado and Gerardo Torrado all played for Mexico.

Stats: Argentina have had 64 shots so far in this World Cup, the most of any side at the tournament.

Odds: Argentina (1.53), the draw (4.00) and Mexico (7.00) with Bet365. Argentina are 4.33 to repeat the feat of 2006 and win in extra-time.

Prediction: A real test of Argentina's credentials, Mexico's ability to take the chances they will surely create will shape this game. Perhaps Argentina will not yet have come up against a team truly capable of exploiting their weaknesses.

Full-time - 90'
Germany
4 - 1
England

14:00 GMT, June 27, 2010

Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, South Africa

England were hammered 4-1 by Germany in the second round of the World Cup, but the spotlight fell on the officials after they missed an obvious equaliser for Fabio Capello's men just before half-time.


MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Thomas Muller - Identified by Wayne Rooney as a big threat before the game, Muller scored two and set-up the Lukas Podolski goal that put Germany 2-0 up. The Bayern Munich forward was industrious and full of running down the right and always offered an outlet; he took his two goals with fantastic composure. Honourable mention must go to England goalkeeper David James who tried in vain to thwart Germany with a number of smart stops.

Germany verdict:Very impressive in attack but question marks still remain about their defensive capabilities; they will need to improve if they are to triumph over a more clinical side than England in the quarter-finals, especially if Argentina are the opponents. However, there are numerous positives to take, with Miroslav Klose proving his international finishing prowess once again and the likes of Muller, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mesut Ozil providing boundless energy. Impressive on the counter-attack and the victory was thoroughly deserved.

England verdict: Could have been so different had Frank Lampard's first-half strike counted when Capello's side were very much in the ascendancy. But they were beaten by a youthful and more energetic Germany team, who took advantage of defensive lapses in concentration. Wayne Rooney was once again disappointing and though England did look bright after the second goal, they were unable to demonstrate the sort of ruthless streak that their opponents displayed in abundance.

Could do better: England's defence. The lack of pace of England's centre-back pairing was embarrassingly exposed by Joachim Low's side; John Terry and Matthew Upson's joint mistake for the first goal would have looked at home on a Sunday League pitch. Gareth Barry also looked woeful as a defensive midfielder and provided a distinct lack of protection for the back four. It would be easy to blame the assistant referee, but England defended apallingly.

Stat attack: This was the third time in World Cup history that England conceded four goals, previous four-goal hauls were achieved by Belgium and Hungary in 1954.


After Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski had put Germany 2-0 up early on, Matthew Upson got one back but then Frank Lampard's goal was ruled out after the ball bounced down off the bar, despite it landing a yard over the line.

When Lampard's effort went in, only for assistant Mauricio Espinosa to miss it, grainy images of England's controversial third at Wembley in 1966 immediately sprang to mind. To his total disbelief, Capello's celebrations of what would have been an equaliser were cut short. Everyone in the ground, except the men who mattered, knew what had happened.

Germany made the most of their good fortune to book a quarter-final place, with what turned out to be their biggest win over a rival they have not lost to in a major tournament since the 1966 final. For England, it was their joint-biggest ever defeat at a World Cup.

Klose and Podolski's first half-goals were doubled by a pair from the excellent Thomas Muller after the break. But no-one will be talking about them on the streets of England. Nor will they discuss a Matthew Upson header that brought the Three Lions back into it.

Eventually they might get round to the clear defensive deficiencies in a team Capello claimed was good enough to reach the final.

But, from Berwick to Land's End, Carlisle to Dover, all they will snarl and rage at his how on earth Lampard's shot was missed. The stench will tinge the remainder of a tournament England will play no part of.

In a stormy few weeks, Franz Beckenbauer's first attempt to stoke Anglo-German relations came when he branded England a long-ball team. Yet a true exponent of the art would surely be better at defending it.

England had already been warned. One long punt down field from David James required a single bounce to rocket over the goal-line. So there was no excuse for John Terry being so far up field when Manuel Neuer launched the ball from his six-yard line that he was taken completely out of the play by its flight.

Upson was left one-on-one with Klose and had neither agility, nor the strength to prevent the striker advancing on James and poking the ball into the England goal. It was the start of an exceptionally uncomfortable period for Capello's side as Germany rampaged right through the heart of their midfield almost at will.

Mesut Ozil was an obvious problem, but Muller - the 20-year-old who helped beat Manchester United with Bayern Munich this term - was emerging as the real danger man. When he skipped off the right flank onto Klose's short pass, the English defence was again ripped to shreds.

Despite his tender years, Muller retained a cool enough head to flick the ball square to Podolski, whose finish, from a tight angle, went straight through James' legs and in off the post.

As James had already made two feet-first saves as German eyes lit up at a clear sight of goal, it seemed there was no way back for a team being completely outmanoeuvred. Yet in a confrontation dripping with history, nothing is really new.

For two goal comebacks, think Leon 1970, when Sir Alf Ramsey made the fateful mistake of whisking off Bobby Charlton with a semi-final place supposedly assured. Upson's reaction header from Steven Gerrard's cross brought that dream a bit closer to being realised.

As they celebrated, little did England know that within 60 seconds their opponents were about to enjoy the ultimate act of revenge. Lampard's effort provided the major talking point, and former captain David Beckham grilled South American officials as they made their way off at half-time.

Within seven minutes of the restart England were suffering again as Lampard let fly from fully 35 yards with a free-kick that again shook Neuer's crossbar. At least this time there was no claim for a goal.

It sparked a frenzied second half though, by far the most compelling period of play in the entire tournament, Germany defending manically, then trying to break on the counter.

Bastian Schweinsteiger had already come close to killing the game when another Lampard free-kick cannoned off the wall. Gareth Barry was neatly robbed, Muller set Schweinsteiger free and began a run that ended with him burying England's World Cup dream.

Germany were not finished. With their opponents committed to desperate attack, Ozil raced past Barry with alarming ease and presented a gleeful Muller with a tap-in.

England continued to press but by the time Emile Heskey and Shaun Wright-Phillips were introduced, all hopes of a comeback had evaporated and Germany held on to claim a famous victory.

Full-time - 90'
Argentina
3 - 1
Mexico

18:30 GMT, June 27, 2010

Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa

Controversy reigned again at Soccer City as Carlos Tevez's opener for Argentina against Mexico was yards offside. However, after Gonzalo Higuain's second, no-one could argue with his rocket shot that put Argentina three up before Javier Hernandez hit back with his own stunner.


MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Carlos Tevez - While his first goal should not have stood, his overall performance and second goal were worthy of winning any match. Industrious as ever, he ran back 40 yards to defend a short corner, and it's that kind of work-rate that can make the difference in a team packed with flair players. His second goal was his crowning moment, though, smashing home from around 25 yards to score one of the goals of the tournament to date.

Argentina verdict: Diego Maradona can take this as more ammunition to use against the pre-tournament doubters, but the scoreline undoubtedly flattered them. The first goal was clearly offside, the second a gift, and their defence remains a glaring Achilles' heel. Nonetheless, with Tevez, Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain in attack, it will take an impressive defence indeed to stop their charge.

Mexico verdict: The better team in the opening stages, things fell apart when the referee controversially allowed the opening goal to stand. Apparently rattled, a dreadful mistake from Ricardo Osorio gave Argentina a second and they never really recovered. A lack of cutting-edge in attack has been a problem for some time, but Javier Hernandez took his goal exceptionally well and they have every right to believe luck was not on their side.

Could do better: Ricardo Osorio. While Mexico may have been able to battle back from a goal down, Osorio's wretched backpass gifted Argentina a second through Gonzalo Higuain. He failed to put the mistake behind him and continued to give away possession in his own half and the final scoreline could have been far worse for the Mexicans.

Stat attack: The last time Mexico conceded three goals or more in the World Cup was in 1978 against Poland.


On a day to forget for match officials, the Manchester City striker benefited from an offside decision blunder that was so blatant it ranked alongside the one that denied Frank Lampard in the England game four hours previously.

The offside rule states there should be two players between the striker and the goal - there was not even one when Lionel Messi's ball found Tevez's head, and then the net to put Diego Maradona's side in front.

After the replay flashed up on the big screen angry Mexico players surrounded the Italian referee Roberto Rosetti and linesman Stefano Ayroldi but the goal stood. Mexico went into meltdown and a defensive howler by Ricardo Osorio allowed Gonzalo Higuain to make it 2-0.

It was Tevez who sewed the match up in brilliant fashion - and legitimately this time - early in the second half with Mexico left only to savour a stunning reply by Manchester United's new signing Javier Hernandez.

Until Tevez's opener Mexico had looked the better side in this clash between the Latin Americans who had fought out a terrific contest at the same stage of the 2006 finals.

That went to extra time but once again Javier Aguirre's men showed themselves to be a classy but unfortunate outfit.

Two incidents within the opening 10 minutes had Argentinian hearts in mouths. First Carlos Salcido crashed in a thunderous drive from 30 yards that Sergio Romero just touched onto the crossbar, then an equally terrific strike by Andres Guardado whisked agonisingly past the post.

For Argentina, Messi, still looking for his first goal of the tournament, had two efforts from similar positions on the left of the area, but one was blocked and the other easily held by Oscar Perez. Messi should perhaps have passed to an unmarked team-mate - maybe that elusive goal was haunting him.

Hernandez, who increasingly looks an astute signing by Sir Alex Ferguson, turned away from his marker and slammed a shot wide but then came Tevez's offside goal and Mexico lost their heads.

First, skipper Rafael Marquez earned himself a needless booking for showing his frustration, then there was real calamity when Osorio scuffed a pass across the edge of his own box, Higuain seized onto the ball and kept his cool to round Perez neatly and slide home.

Salcido raised Mexican hopes with another long-range strike, this time parried by Romero, before Angel di Maria and Tevez nearly scored but were kept at bay by desperate blocks.

Higuain really should have made it 3-0 but somehow the Real Madrid striker put a free header wide from only six yards out.

There was an unseemly melee around the officials as the teams left the pitch at half-time, with Maradona finding himself in the unusual position of peacemaker.

Any hopes Mexico had ended soon after the restart thanks to Tevez's 52nd-minute blistering strike into the top corner from 25 yards out, with the striker running to the bench for a wild embrace with Maradona.

It was left to Hernandez to rescue some pride for Mexico. The 22-year-old had just sent a header over despite being unmarked, but then he left Martin Demichelis standing with a superb turn and lashed the ball high past Romero to give Mexico a slim lifeline.

It probably shaded Tevez's strike and will go down as one of the goals of the tournament. Argentina shut up shop after that and Mexico barely had another sniff.

Messi's increasingly desperate search for a goal continued as Perez denied him in injury time, but he will get another chance to end his drought against Germany in Cape Town next Saturday.

Netherlands v Slovakia

14:00 GMT, June 28, 2010

Durban Stadium, Durban, South Africa


Netherlands go into this second round clash full of confidence, having won all three of their matches at the World Cup so far, scoring four goals and conceding just one, and with star player Arjen Robben recovered from injury. The Bayern Munich forward feared his tournament was over before it had even begun when he picked up a hamstring injury but Robben played for 20 minutes as a substitute against Cameroon and came through unscathed.


The former Real Madrid player is now fighting for a starting place in Bert van Marwijk's side and if he passes a late fitness test he will probably take the place of Rafael Van der Vaart on the left side of Netherlands' attacking triumvirate - the other two being Wesley Sneijder and Dirk Kuyt - in support of lone-striker Robin van Persie.

The Dutch are big favourites to win this match but the few people expected Slovakia, playing in the World Cup for the first time as an independent nation, to make it out of a group that included Paraguay and reigning World Champions Italy. Yet the Eastern Europeans did so in style, dumping out Marcello Lippi's Azzurri with a 3-2 victory in their final game.

However, that was only Slovakia's second win in their last seven international matches and their first at the World Cup, with Vladimir Weiss's team drawing their opening match with New Zealand and losing 2-0 to eventual group winners Paraguay. The underdogs will also have to do without suspended veteran defensive midfielder Zdeno Strba, who has played all but three minutes of Slovakia's World Cup campaign thus far, in Durban.

It will be an interesting clash of styles too. While the Dutch like to utilise the wings and stretch the play across the full width of the pitch the Slovakian widemen prefer to drift into the middle and keep the play narrow. With Van Marwijk employing two defensive midfielders ahead of his back four it could get very congested in that area.

Netherlands player in focus: Wesley Sneijder - He is yet to display the form that helped Inter Milan win the UEFA Champions League title this season but you get the feeling it is only a matter of time before he sparks into life. That's not to say the former Ajax star hasn't had an impact, he scored the winner against Japan, but he could do better. With Robben back in the team and the weight of expectation shared, Sneijder's keen eye for a pass and superb shooting ability should make him a key figure against Slovakia.

Slovakia player to watch: Robert Vittek - Having failed to score in nine games during qualifying, Vittek has hit three goals in three games at the World Cup to put him in contention for the Golden Boot. Kamil Kopunek is the only other Slovak to find the back of the net and that could be a problematic if the Dutch do a job on the previously little-known Ankaragucu striker. Can he handle the burden of being the star man?

Key battle: Robin Van Persie v Martin Skrtel - Van Persie bagged four goals in the Oranje's three warm-up games prior to the World Cup and although he has not quite maintained that form, scoring just once, he is the focal point of Netherlands' attack and is capable of either bringing others into play or smashing in a hat-trick himself. Trying to stop the Arsenal striker will be Liverpool centre-back Skrtel. Strong and committed, the defender's physicality has stopped the minnows being rolled over and he will have to be at his best again to keep the Dutch off the scoresheet.

Trivia: The match will be a family affair with Slovakia boss Vladimir Weiss coaching his son, Vladimir Jr., and Dutch manager Bert van Marwijik coaching his son-in-law, Mark Van Bommel.

Stats: Both these sides have only scored one first half goal at this World Cup so far.

Odds: Netherlands (1.53), the draw (4.20) and Slovakia (8.00) with Bet365. But if you back Robin van Persie to score first and the Dutch to win 2-0 you can get 12.00.

Prediction: This will be a real test for Slovakia against a Dutch side that is unbeaten in their last 22 internationals and expect to book a place in the quarter-finals. It could, and should, be a step too far for Vladimir Weiss' unfancied side.

Brazil v Chile

18:30 GMT, June 28, 2010

Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South Africa


Brazil boss Dunga endures a strained relationship with his country's media for being too defensive for their extravagant taste. But the 1994 World Cup-winning captain has constructed a team built on solid foundations that are tough to beat, have already won the Confederations Cup and the Copa America and are favourites to win the 2010 World Cup.

The five-time World Champions eased through the 'Group of Death', with victories over North Korea and Ivory Coast allowing Dunga to omit his key attacking trio, for one reason or another, for the 0-0 draw against Portugal as qualification was already assured. Robinho was rested, Elano missed the game with injury and Kaka was suspended following a controversial red card against Ivory Coast. All three are expected to start on Monday.

It is a different story for Chile, however. La Roja's gung-ho approach to tackling means manager Marcelo Bielsa has a number of suspensions to deal with. Defenders Gary Medel and Waldo Ponce will be missing from the back four and holding midfielder Marco Estrada is also serving a ban.

Their indiscipline could prove costly as, according to FIFA, which uses tracking technology to capture data on each player at the World Cup and then assesses it to see if it had a positive or negative impact on their team, Ponce and Medel were the two most effective players in the tournament during the first two matches.

The Chileans qualified from Group H, behind European champions Spain, by playing a brand of attacking football that won many fans. Given the issues they have at the back, it seems like Bielsa will be forced to continue that attacking approach against a Brazilian side that has struggled to break down defensive teams in the recent past.

On the plus side, Carlos Carmona returns after a one match ban to replace Estrada and Mathias Fernandez is back to provide some guile in midfield when on the attack.

Brazil player in focus: Kaka - The Brazilian playmaker arrived at the World Cup following a pretty poor first season at Real Madrid but his importance to the national side was highlighted by his absence in the 0-0 draw against Portugal. Although still far from his best, Kaka still managed to set up two goals in Brazil's crucial 3-1 win over Ivory Coast, including dancing through two tackles to provide Luis Fabiano with his opening goal, and he will be chomping at the bit after being sent off in that match.

Chile player in focus: Alexis Sanchez - This pacy Udinese forward has already established himself as a "wonderkid'" in his homeland and standout performances in wins over Honduras and Switzerland at the World Cup have enhanced his reputation still further. Sanchez is a player with great technique, who prefers to play in wide areas but can also get into the box and score goals. Playing in a front three allows him drift in and out of the box and find space in which to use his pace.

Key battle: Luis Fabiano v Claudio Bravo - In an interview this week, Brazilian striker Fabiano issued a come-and-get-me plea to Manchester United and AC Milan and if he can continue his goalscoring exploits against Chile he may well get his wish. The Sevilla player is the only out-and-out striker in the Brazil side and he will pose serious threat to Chile's second-string defence. Chile 'keeper Claudio Bravo will be expecting a busy day between the posts and will be hoping to avoid a similar howler to the one that gifted Spain's Andres Iniesta with the opening goal in their last match. He had been excellent until then.

Trivia: A national flag pulled from the rubble of the earthquake that hit Chile in February has been an inspiration to the Chile players throughout the World Cup. It hangs in a prominent place at the team-training complex and the players often refer to it as providing motivation for them.

Stats: Chile have lost seven straight games against Brazil, including being swept aside in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, and were outscored 26-3 in those seven games.

Odds: Brazil (1.53), the draw (4.00) and Chile (6.50) with Bet365. If you back Luis Fabiano to score first and Brazil to win 2-1, you can get 26.00.

Prediction: If Chile had all their players available it would be a very tall order to beat Brazil, who are old hands at easing through the second round, but with two key defenders suspended it makes a potential shock even more unlikely.

Full-time - 90'
Netherlands
2 - 1
Slovakia

14:00 GMT, June 28, 2010

Durban Stadium, Durban, South Africa


Arjen Robben made an immediate impact on his first start for the Netherlands as he scored early on to sink Slovakia. Wesley Sneijder made the game safe in the final ten minutes as the Dutch progressed to the quarter-finals, before Robert Vittek netted a penalty with the last kick of the game.


MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Wesley Sneijder - Arjen Robben made the headlines when enjoying his first start of the tournament and scoring a lovely opening goal, but it was another gorgeous pass from Sneijder that set him free. The Inter Milan playmaker controlled the game throughout and his goal with six minutes remaining was just reward. Few in world football are as decisive as Sneijder with the ball at his feet and he appears to be flourishing at just the right time for Netherlands.

Netherlands verdict: After their opening win over Denmark, Rafael van der Vaart said: "We played like the Germans [usually do] and they played like us." That assessment continues to be a perceptive one. While Joachim Low's side sauntered into the second round, it is the Oranje who are grinding out victories and doing just enough to progress - two qualities usually associated with their Germanic rivals. Netherlands are yet to draw any Total Football comparisons, but having maintained their 100% record, they will be keen to pick up the German habit of making the final, even if there is more to come from this side.

Slovakia verdict: A step too far. Few fancied Slovakia to make it out of the group stage before Vladimir Weiss oversaw a stunning 3-2 win over reigning champions Italy, but Netherlands are a different prospect entirely to the ageing Azzurri. Slovakia should have equalised when Maarten Stekelenburg denied Robert Vittek and will rue the glaring miss from their star striker, but they did not deserve to progress against a talented Dutch side.

Could do better: Marek Hamsik - The Napoli midfielder was supposed to showcase his talent to the watching world in South Africa but instead a relatively low-key campaign has come to a disappointing end. He suffered in comparison with Sneijder who showed his opponent how to run a game.

Stat attack: Robert Vittek is now Slovakia's all-time leading goalscorer having surpassed Szilard Nemeth with his 23rd goal for his country.

Netherlands have now won all four games at the World Cup and will meet the winner of Brazil's clash with Chile on Friday in Port Elizabeth.

The game at the Moses Mabhida stadium offered two contrasting styles, with the Oranje pursuing a patient passing game while Slovakia adopted a more direct approach to try to utilise Vittek's pace.

Robben earned his first start at the World Cup after recovering from a calf injury and he terrorised Slovakia's defence with pace and skill before being replaced after the hour mark.

Slovakia coach Vladimir Weiss made just one change to the side that knocked Italy out of the tournament.

The Slovaks, looking to upset another World Cup heavyweight, started in confident fashion and had the first chance after two minutes but Erik Jendrisek's left-footed strike from 25 yards went over the bar.

Netehrlands struggled to break down Slovakia's defence and were limited to long-range shooting. Sneijder tried his luck from distance and his effort went high and wide while shortly after, Dirk Kuyt fired just wide of the near post.

In the 10th minute, Sneijder should have done better after being set up inside the area by Van Persie. However, the Inter Milan forward shot straight at Slovakia goalkeeper Jan Mucha.

It did not take long for Holland to go in front, though. A great long ball from Sneijder found Robben and the Bayern Munich winger cut inside two defenders before firing a left-footed strike into the net.

On the half-hour mark, Miroslav Stoch got the ball into the danger zone but no-one was there to get on the end of his cross.

Van Marwijk's side were happy to sit on their lead with Slovakia unable to put a good move together. Robin van Persie should have doubled Netherlands' lead before half-time but his close-range shot from Mark van Bommel's cross went wide.

Slovakia showed more determination after the restart but it was the Oranje who looked more deadly. Mucha was twice called into action to prevent them from extending their lead.

The Slovakia goalkeeper was forced to fully stretch to make a one-handed save from Robben's shot and, seconds later, Mark van Bommel's close-range shot was parried away by Mucha.

Stekelenburg made his first save of the afternoon in the 65th minute by palming over Stoch's right-footed strike from the edge of the area. Slovakia should have equalised seconds later but Vittek's effort was parried away by Stekelenburg.

At the other end, Kuyt latched onto Sneijder's free-kick but his header went over the bar. In the 73rd minute, Kuyt warmed the hands of Mucha with a stinging drive from 25 yards and Holland ended Slovakia's hopes in the 84th minute. Kuyt fed Sneijder and he struck the ball home from 15 yards.

With seconds remaining, Vittek coolly scored from the penalty spot to score his fourth goal of the World Cup, but it was too little, too late.

Full-time - 90'
Brazil
3 - 0
Chile

18:30 GMT, June 28, 2010

Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South Africa


Brazil's relentless march to the latter stages of this World Cup continued with an effortless victory over Chile.


MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Juan - While Brazil's attacking trio will take all the plaudits again, the big centre back deserves his share of the praise after another impeccable game in defence. Juan opened the scoring for the Selecao with a prodigious leap and firm header, but he should also be commended for his positioning and reading of the game, which allowed him to snuff out a string of attacking moves launched by Chile's quick strikers. Will need to maintain this sort of form as the competition nears its final phase.

Brazil verdict: The five-time World Cup winners are looking formidable. Though this was a game they fully expected to win, they did so in a manner befitting their pedigree. The protective screen of Gilberto Silva and Ramires limited Chile to few chances, yet both underlined their attacking instincts too. With Kaka regaining a semblance of form, Robinho looking reborn and Luis Fabiano in clinical mood, Dunga's side underlined again that they are the team to beat in South Africa.

Chile verdict: Sadly, being neat and tidy in possession means little unless you can unlock the defence in front of you. As with their game against Spain, Chile moved the ball intelligently, and with pace, but couldn't open up a mean Brazil defence. Their gung-ho style caught up with them for two of the three goals; their lack of height the other. They can go home proud of their efforts, and knowing they were beaten by one of the tournament's firm favourites.

Could do better: Mark Gonzalez - The former Liverpool winger underlined why the club were happy for him to leave. Despite seeing plenty of the ball in positions which could have hurt Brazil, his delivery was consistently poor. Moves broke down at his feet and the confidence he must have taken from his match-winning goal against Switzerland seemed to have evaporated.

Stat attack: Brazil are undefeated in 33 games under Dunga when Kaka and Robinho have played together, winning 29 and drawing four.


A team combining a potent mix of physique, power and mouthwatering ability were hugely assured in a one-side dismissal of their fellow South Americans to line up a quarter-final with Netherlands on Friday.

The boys in the famous yellow and blue were in control from virtually the first whistle and goals by Juan, Luis Fabiano and Robinho confirmed their status as tournament favourites.

It has been no easy run for Brazil - they emerged from a 'Group of Death' unscathed and with reputations enhanced, and on this evidence the Dutch will need to summon up the spirits of past greats if they are to challenge Dunga's men.

Kaka remains Brazil's talisman and the Real Madrid midfielder was impressive on his return from suspension - though he managed to pick up his third booking of the tournament after English referee Howard Webb was unimpressed with his trip on a Chile player.

After Juan had opened the scoring, punishing Chile for their failure to deal with Brazil's aerial threat at a corner from Maicon, Kaka was heavily involved in the second goal.

Robinho began the move with a burst down the left and an early ball into Kaka in the middle. One brilliant first-time pass split the Chile central defenders asunder and left Luis Fabiano able to skip past keeper Claudio Bravo and finish.

The goal made up for Luis Fabiano having dragged his shot wide after being put in the clear by a super ball from Dani Alves.

Brazil had almost drawn first blood earlier through Gilberto Silva, proving in this match and not for the first time that Arsene Wenger committed a rare blunder in disposing of his services two years ago, who hit a fierce long-range effort that Bravo turned aside at full stretch.

Chile's main hope looked to be through the creative instincts of their gifted 21-year-old Alexis Sanchez, a player being watched by a number of Premier League clubs including Manchester United.

The Udinese player certainly provided Brazil with something to think about with a series of decent touches - one lovely pass for Humberto Suazo promised much but the striker did not match up with a disappointing effort to lob Julio Cesar.

Brazil could afford to take their foot off the gas at half-time, so minimal was the threat posed by the Marcelo Bielsa's Chileans, but they still managed to extend their lead.

Robinho was the man to strike just before the hour mark, curling it effortlessly past Bravo but he had Ramires to thank after a blistering run by the Benfica midfielder.

Alves hit a thunderbolt that must have had Bravo worried but it drifted just wide, before Jorge Valdivia came as close as Chile had managed to a reply, teeing himself up and then firing just over from the edge of the box.

Kaka nearly claimed the goal his performance deserved after a surge down the left by Michel Bastos but was narrowly off target.

Bravo kept the score respectable by denying Robinho and then Suazo neatly turned Lucio - and not many players have done that this tournament - but Julio Cesar beat away his strike.

The game was up for Chile however and Dunga rubbed salt in the wound by taking off Kaka and sending on Kleberson - the player who flopped so dismally at Manchester United - to illustrate Brazil's overwhelming superiority.

Paraguay v Japan

14:00 GMT, June 29, 2010

Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria, South Africa


Japan's stylish and deserved victory over Denmark in the final group game has raised expectations that the nation can go further than they have before and reach the last eight of the World Cup.


It is quite a transformation in fortunes for Japan, who had been written off by most after a disastrous run of form in the run-up to the tournament. Confidence is high now, with Keisuke Honda proving to be the attacking fulcrum of the side.

However, Japan will not find it quite so easy to rip apart a sturdy Paraguay rearguard. The South Americans conceded just one goal, against Italy, in the group stage and will again look for solidity.

Japan are almost certain to be unchanged for the game in Pretoria with coach Takeshi Okada, who offered to quit before the tournament began, having fielded the same starting XI in all three group games.

But Paraguay will have to make an enforced change with Victor Caceres serving a one-match ban. The holding midfielder could be a big loss for boss Gerardo Martino, who is likely to deploy Carlos Bonet in that role. Antolin Alcaraz should be back from injury after being unavailable for the New Zealand match.

Japan player to watch: Yasuhito Endo. Much of Japan's success at this World Cup has been built on set-pieces, and Endo is one of the best exponents in the team. The 30-year-old, who was Asia's Player of the Year in 2009, is at the hub of the creativity in the side and has an excellent range of passing.


Paraguay player to watch: Enrique Vera. Vera's darting run from midfield to score Paraguay's opening goal in the 2-0 win over Slovakia has been one of the highlights of Paraguay's campaign so far. Though primarily a defensive player, Vera has the ability to weigh in with goals too.


Key battle: Keisuke Honda v Paulo Da Silva. Honda put in one of the best individual performances of the finals in dismantling a disorganised Denmark defence and once again he could prove to be the difference between success and failure for Japan. Sunderland defender Paulo Da Silva will have to be at the top of his game if he is to shackle Honda.


Trivia: Japan are one of the few teams to have success with the Jabulani. Honda and Endo both scored directly from free kicks in the 3-1 win over Denmark.

Stats: Of all the remaining teams, Japan have completed the fewest passes. They have 709 with a completion rate of 62%, compared to Paraguay's 69%.

Odds: Paraguay (2.10), the draw (3.25) and Japan (3.80) with Bet365. Paraguay are 3.75 to win by one goal.

Prediction: Japan have already surprised many at this tournament, but the strength of Paraguay's defence should be the difference.