Full-time - 90'
Cameroon
1 - 2
Denmark
Group E, 18:30 GMT, June 19, 2010

Loftus Versfeld Stadium

Denmark hit back from an early deficit to re-ignite their World Cup challenge and in the process extinguish Cameroon's chances of getting through to the second round.


MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Dennis Rommedahl - So often a frustrating player at club level, Rommedahl was superb for Denmark. His pace has never been in doubt, and it was used to devastating effect for the Danes' opening goal. His excellent control and perfectly weighted cross for Bendtner to score was only bettered by his delightful curling finish for the winner.

Cameroon verdict: This was a much improved performance by Cameroon, and unsurprisingly it was brought about by returning the talismanic Samuel Eto'o back to his accustomed centre-forward position. Achille Emana's introduction into the midfield helped to feed the energetic Eto'o, and will leave their fans wondering what might have been if they would have adopted this approach in their opening game.

Denmark verdict: Barring an early lapse in concentration from Christian Poulsen, Denmark were highly impressive. Though not as openly attacking as their opponents, they used Rommedahl to exploit Benoit Assou-Ekotto on the counter-attack to perfection. It was a performance where Denmark's experienced grafters quietly got the job done and helped their side to a vital three points.

Could do better: Defences - Although no player on the pitch played particularly badly, sloppy defending had a hand in the opening two goals. Christian Poulsen's lapse of concentration for Cameroon's opener could have cost his team dear, while Assou-Ekotto allowed Rommedahl to ghost beyond him for Denmark's equaliser. It must be said though, the poor defending helped contribute to the most open match of the tournament so far.

Stat attack: This is the first time Denmark have ever come from behind to win a World Cup match.

In what was a hugely entertaining encounter between the bottom two teams in Group E in Pretoria, Cameroon took the lead in the 10th minute through captain Samuel Eto'o following a bad defensive error by Christian Poulsen.

Denmark recovered from that setback though, and goals from Nicklas Bendtner and the dangerous Dennis Rommedahl in either half earned the Scandinavians a hard-fought victory.

The result means that Denmark join their next opponents Japan on three points, while group leaders Netherlands are now guaranteed a top-two finish - making them the first team to progress.

For battling Cameroon though, the defeat sees them become the first side to bid farewell to the World Cup after losing both their opening two games.

Denmark coach Morten Olsen made two changes to the side that lost to Holland, bringing in fit-again captain Jon Dahl Tomasson and Jesper Gronkjaer. Bendtner also took his place in the starting line-up for the second successive game despite struggling with a groin injury that means he can only train every other day and only having lasted an hour against the Dutch.

Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen, meanwhile, drafted in Geremi, Achille Emana and Alexandre Song as the Indomitable Lions sought to end an eight-game winless streak stretching back to the African Nations Cup.

Denmark, who had lost their previous three games without scoring a goal, had the first opportunity but Rommedahl fired over after breaking the offside trap in the sixth minute.

The Ajax winger should have done better with that, and four minutes later Eto'o showed him how it should be done by putting Cameroon ahead following a bad defensive error by Christian Poulsen.

Poulsen picked up possession from his goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen on the edge of the box and then attempted to find Simon Kjaer with a first-time pass without looking up.

The pass was intercepted by Emana, who quickly picked out the unmarked Eto'o in the middle and the Inter Milan star took one touch before drilling a low shot past Sorensen.

That was another bad goal for the Danes to concede following the own goal by Daniel Agger against Netherlands, when Simon Poulsen's attempted headed clearance hit the Liverpool defender before going in.

The Danes were back on level terms just after the half-hour mark at Loftus Versfeld stadium, though. Cameroon goalkeeper Souleymanou Hamidou had done well to deny Tomasson earlier but he could do nothing about the equaliser as his defence were cut open far too easily.

A superb long ball from inside his own half by Kjaer just cleared Benoit Assou-Ekotto and fell perfectly for the flying Rommedahl, and his low ball into the centre was slid home by Bendtner from eight yards.

Both sides had chances to snatch the lead during a hectic spell just prior to half-time. For Denmark, Rommedahl could not take advantage of getting clear once again before, from the same attack, Tomasson saw a goal-bound shot blocked.

Then for Cameroon, Eto'o fired against the post following another defensive mistake, while Emana was denied by Sorensen after bursting through the two Danish centre backs.

The all-action encounter continued apace at the start of the second half when Stephane M'bia and Kjaer both brought fingertip saves out of their opposing goalkeepers.

Cameroon striker Pierre Webo then blazed a decent opening high into the stands before also being denied by Sorensen as the African side looked to be taking control.

However, it was Denmark who got the next goal through the dangerous Rommedahl in the 61st minute.

Bendtner's pass put Rommedahl away down the right and the 31-year-old cut inside Jean Makoun before curling a low left-footed shot past Hamidou. That left Cameroon staring World Cup elimination in the face, and they almost fell 3-1 behind in the 71st minute, Hamidou coming to their rescue to superbly keep out Tomasson's effort.

Sorensen then produced an even better save six minutes later, diving low to his right to parry away Emana's shot.

Cameroon laid siege to Sorensen's goal in the closing stages, but they could find no way through as Denmark held on for the points.

Slovakia v Paraguay

Group F, 11:30 GMT, June 20, 2010

Free State Stadium

Paraguay go into this Group F clash in high spirits after holding world champions Italy to 1-1 draw in their opening match and victory against Slovakia would leave them with one foot in the knockout stages.

However, coach Gerardo Martino believes his team can progress with two more draws so it is unlikely that Paraguay will go all out in attack, especially with World Cup minnows New Zealand still to come.

Star forwards Roque Santa Cruz and Oscar Cardozo are both returning from injury lay-offs and started on the bench against Italy, although they both came on to get taste of the action. Martino is unlikely to want to radically change his team so it is expected only one of the pair will make his starting XI.

Slovakia's late lack of concentration cost them victory against New Zealand when they allowed Winston Reid to score an injury-time header to claim a 1-1 draw. As a consequence, the pressure is on to get a result in a group where all four teams have one point after the first round of games. With Italy lying in wait, this will be the game earmarked for three points.

Slovakia player to watch: Vladimir Weiss - As the son of the manager the spotlight is always going to be on the young winger and against New Zealand he put on a scintillating display. Weiss provides a constant threat and is always quick to go the attack.

Paraguay player to watch: Cristian Riveros - The Cruz Azul player is the hub around which Paraguay's midfield operates. He offers a mix of sharp tackling, box-to-box running and an excellent pass-and-move game. Although not prolific, he is a scorer of important goals.

Key battle: Marek Hamsik v Victor Caceres. Slovakia's playmaker is rumoured to be attracting the attention of Europe's top clubs and will be given the task of unlocking Paraguay's rear-guard. Caceres is the tough tackling, tactically astute defensive midfielder charged with stopping Hamsik. But if he picks up another yellow card he will miss Paraguay's final group game.

Trivia: Robert Vittek scored in his first appearance in the 2010 finals, this after failing to score in any of his nine appearances for Slovakia during qualification.

Stats: Six of the last ten goals Paraguay have conceded at the World Cup finals have come from set-pieces. And they have won just one of their last 12 World Cup games against European opposition.

Odds: Slovakia (3.75), Paraguay (2.10) and the draw (3.20) are all on offer at Bet365, but a 2-2 draw will get 21.00.

Prediction: This will be a closely fought match and with both sides struggling to win recently a draw looks the likely result.

Italy v New Zealand

Group F, 14:00 GMT, June 20, 2010

Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit, South Africa

Ricki Herbert's New Zealand claimed a surprising, last-gasp 1-1 draw against Slovakia in their opening game of the World Cup and are expected to stick with the same line up for Sunday's clash with defending world champions Italy.

With midfielder Tim Brown still to fully recover from a shoulder injury, Herbert will be hoping one of his regulars can recreate the goalscoring heroics of Winston Reid as the All Whites head into their greatest ever challenge.

But Marcello Lippi's Italy, who had to come from behind to salvage a 1-1 draw in their Group F opener against Paraguay, have a few issues to contend with and the 62-year-old coach was heard to launch into a tirade at his shot-shy strikers during training. As a consequence, Italy may well go with two up top in 4-4-2 formation as they go for the win.

The Azzurri also have to make changes at the back after goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was ruled out until the latter stages of the World Cup with a herniated disc problem, meaning Federico Marchetti, who came on at half-time against Paraguay, will start.

Italy player to watch: Gianluca Zambrotta - The ever reliable full back was the man of the match against Paraguay and provided the Italians with some much needed width. He makes intelligent runs and provides consistently good crosses into the box.

New Zealand player to watch: Shane Smeltz - The Gold Coast United striker got a taste for feeding on scraps against Slovakia and will have to do so again. However, he is the All Whites' best natural finisher and their top marksman in qualification with eight goals.

Key Battle: Claudio Marchisio v Simon Elliott - The Juve midfielder prodded and probed without too much end product against Paraguay and he needs to up his game against New Zealand to provide the supply to Italy's strikers. The man hoping to stifle Marchisio will be 36-year-old veteran Elliot, who remains the most influential man in the All Whites' engine room and is a defensive midfielder of considerable poise.

Trivia: These teams have only met once, in June 2009, when Italy won 4-3 despite having been behind three times during the match.

Stats: The Azzurri's second choice keeper Federico Marchetti, who will start in Nelspruit, has kept four clean sheets in six caps so far.

Odds: Italy (1.22), New Zealand (15.00), the draw (6.00) are all on offer at Bet365, but a 1-1 draw will get 13.00.

Brazil v Ivory Coast

Group G, 18:30 GMT, June 20, 2010

Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa

Five-time world champions Brazil had to give a bigger effort than expected to defeat North Korea 2-1 in their opening game, but it was a performance that galvanised the team and secured three points for the Group H leaders. Brazil boss Dunga played four out-and-out attackers ahead of two holding midfielders and he is expected to do the same again against Ivory Coast.


Robinho outshone Real Madrid's out-of-sorts playmaker Kaka to create seven goalscoring chances for his team-mates, which was more than any other player in the opening round of fixtures at the 2010 World Cup. Robinho was involved in everything that was good about Brazil and he can expect more space against Ivory Coast than he did against North Korea's five-man defence.

Ivory Coast drew their opening match against Portugal 0-0, and with A Seleccao expected to beat the Koreans, they cannot afford to lose against Brazil. The good news for the Elephants is that coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has hinted star striker Didier Drogba will be fit to start.

Drogba broke his arm in a World Cup warm-up match against Japan but he made a miraculous recovery to feature off the bench against Portugal while wearing a special FIFA-approved protective cast. Drogba wasn't his usual bustling self, but his talismanic status in the Ivory Coast team means his inclusion against Brazil would surely lift the African side.

If Drogba does play, Eriksson will probably drop Gervinho from his three-man front line and shift Chelsea team-mate Salomon Kalou out to the left in a 4-3-3 system.

Brazil player to watch: Kaka - The squeaky clean Brazilian arrived at the World Cup following a pretty poor first season at Real Madrid and there are still question marks over his ability to get back to his best. But team-mate Robinho is backing the former World Player of the Year to come good saying: "When Kaka plays well he can decide any game. He is very important to us."

Ivory Coast player to watch: Aruna Dindane - The striker, who spent last season on loan at Portsmouth, was one of the few bright sparks in a dull draw with Portugal and will be charged with providing the bullets to Drogba's gun. Played on the right of the front three he will almost certainly be asked to whip crosses in for Drogba and his ability to do so with accuracy could hold the key for Ivory Coast.

Key battle: Lucio v Didier Drogba - The bulldozer of a forward will provide a focal point for Ivory Coast and he will almost certainly ruffle the feathers of Brazil's cultured defenders. The only problem is that he will be up against Brazil skipper Lucio, who shackled the Chelsea striker so well when playing for Inter Milan in the Champions League. But Drogba didn't end the season as top scorer in the Premier League by backing down from a challenge. This will be a grudge match to keep an eye on.

Trivia: Brazil have won all of their five World Cup matches against African teams, keeping a clean sheet each time in the process.

Stats: Ivory Coast scored an average of 3.2 goals per game with Didier Drogba in the qualifiers for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, compared to 1.9 without him.

Odds: Brazil (1.66), Ivory Coast (6.00), the draw (3.60) are all on offer at Bet365. But Ivory Coast have kept eight clean sheets in their last 16 competitive matches and the Elephants to win 1-0 will get 12.00.

Prediction: This Ivory Coast team are hailed as the most talented African side since the 1990 Cameroon side that reached the quarter-finals, but they will really have to pull out all the stops to beat Dunga's organised Brazil so the draw looks tempting.

Full-time - 90'
Slovakia
0 - 2
Paraguay
Group F, 11:30 GMT, June 20, 2010

Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, South Africa

A first-half strike from winger Enrique Vera and a late strike from Cristian Riveros saw Paraguay claim a deserved 2-0 victory over Slovakia.


MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Lucas Barrios - He has scored three goals and delivered two assists in his first five games for Paraguay and his throughball found Enrique Vera in the right place to net the opener. A talented and quick thinking performer whose stock is on the rise.

Slovakia verdict: Set up to defend in the first-half, and nothing really changed after they went a goal down. A lack of ambition, probably coupled with a desire not to be embarrassed by the bigger teams in the competition, has hindered their abilty to pull off a shock and only Vladimir Weiss shone. Quite disappointing.

Paraguay verdict: Still missing something from the attacking performances we saw in qualifying, Paraguay were solid and their front three of Santa Cruz, Barrios and Valdez were lively. Right winger Vera looked to get forward a lot and was rewarded with a goal, while Cristian Riveros rounded things off in style.

Could do better: Marek Hamsik - For someone who has seen so much hype around his performances for Napoli (he scored 12 goals for them last season), Hamsik has not stamped his mark on the tournament and could not get hold of the ball. Closed down too easily, he did not have the space to find his team-mates and was hardly in the game.

Stat attack: Before the game, seven of Paraguay's last nine wins had been by a 1-0 scoreline, so they were glad of Riveros' clincher.

It was just the result Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino was looking for after the draw with reigning world champions Italy in their opening game and puts the team in sight of the second round.

Vera made the breakthrough in the 27th minute after a spell of sustained pressure at the Free State Stadium and, while Paraguay then squandered a number of good chances to extend their advantage, Riveros sealed the win with five minutes to go.

It is Slovakia's first appearance in the finals and they are heading for an early exit. The team's only effort of note came in stoppage time when substitute Filip Holosko's shot was turned over the bar by goalkeeper Justo Villar.

Paraguay dictated the pace from the start and Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz, who returned after a minor injury, came close to scoring twice. He almost gave his side the lead in the third minute, his effort turned away at the post by Everton-bound goalkeeper Jan Mucha.

Then Nelson Valdez turned quickly but saw his effort go wide before play switched back down the other end. Marek Hamsik played the ball out to Jan Durica but he sent his shot over the bar.

Paraguay were having the majority of possession and Paulo Da Silva was only inches away from making contact at the back post following a free-kick by Claudio Morel.

Cristian Riveros then drilled a shot from the edge of the area but Mucha was equal to it before Lucas Barrios was off target from an acute angle. Slovakia again found themselves on the back foot in the 24th minute but Valdez fired wide.

Paraguay's pressure paid on the 27th minute when they made the breakthrough. Barrios released Vera and he got the better of Durica to hook the ball home.

Slovakia hit back and Kornel Salata headed over the bar from inside the area in the 37th minute. It proved brief respite, however, with Santa Cruz almost adding a second a minute later only for Mucha to boot the ball clear.

Slovakia tried to step up the tempo at the start of the second half but Paraguay looked well in control.

Vera should have scored his second goal of the game in the 72nd minute following a swift counter attack. However, he steered a header wide in front of the posts following a cross and some good skill from Santa Cruz, who was unhappy at some of his treatment from Liverpool's Martin Skrtel.

Substitute Aureliano Torres then saw his effort take a deflection off a Slovakia defender and finish high over the bar.

Paraguay extended their advantage in the 85th minute when Da Silva played the ball into Riveros and he curled a shot into the corner.

Full-time - 90'
Italy
1 - 1
New Zealand
Group F, 14:00 GMT, June 20, 2010

Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit, South Africa

Shane Smeltz gave New Zealand their greatest ever result as they held world champions Italy to a 1-1 draw in Group F. The All Whites went ahead early, before being pegged back by a Vincenzo Iaquinta penalty, but the minnows held on to claim an historic point.


MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Ryan Nelsen - The New Zealand skipper led by example, putting his body on the line to repel wave after wave of Italian attacks. When the All Whites defence looked to be breached he was the last man sweeping up at the back. He must also be commended for helping young centre-back Tommy Smith recover from conceding the penalty.

Italy verdict: After going a goal down, the Italians upped the tempo and looked dangerous but once they had equalised after 29 minutes the intensity dropped and so did the quality of their football. The Azzurri had plenty of the ball but only really tested Kiwi keeper Mark Paston on two occasions. Coach Marcello Lippi changed personnel and formation as the game went on but couldn't find a spark to ignite his side.

New Zealand verdict: A 1-1 draw against the defending world champions is undoubtedly the greatest result in New Zealand's history. Nobody can criticise the World Cup minnows for sticking ten men behind the ball after taking a shock early lead.

Could do better: Alberto Gilardino - Despite Italy going hammer and tongs for a goal after conceding early on, striker Gilardino just couldn't get into the game. He didn't muster a single shot at goal and had the fewest touches of any Italian player before being given the hook at half-time.

Stat attack: Italy have conceded two goals from the only two shots on target against them at this World Cup.

Italy dominated a compelling Group F contest thereafter but could not find a way past outstanding goalkeeper Mark Paston. The surprise result keeps alive New Zealand's hopes of reaching the second round for the first time in their history and leaves Italy with much still to do.

The All Whites, buoyant after their last-gasp equaliser against Slovakia, made the perfect start as Smeltz crept into the box to give them a seventh-minute lead.

Italy coach Marcello Lippi had warned New Zealand's greatest threat would come from set-pieces and his side were caught out as Simon Elliott swung in a free-kick from the left.

The ball dipped over Alberto Gilardino and Leo Bertos and wrong-footed Fabio Cannavaro, who could only divert it into the path of Smeltz. The Gold Coast forward, who has also played for Mansfield and AFC Wimbledon, gleefully accepted and poked past second-choice goalkeeper Federico Marchetti.

Italy responded with a free-kick from Claudio Marchisio bouncing awkwardly and forcing Paston to save.

New Zealand were incensed when Rory Fallon was booked for catching Cannavaro in the face and replays did suggest contact had been minimal. Italy complained soon after when Fallon's elbow appeared to connect with Giorgio Chiellini but this time Guatemalan referee Carlos Batres was lenient.

Moments earlier Chiellini had stabbed wide when well placed and then Riccardo Montolivo hit the post with a long-range shot as Italy stepped up the pressure.

New Zealand were caught out after 28 minutes as Daniele de Rossi went down in the area after the slightest of shirt pulls from Ipswich defender Tommy Smith.

The Kiwis complained about the decision but Iaquinta stepped up to convert from the spot, much to Italian relief.

New Zealand recovered their composure but Paston made a good save from a 20-yard De Rossi effort in first-half injury time.

Italy played at a slower tempo in the second period but dominated possession. Half-time substitute Antonio di Natale threatened with a smart shot on the turn but Paston was equal to the half-volley.

Iaquinta controlled on the edge of the area but Winston Reid did enough to force him to fire wide as he turned.

New Zealand struggled to break out of their own half and it was not until just after the hour they threatened again, Ivan Vicelich firing narrowly wide after a Cannavaro clearance fell invitingly.

The introduction of Mauro Camoranesi gave Italy extra drive and he put Montolivo through to force a fine save from Paston from 25 yards.

Reid then claimed to have been caught in the face by Chiellini and stayed down as Italy attacked but the Danish-born defender soon recovered.

Italy's urgency increased as time ran down but Camoranesi and Di Natale both shot wide and Chiellini missed the target with a header.

Kiwi substitute Chris Wood, of West Brom, almost caught Italy off guard on a rare counter-attack eight minutes from time but shot across goal.

In a frantic finish Camoranesi then tested Paston from long range and Ryan Nelsen blocked well from Iaquinta as New Zealand held on for a famous draw.

Full-time - 90'
Brazil
3 - 1
Ivory Coast

Group G, 18:30 GMT, June 20, 2010

Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa

Kaka was controversially sent off as a brace from Luis Fabiano and an Elano strike helped Brazil ease to victory in their battle with Ivory Coast at Soccer City.


MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Luis Fabiano - The striker had offered little in this tournament until his 25th-minute thunderbolt put Brazil on their way. There may have been more than a hint of handball about his second but he was the matchwinner nonetheless.

Brazil verdict: It was a comfortable victory for the World Cup favourites though they might have expected to be tested more by an Ivory Coast side with plenty of attacking talent. Surely greater challenges await in the coming weeks.

Ivory Coast verdict: Dour. There's very little else to say about an African team who some thought could go a long way in this tournament. The manager has to take much of the blame for a listless performance which saw the team only come to life when they were three goals behind.

Could do better: Sven Goran Eriksson - After a performance which will be very familiar to England fans, you have to wonder why Eriksson was chosen to spearhead the Ivorians' challenge just weeks after he left League Two side Notts County. No sign of any tactical decision making whatsoever, you have to wonder what was going on in Sven's mind as it went from 1-0 to 2-0 to 3-0.

Stat attack: Luis Fabiano's brace is the 35th time a Brazilian player has scored two or more goals in a match at the World Cup, which is the most all-time by any nation. Germany are second all-time with 27. Ronaldo has the most braces in Brazil's history with four.

• Fabiano admits handball goal
• Photo gallery

Didier Drogba grabbed a late goal for the Elephants, but the game was marred by the late dismissal of Kaka for an off the-the-ball foul on Kader Keita.

It came too late, though, for the Elephants to respond as they slipped to defeat that leaves them with just a point in Group G, while Brazil now have six.

Chelsea forward Drogba, a second half substitute in the goalless draw against Portugal last week, was named in the starting line-up by coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, while Brazil were unchanged for the much-anticipated encounter in Johannesburg.

The South Americans had a chance inside the opening 60 seconds when a quick break through the middle ended with Robinho sending a dipping shot narrowly over Boubacar Barry's goal from 30 yards.

The Elephants had three free-kicks in dangerous positions on the right, but the quality of delivery was poor, including one from Drogba that flew over. When Emmanuel Eboue did manage to send over a decent set-piece from the left, Julio Cesar punched the ball away.

At the other end, Gilberto Silva smashed an Elano corner from 12 yards out into a defender after 19 minutes, before the deadlock was eventually broken by Luis Fabiano six minutes later.

Robinho and Kaka were heavily involved in the build-up with the Real Madrid midfielder threading a neat final pass to the striker to blast home from six yards out on the right.

The goal initially deflated the Africans, but Aruna Dindane and then Eboue sparked some life back into their attack with decent long-range efforts before half-time.

Five minutes after the restart, the advantage was doubled by Luis Fabiano, who looked to have used his arm to control the ball in the build-up. The initial problem was created when Siaka Tiene allowed the ball to bounce, letting the striker take charge and beat two defenders, before volleying home.

Drogba should have grabbed a goal straight back for his side, but could only head Dindane's cross wide. The former Portsmouth striker was immediately replaced by Yao Gervinho, but it was Brazil that continued to press.

After Kaka's close-range effort was punched away by Barry, the Ivorian goalkeeper was helpless to stop Elano scoring a third - the Madrid midfielder providing a telling low pass from the right that was guided in by Elano at the far post.

That goal came after 65 minutes and shortly afterwards Maicon sent a low 20-yard shot into the side-netting with Brazil well on top.

With nothing to lose, Eriksson threw on Ndri Romaric, who almost made an instant impact with his driving 20-yard shot only parried by Cesar.

Drogba finally made his mark in the 79th minute in a move inspired by Gervinho. The Lille striker ran almost the length of the pitch and then, after being stopped in his tracks, pulled the ball back to Yaya Toure to lift over a good cross for the Chelsea forward to head home.

The game got slightly scrappy late on and Kaka received his marching orders after being shown a second yellow card.

Cheik Tiote forced Cesar to tip over a late effort but the game was decided by then.

Australia striker Harry Kewell has claimed referee Roberto Rosetti had "killed" his World Cup dream after sending him off during the 1-1 draw with Ghana.

Harry Kewell and Craig Moore of Australia argue with referee Roberto Rosetti
After missing the Socceroos' 4-0 trouncing in their opening match against Germany, Kewell lasted just 24 minutes before he was dismissed for deliberate handball after keeping out Jonathan Mensah's fierce shot on the goal-line and FIFA has confirmed he will receive a one-match ban.

The Galatasaray forward vehemently contested the decision, but was given his marching orders before Asamoah Gyan slid home the ensuing penalty to cancel out Brett Holman's earlier strike.

The incident was the turning point for the Socceroos, who can still mathematically qualify for the round of 16, but must win against Serbia and hope the result in the other Group D match goes their way.

Kewell felt he had no hope of getting his arm out of the way of the shot and while he conceded the incident warranted a penalty, he did not think he should have seen red.

"It's a shame that it happened that way but, if you look at the situation, it's hit my arm, but it wasn't deliberate," he said. "It was only that I was trying to get my shoulder there. I think the ref made a decision that he can only answer.

"Unless I actually detach my arm and put it somewhere else, there is no other way I can move my arm.

"I didn't deliberately go for the hand, I didn't try and handball it, I tried to use my chest. I was playing by the rules, but the ref saw it another way. He's probably the only one who did.

"The guy has killed my World Cup."

FIFA's regulation regarding deliberate handball would, however, suggest Rosetti got the decision correct.

The rule states: "A player is sent off - if he prevents a goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball.

"This punishment arises not from the act of the player deliberately handling the ball but from the unacceptable and unfair intervention that prevented a goal being scored."

Kewell's dismissal meant he became the second Australian player to be sent off in as many games after Tim Cahill was shown a straight red against Germany.

Cahill will return for the must-win clash against Serbia, but Kewell will be left to watch on from the sidelines and hope his team-mates can pull off an unlikely progression to the second round.

"I'm devastated. We got the early goal. I thought okay, they started to come back, but I thought they had the grip on it," he said.

"We controlled it, I thought, and then again a decision like that, they have haunted us throughout the World Cup, but again, that's football you have to take it on the chin.

"It's just unfortunate that the ref saw something that probably everyone thought, 'Okay, fair enough, it was a handball, but was it red card?'

"We've seen some decisions in this World Cup that haven't been red cards. Why is this one different? That's why everyone gets confused, everyone gets frustrated with referees because one minute they're are saying this and one minute they are saying that.

"He's the referee at the end of the day. You can't tell him what to do. He's the judge, jury and executioner."

Portugal v North Korea

Group G, 11:30 GMT, June 21, 2010

Green Point Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa

North Korea can take a lot of heart from their opening defeat against Brazil. They may have lost the game, but it took the five-time World Cup winners over an hour to break them down and they even managed to sneak a consolation goal to add weight to the claims that they'll be no pushovers in the Group of Death.


Korea's defensive wall largely held firm against Brazil, but Portugal should be an easier proposition as Carlos Queiroz's men have struggled to make an impact in the final third of late. A dull 0-0 draw against Ivory Coast was preceded by the same scoreline against Cape Verde Islands and they have not managed to win over their doubters yet.

Of course, Portugal go into the game as favourites, but one feels that there is a possibility of an upset on the cards, given the recent form of the two sides. If Korea are to make an impact on the finals - more so than confusing stories over 'missing' players and interest in their fans' chants - then this may be the game in which to do it.

Portugal player to watch: Tiago: With Deco out injured, Tiago is likely to come in to replace him. He may not have shined while at Chelsea, but the midfielder has a wealth of experience at the top of the game and has a good range of passing that can unlock a defence. Having gone on loan to Atletico Madrid from Juventus in order to seal his spot in the squad, he will be keen to prove he is worthy of keeping it.

North Korea player to watch: Ji Yun-Nam. He finished off a decent move against Brazil to give the North Koreans their first goal at this year's finals and played his part in the game filling in at left-back. Full of experience, he will attempt to get forward when he can, but will find himself up against pace, tricks and creativity from Portugal's front three.

Key Battle: Liedson v Pak Chol-Jin: The Brazilian-born striker has the burden of goalscoring upon his shoulders and it is a position in which Portugal have suffered, essentially since the retirement of Eusebio. Liedson has the aerial ability as well as the power in the box that a central striker needs, but has been lacking some decent service of late. Pak's job will be to keep it that way and his resolve at the back proved indispensible in the qualifying campaign. A gritty and committed defender, he will be in for a busy afternoon.

Trivia: Portugal and Italy are the only two sides to have played both South and North Korea at World Cups.

Stats: North Korea's three goals scored against Portugal in their 1966 World Cup quarter-final defeat is still the only time an Asian side has scored three times in a World Cup match.

Odds: Portugal (1.33), North Korea (10.00), the draw (4.50) are all on offer at Bet365, but Cristiano Ronaldo to score first is a safe bet at 4.00.

Prediction: North Korea have already shown that they will be tough to break down and a draw could be on the cards if Portugal's attack continues to misfire.

Chile v Switzerland

Group H, 14:00 GMT, June 21, 2010

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

After two impressive 1-0 wins in their first games, Switzerland and Chile find themselves in the odd position of fighting it out for a place in the second round already. A win will virtually guarantee progress and both teams will be keen to avoid leaving it up to Spain to decide who makes it through.


Two more contrasting styles could not be found, given their opening games. The Swiss, defensive to the last and with only two meaningful attacking moves to their name, against one of the most impressive attacking forces seen at this year's World Cup.

Their preparations, too, have contrasting fortunes as Swiss defender Philippe Senderos looks set to miss the rest of the tournament with an ankle injury, while Chile's leading striker Humberto Suazo will return after recovering from the hamstring strain that threatened his participation. Winner takes all.

Chile player to watch: Alexis Sanchez: The Wonder Boy showed his full repertoire of tricks and flicks in the win over Honduras. His work on the right wing impressed no end and he was the focal point of the Chilean attack. Once again, he will work his magic and try to make his mark in the final third. A very tough player to mark.

Switzerland player to watch: Gokhan Inler. After beating Spain with the famous 'anti-football' we've seen from sides in the past, Switzerland had midfielder enforcer Inler to thank for keeping a clean sheet. His tackling, strength and domination of the central areas will play a part in breaking up the Chile attacks.

Key Battle: Humberto Suazo v Stephane Grichting: The talisman for Chile, Suazo, should feature in their most important game of the group and will be raring to go after nearly missing the tournament due to injury. He was the highest scorer from any confederation in qualifying and boasts pace and a great eye for goal. With Senderos ruled out, the onus falls on tough Auxerre defender Grichting to stop him. Powerful and committed, Gritchting held off the likes of David Villa and Fernando Torres so Suazo should prove easy by comparison, as long as he doesn't get complacent.

Trivia: The Swiss only managed 132 touches in the opposition half in their victory over Spain, fewer than any other side in the first round.

Stats: Chile's opening 1-0 win over Honduras was their first victory at a World Cup outside of South America, while Switzerland have yet to record a victory against a South American side at a World Cup.

Odds: Chile (2.30), Switzerland (3.40), the draw (3.10) are all on offer at Bet365, but if you think it'll be 0-0 then you'll pick up 6.50.

Prediction: A draw would be a bad result for both sides, although possibly Switzerland would fancy it more with Honduras to come. One feels that the Swiss may attack more now that the Spain game is behind them, and that may open a few doors for Chile.