Spain v Honduras

Group H, 18:30 GMT, June 21, 2010

Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South Africa

Having been upset 1-0 by Switzerland in their opener, favourites Spain face a must-win game against the minnows of Honduras, knowing that another shock defeat effectively ends their hopes of progressing.


The Spanish boast some of the world's best players, but their team unit failed to fire against the Swiss and there have been questions raised over the morale of the squad. WAGs, tactics and tiredness have all been blamed for Spain's demise, but they will have to dig deep to bounce back, and quickly, if they are to make an impact on the tournament.

Standing in their way are the lowly Hondurans, who defended stoically but still lost to Chile 1-0, and if they were to pull off a draw, it would represent the greatest moment in their footballing history. Led by Tottenham's Wilson Palacios, there is a lack of quality through the side, but there is no substitute for team spirit and, with Spain rattled, anything can happen.

Spain player to watch: David Silva: He did not have an impact on the side against Switzerland and was replaced by Jesus Navas, but his quality is unquestioned and he should have the confidence to bounce back against Honduras. A tricky winger with pace and skill on the ball, he should command respect on the right side of midfield.

Honduras player to watch: Noel Valladares. If Honduras are to hold off the Spanish attacks, then their last line of defence, the goalkeeper, will have to be at his best. Pulling off the save of the tournament so far against Chile, his reflexes and agility will be tested to the limit and if he can deny the likes of David Villa and Fernando Torres, then he will have earned his crust.

Key Battle: Xavi v Wilson Palacios: The best playmaker in world football was kept quiet against the Swiss, but has the skill and experience to make an impact on any game, at any time. His passing range is unmatched and Palacios will have to marshal him carefully if Honduras are to avoid conceding a goal. Xavi's awareness of what is going on around him gives him the vision to pick out a killer pass, but Palacios will match him for stamina and has the power and strength to assert his will on any opponent.

Trivia: Honduras are the only Central American football team to eliminate Brazil in a tournament (Copa America 2001 in the quarter-finals), so they are used to causing upsets.

Stats: Spain's defeat against Switzerland was the first time that they have lost with Andres Iniesta in the starting line-up.

Odds: Spain (1.12), Honduras (23.00), the draw (9.00) are all on offer at Bet365, but Fernando Torres to score three or more comes in at 23.00.

Prediction: Surely it can't happen again? Spain have the power to overcome their opponents and it could be a high scoring game.

Full-time - 90'
Portugal
7 - 0
North Korea
Group G, 11:30 GMT, June 21, 2010

Green Point Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa

Portugal produced a spectacular performance of fluidity and flair to earn their first win of the World Cup in style against North Korea.


MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Fabio Coentrao - The left-back was an impressive attacking outlet and his surging runs proved a constant menace. His pinpoint cross set up Hugo Almeida's goal and he also claimed an assist for Liedson and Tiago's goals. Combining well with Cristiano Ronaldo and Tiago, it was refreshing to see a full-back play with such freedom.

Portugal verdict: Increasingly dominant as the game went on, they grew in confidence with every goal scored, as the intense pre-match pressure subsided. North Korea were no walkovers and it was an impressive defensive performance from the Portuguese too. But it was in attack where Carlos Queiroz's side truly flourished, counter-attacking with speed and venom - they delivered a lesson in finishing.

North Korea verdict: Completely exposed on the counter-attack, the midfield was non-existent when asked to track back and defend. Out of the competition as all onlookers predicted before the tournament, it was a second-half collapse of epic proportions as the energy of the players ebbed away everytime the ball hit the back of the net.

Could do better: The North Korean players - It's not nice being embarassed on the world stage as the likes of Zaire and El Salvador can testify, but the organisation so prevalent against Brazil was nowhere to be seen. Must improve against the Ivory Coast if they are to reclaim any iota of pride.

Stat attack: It is only the second time Portugal have scored more than two goals in a match at the World Cup since 1966.

Having failed to impress in their opening Group G stalemate with the Ivory Coast, Carlos Queiroz's side were under pressure to deliver against North Korea with a showdown against Brazil still to come. And they did that emphatically as Raul Meireles scored in the first half before Simao Sabrosa, Hugo Almeida and Tiago hit one apiece within seven second-half minutes.

Liedson and Cristiano Ronaldo got in on the act before Tiago grabbed his second in the dying minutes.

Portugal came into the match hoping to boost their goal difference with the Ivory Coast, their main rivals to join Brazil in the next round, still to play a North Korean side who were excellent in their 2-1 defeat by Dunga's side in the first game. Queiroz made four changes, one of which was enforced due to Deco's hip injury and Tiago coming in. North Korea were unchanged.

Portugal captain Ronaldo, without a competitive goal for his country in two years, had an early effort blocked. His side came close to a breakthrough in the seventh minute when Ricardo Carvalho was allowed to reach Simao's corner but saw his header hit the post and bounce away.

Cha Jong-hyok and Jong Tae-se had half chances for North Korea and a better opportunity then went begging after 17 minutes as Hong Yong-jo cut inside and when Eduardo parried his shot, Pak Nam-chol headed over.

In the 29th minute the impressive Meireles opened the scoring. Breaking into the box, he was found by Tiago's clever ball and expertly drove the ball beyond Ri Myong-guk.

Tiago had an early chance in the second half as his effort from distance was tipped over by the goalkeeper. Ronaldo blasted one over in a lively opening to the half, then saw Ri Myong-guk spill a left-footed effort soon after.

Jong's deflected drive from a free-kick was saved by Eduardo and at the other end Almeida failed to finish off a nice move down the left when he could not convert Fabio Coentrao's cross.

However, it was 2-0 in the 53rd minute. Almeida held up a long ball for Meireles and when the midfielder saw Simao bursting into the box to his right, the pass perfectly set up his team-mate for a straightforward finish.

North Korea were deflated and it was soon over as a contest. In the 56th minute Coentrao was put clear down the left and his perfectly-pitched cross found Almeida, who made no mistake with the header.

North Korea coach Kim Jong-hun sent on two substitutes in response but it was to no avail as Tiago added to the deficit, rushing forward to sweep home Ronaldo's cut-back from the left on the hour mark.

Meireles and Coentrao had further chances while in the 70th minute a fizzing Ronaldo shot hit the bar.

Ronaldo kept plugging away as he looked to break his two-year barren spell before Liedson made it 5-0 four minutes after coming off the bench.

Fellow replacement Duda whipped in a ball which Ri Kwang-chon failed to clear, allowing Brazil-born Liedson to hammer home on the turn. Ronaldo finally got his goal when Liedson capitalised on a defensive mix-up to put him through before he rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home and Tiago headed home his second to complete the rout in the 89th minute.

Full-time - 90'
Chile
1 - 0
Switzerland
Group H, 14:00 GMT, June 21, 2010

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Mark Gonzalez's 75th-minute goal put Chile on the brink of the second round with a 1-0 win over Switzerland. A fussy referee produced eight yellow cards and sent off Valron Behrami for an elbow on Arturo Vidal.


MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Alexis Sanchez - Though Jorge Valdivia also made a good impression after his arrival as a second-half substitute, it was Chile's flying forward who caught the eye once more thanks to his pace, invention and repertoire of tricks. His value is soaring game by game.

Chile verdict: Marcelo Bielsa's well-drilled side are delivering on the promise that many felt they had prior to the tournament and now top the group with maximum points. After another fluent and energetic display, a draw against Spain in their final game will secure top spot and they look real dark horses for the tournament. They could have enjoyed a greater margin of victory though and may have to be more ruthless.

Switzerland verdict: Ottmar Hitzfeld's size were inhibited by the dismissal of Valon Behrami in the first half but three points from two games against the group favourites hardly ranks as a disappointing tally. Though a win against Honduras in their final game will not completely guarantee their progression, they have a good base to work from. Will need to find more of a cutting edge though, as demonstrated by Eren Derdiyok's late miss, and doubts remain as to whether they can chase a game.

Could do better: Officials and players - Once again we saw a referee - in this case Khalil Al Ghamdi of Saudi Arabia - prove far too card-happy as he produced a succession of bemusing bookings. Valon Behrami was also hard done by when being dismissed for fending off Arturo Vidal. However, some mitigation comes in the fact that certain players seem so committed to embarrassing play-acting. Steve von Bergen joins Ivory Coast's Kader Keita in this club of shame after an over-the-top reaction in the second half.

Stat attack: Humberto Suazo's second-minute yellow card is the joint third-quickest booking ever awarded at the World Cup (two have been awarded in the first minute).

Gonzalez, formerly of Liverpool but now at CSKA Moscow, struck with 15 minutes remaining as Switzerland, reduced to ten men when Behrami was sent off before the break, finally succumbed at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.

His goal will send the South Americans into their final Group H clash with Spain knowing a point will be enough to take them through to the knockout stages.

Switzerland, looking to build upon their shock victory over the Spaniards, found themselves up against it even before their numbers were reduced.

Goalkeeper Diego Benaglio had to make a fine double save from Arturo Vidal and Carlos Carmona with just ten minutes gone, and he was in the right place at the right time five minutes before the break when Alexis Sanchez toe-poked a shot towards goal with his defenders once again conspicuous by their absence.

In the meantime their task had increased markedly when Behrami, having tangled with Jean Beausejour, did so with Vidal and saw the midfielder go to ground clutching his face. Referee Khalil Al Ghamdi had little hesitation in producing a red card and the Swiss were very much on the back foot.

In truth, they had been already for much of the first half with Chile's midfield trio of Vidal, Carmona - who will miss the final group game against Spain after picking up a second booking - and Matias Ferrnandez repeatedly causing problems.

Switzerland offered little in response and skipper Alex Frei, who missed the opening game through injury, departed before the break having struggled to make an impact.

Sanchez in particular made a nuisance of himself as the South Americans stepped up a gear in the wake of Behrami's exit, although the Swiss just about held firm.

Chile thought they had taken the lead within three minutes of the restart when Sanchez blasted home a shot with the help of a significant deflection, but an offside flag correctly halted his celebrations in their infancy.

Benaglio needed to be at his best once again with 55 minutes gone when defender Stephane Grichting gifted the ball to Sanchez, who raced in on goal but could not beat the goalkeeper one-on-one.

Half-time substitute Gonzalez headed over from a Fernandez corner but, as the game became increasingly bad-tempered, Fernandez, who will also miss the Spain game, Gokhan Inler and Gary Medel were all cautioned in quick succession.

Grichting made a fine 69th-minute block to deny substitute Esteban Paredes, but it was he who did the damage with 15 minutes remaining when he rounded Benaglio and crossed for Gonzalez to power a downward header in off the underside of the bar.

The lively Paredes might have doubled his side's advantage twice within the final six minutes but was unable to hit the target on either occasion, and Swiss substitute Eren Derdiyok passed up a glorious opportunity to level with seconds remaining when he fired wide.

Full-time - 90'
Spain
2 - 0
Honduras
Group H, 18:30 GMT, June 21, 2010

Ellis Park Stadium

David Villa almost had a perfect night as a goal in each half from the new Barcelona recruit helped Spain get their World Cup campaign back on track.


MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: David Villa - A missed penalty did not dampen his impact on the left side of a front three that included the impressive Jesus Navas and Fernando Torres. With a sublime first and a lucky second, Villa got himself on the scoresheet for the first time at a World Cup (from open play) and was a constant threat with his pace and vision. He was, however, lucky the referee didn't see his slap in Emilio Izaguirre's face.

Spain verdict: Back to their sublime best, Spain's nerves were settled after the early goal and they never looked like letting Honduras back into the game. Fluid and commanding in possession, their passing moves were a joy to watch and Iker Casillas in goal hardly had a touch.

Honduras verdict: After the first goal, there was very little the Hondurans could do to get the ball back, let alone mount a decent attack.They battled hard and were not embarrassed, but the gulf in quality between the two sides was obvious. Spain were given far too much space and time on the ball.

Could do better: Sergio Mendoza - He may be down on the team sheet as Honduras' right-back, but Mendoza was pulled left, right and centre by Spain's attacking moves. Villa had him in his pocket for the entire game and his lack of pace and positional sense was exposed.

Stat attack: Villa's is the first ever missed penalty by Spain at the World Cup. They had scored 13 out of 13.

A wonderful individual effort in the first half was followed by a goal forged by brilliant movement off the ball in the second.

The only thing missing was the hat-trick to crown the performance as he sidefooted wide a second-half penalty and struck the crossbar early on.

The win was vital after the opening Group H defeat to Switzerland and Vicente Del Bosque's side finally looked to have settled into the tournament.

Honduras had an early escape when Emilio Izaguirre handled the ball in the box as Fernando Torres tried to flick it over his head, but Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura waved play on.

Spain were even more unfortunate in the seventh minute when a 30-yard Villa shot smacked against the crossbar with goalkeeper Noel Valladares well beaten as the European champions came flying out of the blocks.

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos wasted a glorious chance when he headed over a Xavi free kick from the left from three yards out and Villa cut in from the left and fired wide after Xabi Alonso had cleverly switched the play.

Spain still looked a little nervy in defence after the Switzerland setback and a deflected Walter Martinez cross drew an unorthodox clearance with the knees by Iker Casillas.

Spain then gained the lead they deserved, though, with a stunning strike from Villa after 16 minutes.

Again the new Barcelona man had drifted out to the left, but this time he somehow manoeuvred the ball between Sergio Mendoza and Amado Guevara with supreme close control, cut inside Osman Chavez and at full stretch smashed an angled shot across Valladares into the top corner.

Torres showed he was still some way from rediscovering his killer instinct as he headed a Ramos cross into the turf and over and then fired wildly over after full-back Mendoza, run ragged by Villa, gifted possession to him.

Villa then caught the eye for the wrong reasons after lashing out at Izaguirre as the pair waited for a free-kick to come in, and he was fortunate to escape a booking or even a red card as Spain took a single-goal lead into the interval.

The second goal arrived within six minutes of the restart as Spain launched a counter-attack.

This time it was Villa's movement off the ball that proved key as he drifted back to the edge of the box to receive Navas' cutback from the right and his shot looped in off Chavez.

Ramos almost added the third seconds later with a right-foot toe-poke from the edge of the area and more goals looked on the cards.

Villa wasted a chance to complete a hat-trick from the penalty spot when he sidefooted wide after Navas made the most of some contact in the box from Izaguirre.

Cesc Fabregas was then given his first taste of the 2010 World Cup, coming on for Xavi to a wall of vuvuzela noise.

The Arsenal midfielder almost scored within seconds as Ramos played him in over the top, he rounded Valladares but Maynor Figueroa got back to clear his shot from an awkward angle.

Substitute Ramon Nunez was the first to try his luck for Honduras in the second half with a right-foot free-kick over the top midway through the half, and Torres was withdrawn with 20 minutes to go for Juan Manuel Mata of Valencia.

Mata was quickly into the action with a left-foot shot over from 20 yards as the Hondurans allowed him too much space and tried to turn provider for his old club colleague Villa with eight minutes left, swinging in a cross from the left which Figueroa had to divert for a corner.

Villa was again denied his treble as Mendoza blocked a late effort from yet another Navas cross.

Mexico v Uruguay

Group A, 14:00 GMT, June 22, 2010

Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg, South Africa

The two favourites to progress from Group A meet on Tuesday knowing a draw will be enough for both sides to reach the second round. Though a tie is the ideal scenario for both nations, one hopes that there will be no repeat of West Germany's mutually beneficial 1-0 win over Austria at the 1982 finals. With the team that comes second in Group A facing the daunting prospect of Argentina in the second round, there is certainly plenty left for Mexico and Uruguay to play for.


Mexico have shown plenty of attacking promise, with Giovani Dos Santos emerging as a key creative figure for Javier Aguirre's side, and their victory against France was just reward for a policy of throwing caution to the wind. But question marks remain over their defence, and with a real tendency to leave large spaces on the wings, Uruguay's pair of Pereiras - Alvaro and Maxi - have the ability to punish them in a way that Les Bleus didn't manage. Mexico's failure to convert their chances proved costly in the 1-1 draw with South Africa, but against France they proved they have the ability to add substance to their unquestionable style.

After a cagey approach to the opening 0-0 draw with France, Oscar Tabarez unleashed Diego Forlan to devastating effect against South Africa. Edinson Cavani was brought into partner Luis Suarez up front, with Forlan moving back into the hole, where the Atletico Madrid forward was free to drop deep and influence the game - even netting two goals for his troubles. The formation change also gave Luis Suarez a new lease of life as he created two of Uruguay's goals and the South American's renewed attacking freedom means Mexico's Rafael Marquez will likely be charged with keeping a watchful eye on the in-form Forlan.

Uruguay player to watch: Diego Perez. The unsung hero of the Uruguay side, Perez provides a combatative and steely presence in midfield, doing all the ugly work so the more creative players can flourish. Without Perez, the likes of Diego Forlan, Alvaro Pereira and Luis Suarez would not have the ball to work with; he is a vital cog in the thus far efficient Uruguay machine.

Mexico player to watch: Cuauhtemoc Blanco . At 37 years old, legendary striker Blanco is the oldest player to have appeared at the 2010 finals and has taken up the Roger Milla-esque role of veteran super sub. Having been overlooked for the 2006 World Cup in Germany, the Mexican public were delighted by Javier Aguirre's decision to recall the cult figure to the national team set-up. His goal against France means he has now scored in three finals (1998, 2002 and 2010) and the man who brought us the bunny-hop still has the touch and football brain to cause any team problems.

Key Battle: Guillermo Franco v Diego Lugano. Uruguay have yet to concede at this year's finals, and the presence of defensive colossus and team captain Lugano has been key to their two clean sheets. Imperious in the air and hard in the tackle, Lugano takes no prisoners, which does not bode well for misfiring Mexico striker Guillermo Franco. Having scored in a warm-up game against England, Franco has regressed to the profligate figure West Ham fans were accustomed to watching last season. He does possess good anticipation and seven international goals says that he can score at this level, but he will need something special to escape Lugano's clutches.

Trivia: Seven different players recorded multiple-goal games for Uruguay in its first three trips to the World Cup (1930, 1950, and 1954), including Oscar Miguez, who did it three times. But Diego Forlan was the first Uruguayan player to score twice in a World Cup match since Juan Hohberg scored a brace against Hungary in 1954.

Stats: Mexico striker Javier Hernandez (age 22) and Cauhetemoc Blanco (37) set a record of sorts by scoring against France. Never before had a pair of teammates that far apart in age scored in the same World Cup match.

Odds: Mexico (3.75), Uruguay (4.30), the draw (1.80) are all on offer at Bet365, while Diego Forlan is attractively priced at 6.50 to score the first goal.

Prediction: Though neither side will be keen on facing Argentina, what's more important is that they both progress to the second round. It's a match that seems to scream Latin flair, but in reality will be a tight contest that threatens to end in the draw that both nations need.

France v South Africa

Group A, 14:00 GMT, June 22, 2010

Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, South Africa

It is safe to say that France are in complete disarray. Following their drab 0-0 draw with Uruguay and 2-0 reverse against Mexico, Les Bleus stand on the precipice of a second group stage exit in the last three World Cups. The surprise run to the final in 2006 seems just a distant memory and this time around, Domenech's side do not possess the Zinedine Zidane get-out-of-jail card.

Poor performances on the pitch have been commonplace in the four years since that fateful night in Berlin and in South Africa, there has been no sparkle. Whispers about players being unhappy with much-maligned coach Raymond Domenech have been bubbling under the surface for a while, but they have erupted into the public arena in the past few days.

Nicolas Anelka's alleged foul-mouthed rant at Domenech at half-time in the Mexico game was widely reported and certainly pointed to the sort of unrest that the French Football Federation (FFF) felt was unacceptable. Anelka was sent home but the problem was not solved. The players revolted - refusing to train on Sunday. Perhaps the strangest development in the whole debacle was that Domenech - the victim of Anelka's tirade - was the one to read the statement revealing the players' unhappiness. If the incident provokes the players and coach to be aligned in opposition to the FFF, it could amazingly bring the team closer together.

For South Africa, the end of the road seems near. The Bafana Bafana fans have provided a colourful, passionate presence and will do everything to lift their team going into the final game. But after the opening draw against Mexico, the hosts' world ranking of 83 was exposed fully by Uruguay in a comprehensive 3-0 defeat. Salt was rubbed into South African wounds as goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune was sent-off, with back-up stopper Moeneeb Josephs in line to replace him against France.

It would seem that Carlos Alberto Parreira's side need a miracle, and what they (as well as France) will also be hoping for is a winner in the Mexico v Uruguay game. The miracle could have come in the form of Les Bleus' tumultuous preparation, but changes need to be made to take full advantage, starting with the 4-5-1 formation that has left star striker Katlego Mphela marginalised in the opening two matches.

France player to watch: Thierry Henry. Les Bleus' all-time leading scorer has become a peripheral figure in South Africa; the once mighty captain fantastic seems to have lost his va-va-voom to such an extent that he was an unused substitute against Mexico. But Anelka's departure opens the door for a return to the starting line-up that will likely be encouraged by his team-mates. One of the most talented players of his generation, Henry still possesses the talent to unlock any defence and could yet provide the inspiration to pull France back from the brink.

South Africa player to watch: Reneilwe Letsholonyane. The 'Divine Ponytail' he may not be, but Letsholonyane's locks have been seen bounding up and down the pitch in Bafana Bafana's first two games. Full of energy, he has been a driving force in South Africa's midfield; his ability to close-down opponents when they have the ball and burst forward at pace when his own team are in possession have made him an integral player for Parreira's side.

Key Battle: Abou Diaby v Steven Pienaar. Diaby will have to shoulder the responsibility of being France's midfield ball-winner because of Jeremy Toulalan's suspension, providing a box-to-box presence and some strength in the middle of the park. He will have his hands full facing up to the energy of Letsholonyane and Siphiwe Tshabalala, as well as the guile of Steven Pienaar, who produced one of his most memorable performances at club level against Diaby's Arsenal last season. Pienaar has not lived up to his billing as South Africa's key man thus far but he relishes the big occasion and will hope to prove himself and provide a spark against the French.

Trivia: Uruguay's 3-0 win over South Africa last Wednesday represented the largest margin of victory against a host nation in the group stage in World Cup history.

Stats: Only three hosts have failed to finish among the top eight teams at a World Cup: Spain in 1982 (12th), the United States in 1994 (14th), and Japan in 2002 (9th).

Odds: South Africa (3.25), North Korea (2.30), the draw (3.30) are all on offer at Bet365, while Thierry Henry to score the last goal might be worth a flutter at 7.50.

Prediction: Anelka's removal from the squad and the subsequent player revolt may just spark the sort of siege mentality needed to inspire a struggling France side to victory. South Africa will be no walkovers but their fans will leave Free State Stadium feeling disappointed at Bafana's exit.

Nigeria v South Korea

Group B, 18:30 GMT, June 22, 2010

Durban Stadium, Durban, South Africa


After a comfortable 2-0 victory against Greece in their opening game, South Korea were brought back down to earth in dramatic fashion by an emphatic defeat to a ruthless Argentina side. Huh Jung-Moo's players competed well with the South Americans until the third goal was conceded and there was enough to suggest that they can still get through the group with a positive result.


Led by captain Park Ji-Sung, South Korea proved to be an effective outfit against Greece, combining solid defensive organisation with attacking flair through the likes of Lee Chung-Yong Park Chu-Young. The players will be hurting after the Argentina result, but as long as the sound team ethic remains intact, Huh's side should be able to progress.

Nigeria's task is simple. They must beat South Korea and hope that Argentina defeat Greece. If that happens, they will progress to the second round on goal difference, a reward of sorts for keeping the deficit against Argentina down to a single goal, while South Korea capitulated. The Super Eagles have a team full of talented individuals and against both Argentina and Greece showed great promise in the attacking third, though the main problem has been finishing the chances that have been created. Lars Lagerback's side will need to be at their penetrative best to beat South Korea, but will have the support of a continent hoping that Nigeria don't become the second African side to be eliminated.

South Korea player to watch: Yeom Ki-Hun. One of South Korea's most dangerous outlets, Kim has proved to be effective as either a left-winger in a 4-4-2 formation or as the left-sided forward in an attacking trio alongside Park Ji-Sung and Park Chu-Young. A tricky player with bags of pace, he will be asked to test the inexperienced Nigeria right-back Samuel Inkoom.

Nigeria player to watch: Vincent Enyeama. Nigeria's star at the 2010 finals so far, he has been instrumental in keeping the Super Eagles' defeats respectable, with FIFA naming him man of the match for his displays against both Argentina and Greece. A mistake against the Greeks was overshadowed by numerous other saves and he has displayed consistent catching and shot-stopping ability - as a certain Lionel Messi will testify.

Key Battle: Dickson Etuhu v Kim Jung-Woo. With Sani Kaita suspended, there will be more responsibility for Nigeria's tough-tackling defensive midfielder Etuhu. He struggled to do the job of two men after Kaita was sent-off against Greece but his athleticism and physicality was impressive against Argentina and he will be charged with stifling Park Ji-Sung and playmaker Kim. A busy central midfielder with a very effective pressing game, Kim has the ability to pick a telling pass and comparisons with Paul Scholes are heightened because of his tendency to be booked for rash challenges.

Trivia: On the day after giving up four goals to Argentina, South Korea goalkeeper Jung Sung-Ryong had some good news: his wife giving birth to their new baby boy.

Stats: South Korea has failed to advance from the group stage six times, the third-highest total in World Cup history. The only teams not to advance as often as South Korea are Scotland (8) and Mexico (7).

Odds: Nigeria (3.75), South Korea (2.60), the draw (3.25) are all on offer at Bet365, while Nigeria to lead at half-time but South Korea to win is at 34.00.

Prediction: South Korea were embarrassed by a hugely talented Argentina side, but proved against Greece that they are capable of winning against a side of lesser quality. Nigeria have flattered to deceive so far and it should be the continent of Asia and not Africa that will have a representative advance to the second round.

Greece v Argentina

Group B, 18:30 GMT, June 22, 2010

Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, South Africa


As the half-time whistle approached in Greece's match against Nigeria, Otto Rehhagel's side were staring a group stage exit in the face. But Dimitrios Salpingidis' goal - amazingly Greece's first ever at the World Cup - brought them level and with Nigeria reduced to ten men, the Pirate Ship went on to record an historic victory.

Defeat to South Korea in the opening game was made all the more disappointing because of the tame performance, but it was rectified as Greece mustered a significantly improved display against the Super Eagles to give themselves a chance of progress from Group B. Now Rehhagel, the oldest coach in World Cup history, must mastermind a way past the most intimidating of obstacles, Diego Maradona's Argentina.

Comparing the individuals at both sides' disposal makes for grim reading if you are associated with Greece. The likes of Salpingidis and Theofanis Gekas are certainly no match for Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain on paper, but Rehhagel has made his name by springing the most shocking of upsets. But even if the spirit of Euro 2004 is invoked on Tuesday, one feels it may still not be enough to overcome a hugely impressive Argentina side.

Higuain spurned several opportunities in the narrow 1-0 victory over Nigeria but the Real Madrid striker was at his prolific best in his last outing, netting a hat-trick against South Korea. Argentina have been inspired by the irrepressible Messi, who seems determined to prove that he can succeed where Ronaldinho failed - by proving his credentials as one of the world's best on the biggest stage of them all. For Maradona, it's simply a case of "same again please boys", and if his players heed that call, there is little hope for Greece.

Greece player to watch: Giorgos Karagounis.The"Greek Gattuso", as he is affectionately known, is not just a tenacious midfield dynamo, but the Greeks' creator-in-chief. Capable of playing in either defensive or attacking midfield, Karagounis has drifted between the two roles in the opening two games - looking particularly dangerous in an offensive capacity against Nigeria. Greece are renowned for their ability from set-pieces and Karagounis is the man they rely on to deliver.

Argentina player to watch: Carlos Tevez. The industrious Tevez failed to find the net in the first two fixtures but he has continued to be an effective outlet in harassing opposing defenders. He continues to demonstrate a high work rate and despite Diego Milito and Sergio Aguero waiting in the wings, Tevez's overall contribution to the team should mean he retains his place even if he continues to fire blanks.

Key Battle: Dimitrios Salpingidis v Gabriel Heinze - Salpingidis' purposeful display against Nigeria resulted in the Greece forward netting the equalising goal and he has the potential to be a menace when drifting out to the wings where he will look to exploit Jonas Guttierez's lack of defensive nous and Heinze's lack of pace. Argentina continue to be dominant in attack but it's at the back where question marks remain, with Heinze and defensive partner Martin Demichelis prone to lapses in concentration.

Trivia: There are eight Panathinaikos players in Greece's World Cup squad, the largest representation by one club in any World Cup team. There are three clubs with seven representatives in one World Cup squad: Bayern Munich (Germany), Barcelona (Spain) and April 25 (North Korea).

Stats: Gonzalo Higuain (age 22 years, 189 days) became the youngest player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup match since Florian Albert (20 years, 261 days) against Bulgaria in 1962. Only two other Argentines aged 22 or younger have scored multiple goals in one game at the World Cup: Diego Maradona (age 21) in 1982 and Carlos Peucelle (21) in 1930.

Odds: Greece(6.00), Argentina (1.61), the draw (3.80) are all on offer at Bet365. A 1-0 win for Greece may seem like a long shot but it's priced at 13.00.

Prediction: Greece have to go all-out to win the game and they have proved under Rehhagel before that they are more than capable of holding on to one-goal leads at major tournaments. But their desire to get forward will open them up, and with Messi & Co waiting to pounce, Argentina have more than enough quality to emerge as winners.

Full-time - 90'
Mexico
0 - 1
Uruguay
Group A, 14:00 GMT, June 22, 2010

Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg, South Africa

A first-half goal from Luis Suarez was enough to help Uruguay secure top spot in Group A and progress into second round of the World Cup after a close victory over Mexico, who also qualified.


MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Diego Perez - The man charged with protecting the back four had an exceptional game. Mexico were out in search for a goal which would have guaranteed their qualification, and Perez was on hand throughout to snuff out the attacks.

Mexico verdict: The team which impressed so much in beating France lacked a cutting edge in this game. They have to be thankful that they had a goal difference buffer against South Africa. With Argentina likely to lie in the second round, they face a tough test.

Uruguay verdict: Uruguay always said they would not be defensive as they were eager to finish top and thus book a meeting with the second placed side from Group B, and they did not disappoint. They played on the counter attack and created the better chances. In truth, as soon as they did get the goal they were happy to protect the lead.

Could do better: Guillermo Franco - Showed the touch of a player who has seen little club football with West Ham United in recent months. If he could control the ball then Mexico may not have lost this match.

Stat attack: Luis Suarez has now scored 53 goals in 60 appearances for club and country this season. On the last 20 occasions that Suarez has found the net in all competitions, he has finished on the winning side.


The only goal came two minutes before half-time when Edinson Cavani's superbly floated cross allowed the Ajax striker to head in at the back post.

With hosts South Africa unable to alter the goal difference too much in their 2-1 win over France, the result in Rustenburg also put the nervous Mexicans through.

Their coach Javier Aguirre made two changes to his line-up, bringing in veteran Cuauhtemoc Blanco for his first start in place of the injured Carlos Vela up front, while Andres Guardado was in for the suspended Efrain Juarez.

Uruguay also made one surprise change, with Diego Godin dropping to bench in place of Mauricio Victorino.

There was a buzz in the Royal Bafokeng Stadium at the start, with most of the noise coming from the fans in green, who outnumbered those in blue. But the Mexicans and their supporters were almost silenced early on.

First Maxi Pereira saw his rising 30-yard free-kick fly over, and then an error from Hector Moreno allowed Suarez in but the striker only managed to send his shot across the face of goal.

El Tri had a good chance moments later when Giovani dos Santos crossed for Blanco, but the 37-year-old headed over.

After 15 minutes Victorino managed to find space from a corner but nodded his free header over, before Alvaro Pereira drilled his shot wide after racing down the left - much to the fury of the unmarked Diego Forlan in the box.

Midway through the half, Guardado almost stunned Oscar Tabarez's side with a wicked 30-yard effort that beat Fernando Muslera, but not the underside of the crossbar.

At the other end, Oscar Perez punched weakly at a Forlan cross, but there was no one following up at the back post. The chances seemed to dry up 15 minutes before the break, but then Suarez broke the deadlock.

Aguirre decided to make a change at the break, bringing Pablo Barrera for Guardado. And his side had the first chance of the half courtesy of a Blanco free-kick 25-yards out that was curled into the arms of Muslera.

Uruguay then almost doubled the advantage when Forlan swung over a free-kick from the right, but Diego Lugano's powerful header drew an excellent low save from Perez.

In another attacking move, Israel Castro and Javier Hernandez were thrown in, but it was a defender, Francisco Rodriguez, that had a golden opportunity to equalise from Barrera's cross, which was a glanced header that ended up wide.

Hernandez was next to have a chance, but it was only a half one as he found little room to try and get away a shot in the six-yard box, with the ball deflected for a corner.

The Mexicans again had their goalkeeper Perez to thank in the 87th minute when he parried away and awkward 30-yard Cavani strike for a corner. It proved the last chance for either side as La Celeste held on.

Full-time - 90'
France
1 - 2
South Africa

Group A, 14:00 GMT, June 22, 2010

Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, South Africa

France exited the World Cup at the first round stage with barely a whimper after this humbling defeat by the host nation at the Free State Stadium.


MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Katlego Mphela - The forward was energetic throughout the game and finally showed the form that he had produced in the warm-up games. He put himself in a great position to net the second and was a livewire throughout.

France verdict: Dismal, farcical, embarrassing, chaotic. You could never run out of words to describe France's display at this tournament. France were woeful even before they went down to ten men and didn't get any better. You have to pity Laurent Blanc.

South Africa verdict: After such a poor display in defeat to Uruguay, South Africa can exit the World Cup with pride with victory over the 'mighty' France. They may be the first host country to fail to emerge from their group, but they were never expected to go far. They only go out on goal difference and that, in a way, is a triumph.

Could do better: Franck Ribery - He may have got the assist for Florent Malouda's consolation, but yet again he offered very little for a player of such quality. You would barely think the Bayern Munich player has been in South Africa.

Stat attack: Thierry Henry has drawn level with Fabien Barthez in making the most World Cup appearances in French history (17).


On a day of drama Raymond Domenech stripped Patrice Evra of the captaincy and handed the armband to Alou Diarra instead. Then the coach, set to be replaced by Laurent Blanc, saw his side reduced to 10 men after 26 minutes of this Group A game when Yoann Gourcuff was sent off.

South Africa took advantage with Bongani Khumalo and Katlego Mphela both finding the target. Although Florent Malouda stepped off the bench to pull a goal back France are heading home early.

Evra was dropped after the squad boycotted a training session after striker Nicolas Anelka was expelled following a row with Domenech. The Manchester United full-back cut a lonely figure on the bench on another dreadful day for France.

Yet they could have opened the scoring in the third minute when Gourcuff released Andre-Pierre Gignac. He had a clear sight of goal but only succeeded in drilling a shot into the arms of Moneeb Josephs.

France were rocked in the 20th minute when South Africa made the breakthrough, which led to pandemonium in the stadium. Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris failed to cut out a corner from Siphiwe Tshabalala and Khumalo took advantage to score with a header at the back post.

It might have been worse for the former world champions five minutes later but Mphela dragged a shot narrowly wide of the post.

France's troubles increased, however in the 26th minute when they were reduced to 10 men with Gourcuff sent off by Colombian referee Oscar Ruiz for an aerial challenge on Macbeth Sibaya.

Domenech could not believe what was happening and held his head in frustration at seeing his side down on numbers.

South Africa were growing in confidence and Tshabalala whipped a free-kick over the bar in the 34th minute before they extended their lead three minutes later. Mphela clipped the ball home after being sent up by Bernard Parker with France in disarray at the back.

Steven Pienaar then found the net for South Africa but his effort was disallowed and Mphela saw his shot turned around the post by Lloris.

Malouda was introduced at the start of the second half but France were soon pegged back. Parker sent his shot into arms of Lloris and Mphela's effort clipped the outside of the post.

France could not contain Mphela and the goalkeeper did well to push away his powerful drive in the 58th minute. However South Africa were caught napping in the 70th minute and failed to track Malouda, who pulled a goal back following a cross from Franck Ribery.

That was as good as it got for France, whose only point in the group came against Uruguay.

It was a bitter sweet win for South Africa as they have become the first host nation to be eliminated at the first round stage of the finals.