Full-time - 90'
Nigeria
2 - 2
South Korea

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

Durban Stadium

South Korea clinched a place in the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time on foreign soil despite being held to a draw by Nigeria in their final Group B match in Durban.


MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Park Chu-Young - A constant menace up front, he was South Korea's most inventive player and showed skill and vision in the final third. A great free-kick - which was the first goal from a dead-ball situation that was actually meant - gave him something to remember.

South Korea verdict: Fluent in attack, they created plenty of chances, but there are concerns about their defensive play. Cha Du-Ri was very sloppy for the first goal and the penalty was something the coach will not want to see again. They may trouble Uruguay in attack, but it could be a very open game.

Nigeria verdict: A few good first half an hour, they let the Koreans control the game too much which is why it slipped away from them. That said, the final ten saw them have at least three good chances to seal the win.

Could do better: Yakubu - He may have scored a penalty soon afterwards, but the miss beforehand was one of the worst in World Cup history. Four yards out, with an open goal, all Yakubu had to do was put the ball in the net, but his sidefoot slid wide. Awful.

Stat attack: For all of their attacking efforts, Nigeria only had two shots on target after Uche's goal in the 12th minute.

Kalu Uche opened the scoring for the African team in the 12th minute and almost doubled his side's lead shortly after the half-hour mark but his powerful strike smashed off the near post.

Lee Jung-Soo equalised in the 38th minute and then Park Chu-Young's free-kick early in the second half turned the match on its head.

Korea shot themselves in the foot when substitute Kim Nam-Il brought down Chinedu Obasi inside the area midway through the second half. Ayegbeni Yakubu, having missed the easiest of tap-ins seconds earlier, made amends by restoring parity from the penalty spot.


The outcome sealed second spot in the group for Korea and a second-round match against Uruguay on Saturday in Port Elizabeth. Argentina, who beat Greece 2-0, topped the pool.

Needing a win to progress to the next round, Nigeria coach Lars Lagerback made four changes to his starting XI from the side that lost 2-1 against Greece, one of which saw Portsmouth striker Kanu included after failing to feature in his side's opening two defeats.

South Korea enjoyed a strong start and almost took the lead after two minutes, but Bolton's Lee Chung-Yong directed his close-range effort just wide of the far post.

Shortly after, Celtic midfielder Ki Sung-Yueng's right-footed strike from 25 yards went over the bar as South Korea got closer. But it was Nigeria who took a surprise lead soon after.


In their first purposeful attack, Chidi Odiah went on a superb run and crossed towards the heart of the area, where Uche beat Cha Du-Ri to the ball and fired past Jung Sung-Ryong.


Uche's free-kick went over the bar in the 20th minute and, seconds later, Obasi struck wide from the edge of the area as Nigeria looked to double their lead.

Nigeria were gaining confidence and, on the half-hour mark, Obasi surged inside the area but his central shot was saved by Jung.

Shortly after the half-hour mark, Park Chu-young's free-kick went wide as Korea struggled to find the finishing touch.

But the Koreans did find the equaliser before the break when Ki Sung-Yueng's free-kick towards the far post was met by Lee Jung-Soo, whose first-time finish beat Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.

Both teams went into the break with all to play for. Korea picked up where they left off after the interval and went ahead in the 48th minute. Park Chu-Young's free-kick swerved towards the post and Enyeama failed to get a touch.

Lagerback introduced Obafemi Martins to replace Kanu in the 56th minute in the hope he could spark his team to life. On the hour mark, Yeom Ki-Hun's dangerous cross towards the area found Park Chu-young and his seemingly goalbound strike was met by a fine save from Enyeama.

Nigeria should have pulled level seconds later after Uche set up an unmarked Yakubu, but he inexplicably tapped wide of an open goal from two yards - much to the horror of his team-mates.

Yakubu made amends soon after by firing a spot-kick past Jung.

Park Ji-Sung fired wide of the near post with 15 minutes remaining while, at the other end, Martins surged inside the area and his chip beat Jung but went wide.

Korea defended deeply thereafter but held on for a vital point.

Full-time - 90'
Greece
0 - 2
Argentina

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

Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, South Africa

Defender Martin Demichelis and substitute Martin Palermo succeeded where Argentina's multi-talented strikeforce had failed as they scored the goals to break Greece's resilience and end their World Cup hopes at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.


MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Clemente Rodriguez - The left-back bombed forward at every chance and was a constant threat. Not the first name on the lips when you think of an Argentine defender, but he was excellent and it just goes to show what happens when you play a proper defender as a full-back.

Argentina verdict: Very comfortable on the ball, but they were hardly troubled. Going about their business quietly, Maradona was not forced into making any real decisions as Greece sat back. Argentina only needed a point and they won't have worked up much of a sweat picking up the win.

Greece verdict: Utterly awful. Even when they knew they needed to score goals and win the game, they didn't come out of their shell. Seemed very happy with a small defeat and some may say they showed a disrespect to the competition for playing as they did. They should regret not giving it a go.

Could do better: Otto Rehhagel - The man behind the tactics that bored everyone to death at Euro 2004 was at it again. Greece are by far and away the worst team to watch in the entire competition and Rehhagel really needs to change something if they are to ever be taken seriously.

Stat attack: At one point, Juan Sebastian Veron had more touches of the ball (98) that the top three players on Greece combined (97).


Demichelis fired home from close range in the 77th minute after his header from Lionel Messi's corner bounced back off team-mate Diego Milito. Palermo tapped in the rebound from Messi's shot to complete the victory a minute from time.

It sent Argentina into the knockout phase to face Mexico full of confidence on the back of three successive wins as Greece's best defensive efforts ultimately proved to be in vain. South Korea's 2-2 draw with Nigeria put them through as Group B runners-up.

For long periods Diego Maradona's side were frustrated by Greece, for whom defending is what they do best - having used the tactic to become surprise European champions in 2004.

However, what Otto Rehhagel's side desperately needed more than anything was a goal and despite the unstinting efforts of Celtic striker Georgios Samaras - who at times appeared to be the one in a 10-1 formation - they just did not threaten enough.

Argentina, by contrast, did not really need to exert themselves as they were virtually guaranteed to progress as group winners before the match kicked off. Messi captained the side after Maradona made seven changes from victory over South Korea but found himself closely marked throughout.

Sergio Aguero's first sight of goal saw the busy Alexandros Tzorvas palm his shot away for a corner in the 18th minute and the goalkeeper then immediately had to tip over Juan Sebastian Veron's 30-yard strike.

Tzorvas almost undid all Greece's hard work when he spilled Diego Milito's low cross into the path of Aguero but Loukas Vyntra charged down his shot at the far post.

But he redeemed himself in first-half added time when he saved from Maxi Rodriguez and Messi in quick succession.

Three minutes into the second half Greece almost snatched the lead when Samaras beat Demichelis to another long ball out of defence and raced into the penalty area but drove wide of far post with his left foot - Greece's first shot of the match.

But injuries were not kind to Rehhagel's side as they lost Georgios Karagounis, Konstantinos Katsouranis and Vasileios Torosidis all within 10 minutes of the restart.

Argentina pressed on regardless with Milito inches from heading in a cross from left-back Clemente Rodriguez, who himself hit a dipping shot just wide.

In the 68th minute Messi's long-range free-kick brought another save out of Tzorvas and from the resulting corner the ball dropped to defensive midfielder Mario Bolatti but he shot straight at the goalkeeper from six yards.

It was 24 years to the day since Maradona scored his infamous Hand of God goal against England in the quarter-finals of 1986 Mexico World Cup - Argentina's last triumph at this tournament - and the frustrated players might have felt like indulging in similar skulduggery themselves.

But Demichelis saved anyone the embarrassment by drilling into the roof of the net with 13 minutes to go.

Things opened up after that and Messi smashed a left-footed shot off the post having weaved his way into the penalty area.

His next effort was more productive as Tzorvas parried his strike into the path of the 36-year-old Palermo who took full advantage.

Slovenia v England

Group C, 14:00 GMT, June 23, 2010

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

The preparations for what could be their final game at the World Cup could not have been worse for Fabio Capello's men. 'Clear the air' talks followed their drab 0-0 draw with Algeria and John Terry's press conference where he stated some of his worries over the coach's decisions gained criticism from the media and, indeed, the coach, who called it a ''very big mistake''.


Add in Wayne Rooney being forced to apologise for his rant at fans after the game, plus injury and suspension crippling the centre of defence and it has not been a happy trip to South Africa thus far for England. A lack of ambition and creativity has been in evidence since Emile Heskey slipped the ball to Steven Gerrard to score their first goal just four minutes into their campaign and calls have come for Joe Cole to be introduced on the left in a 4-3-3 formation. Certainly, changes will come, and Capello won't underestimate England's opponents with the side he eventually picks.

The Italian could hand Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe his first start at the Finals after he paired the striker with Rooney in a crucial training session ahead of the match.

Slovenia are the shock leaders of Group C after they dismissed Algeria thanks to another goalkeeping error and then held the USA to a 2-2 draw. Confidence may have ebbed after their second-half performance against the States saw them surrender a two-goal lead, but they can take great heart from an attacking performance that had many observers in awe of their skill and team spirit.

While Slovenia can seal their progress to the second round with a point, England need to win to be certain of progressing. In fact, they desperately need to win as nothing less than a 3-3 draw would get them through if the USA somehow contrives to draw 0-0 with Algeria. Any US win, plus an England draw and the Three Lions go home in disgrace.

Slovenia player to watch: Miso Brecko. The right-back had an excellent first half against the USA, but things slipped in the second and he will be under the microscope to attack the frailties on England's left flank. He has stated that Ashley Cole is one of his role models, and will come into direct competition with the Chelsea defender as he bombs down the wing, but will have to be at his very best to stop the threat offered at the other end.

England player to watch: Matthew Upson. With Ledley King injured and Jamie Carragher suspended, the pressure falls on the West Ham man to quickly form a good partnership with Terry at the heart of the defence. Strong in the air and a committed tackler, he is not blessed with great pace but is seen as a better option than the young Michael Dawson. West Ham players have not had the best of luck in the tournament so far - Robert Green and Valon Behrami in particular - so Upson will have to battle hard to turn his side's fortunes around.

Key Battle: Marko Suler v Wayne Rooney. For nearly 50 minutes against the USA, Suler looked composed and comfortable snuffing out any attacking surges with good positioning and committed aerial play. However, as the Slovenians sat back, they were more exposed and Suler's influence waned. He will find Rooney a far tougher prospect that other strikers in the group but the Manchester United man has failed to find the back of the net in over 10 hours of action for England. Rooney's form for his country is the subject of much debate in the English media, as is his temperament for the big occasion, but if the Three Lions have any hopes of qualifying they will need him back at his best.

Trivia: In 1950, England were famously humiliated by USA - they lost to Spain and victory over Chile didn't see them qualify - while in 1958, England drew with Brazil, Soviet Union and Austria and then lost a play-off to the Soviets. These are the only two occasions England have not escaped the group stage.

Stats: England have failed to win any of their last five first round matches against a fellow European side, while Slovenia have lost just one of their last nine international games since losing 2-1 to England in a friendly in September 2009, winning seven of these matches.

Odds: Slovenia (7.50), England (1.44) and a draw (4.33) are all available at Bet 365, but Frank Lampard to score first could come in at 7.50.

Prediction: England surely can't be as bad they were against Algeria and knowing they have to win could be the spark they need to get the result. Nothing else is good enough.

United States v Algeria

Group C, 14:00 GMT, June 23, 2010

Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria, South Africa

The stakes are high, as a win in this game for either side will seal their progress to the next round if England fail to beat Slovenia. The odds are stacked towards the USA as they have made it to the second round three times in their history, while Algeria have never progressed that far.

With a second-half performance in the 2-2 draw against Slovenia to take heart from, the USA's biggest challenge will be to banish the painful memory of the first half, and also ignore the vitriol spouted in the press from the disallowed goal that would have put them in a much better position to qualify. How they react in their first foray back onto the pitch since that incident will be key to their hopes of qualification, but they have a good recent record against African sides, winning two out of two and keeping a clean sheet in the process.

Underdogs Algeria have only hit the back of the net once in six games (from a penalty) and have lost their only games against CONCACAF opponents in the past. If the Algerians can manage to overcome the striking issues that have seen them fail in front of goal then a famous win could be on the cards, but the USA will be fully focused on righting the wrongs of the previous game.

USA player to watch: Landon Donovan. Donovan is the all-time top-scorer for the United States with 43 goals in 125 caps and will equal the USA's all-time record of 11 appearances at the World Cup finals, currently held by Cobi Jones and Earnest Stewart. His pace and vision were wasted in the first half against Slovenia, but he played a vital part in the turnaround and will, once again, be the most important player for the side in the attacking third.

Algeria player to watch: Rais M'Bolhi. Having overtaken the unpredictable Faouzi Chaouchi in the starting line-up following his error against Slovenia in the opener, M'Bolhi was a solid performer against England even though he was not tested to his fullest extent. Just 24, the experience has done him the world of good and if the Algerians have realistic hopes of beating the USA and making it to the next stage, he will have to be on top form.

Key Battle: Jozy Altidore v Rafik Halliche. The focal point of the USA attack, Altidore has not lit up the World Cup thus far, but has always had an impact on the games. Having recovered fully from injury that hindered his preparations, Altidore's strength and pace up front will be a test for his opponents. Halliche was one of the stars of the African Cup of Nations and, brave and strong, will not be easy to get past. He also has youth on his side, so it could be an intriguing battle.

Trivia: Since the 1950 World Cup, the United States have lost all of their third and final matches in the opening group stage.

Stats: Algeria have scored just once in their last six matches - a penalty against the United Arab Emirates in a World Cup warm-up.

Odds: USA (2.00), Algeria (3.75) and a draw (3.50) are all available at Bet 365, but a 2-0 win for the USA comes in at 9.00.

Prediction: Algeria are tough to break down but offer little in attack. As long as Bradley gets his tactics right, they should have enough to score and pick up the win.

Ghana v Germany

Group D, 18:30 GMT, June 23, 2010

Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa


The eyes of the African continent will be focused on Ghana as their only representative with a realistic chance of making it to the second round. After some good displays in their win and draw thus far, facing the experienced Germans in their final game is a tall order, but not one that is beyond them.


Having coped admirably with the loss of Michael Essien before the tournament, Ghana have impressed more than any other African side with their style of football and won't be expected to lie down as Germany look to rebuild their form after a crushing defeat to Serbia.

In fact, the Germans are under a great deal of pressure as a point will not be enough to secure their progress if, as expected, Serbia beat Australia. And they must manage without Miroslav Klose, who was sent off for a second yellow card against the Serbs as well. Coach Joachim Low has targeted the Africans' fitness and stamina as something to watch out for and revealed that ''fitness is written with a capital 'F' in the Germany squad'' so he remains confident of progress.

Ghana player to watch: Kevin-Prince Boateng. The focal point of Germany's anger before the World Cup as he injured Michael Ballack in the FA Cup final - thus ruling the Chelsea midfielder out of the tournament - Boateng actually spurned Germany's advances and chose to play for Ghana before the tournament as well. You couldn't write such a story but, amidst some loud booing from the German fans, he will surely have an impact on the match.

Germany player to watch: Bastian Schweinsteiger. If the Germans are to make it through the group, the Bayern man will have to show a lot more than he did against Serbia. Often caught up in a heated discussion, Schweinsteiger's head has to keep cool against a physical Ghanaian side, but he has shown in the past that he has the experience and skill to rise to the big occasion.

Key Battle: Asamoah Gyan v Per Mertesacker. Gyan has netted 50% of Ghana's goals in the World Cup so far (three out of six) and uses his pace and strength up front to cause problems for defenders. One of the star performers at this tournament, his nerve from the penalty spot has been tested already and he has shown no fear in his attacking forays; but he comes up against a 6' 5'' defender that won't shirk a physical challenge. Mertesacker oozes class on the ball and has the positional sense to make vital interceptions with his giant frame. He will have to cover if Ghana choose to attack the right side of defence (and 5' 7'' Philipp Lahm) from the air.

Trivia: Germany have won their final group matches in the last four World Cup tournaments, without conceding a single goal in the last three and, before Serbia, had not lost a group game in 24 years. In the preliminary stages of the 1986 World Cup they were beaten 2-0 by Denmark.

Stats: Germany have won all of their last 11 games against a non-European or South American side at the World Cup finals, keeping a clean sheet in five of the last six of these; while the last three goals scored by Ghana in the World Cup have all come from the penalty spot.

Odds: Ghana (6.00), Germany (1.53) and a draw (4.20) are all available at Bet 365, but Asamoah Gyan to score first and Germany to win 2-1 gets you 81.00

Prediction: Ghana have the passion, the support and a burning desire to make an impact on their own continent, but Germany are ruthless and experienced in this situation and it would be a shock if they didn't progress.

Australia v Serbia

Group D, 18:30 GMT, June 23, 2010

Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit, South Africa

With both sides suffering some discipline issues so far this tournament, the time for cool heads is now as both sides have a mathematical chance of getting through. If Germany lose, then whoever wins this match will take the second spot behind Ghana, so there is all to play for.


Serbia will certainly be favourites as they upset the odds to beat ten-man Germany - although they rode their luck and had a missed penalty to thank for their win. A strong spine of established players like Nikola Zigic, Milos Krasic and Nemanja Vidic give them a good chance of making it to the second round.

However, the Socceroos showed their resilience in drawing 1-1 with Ghana after having Harry Kewell sent off. It was their second red card in as many games and while Kewell won't be available, they will have Tim Cahill back and raring to go after his sending off in their opener.

Australia player to watch: Brett Holman. Having become the youngest ever goalscorer for Australia in the World Cup, beating Tim Cahill by 105 days, Holman's star is on the rise and he has become an important part of the Socceroos' setup. Strong, quick and aggressive, he could be the key to the attacking ambitions of the side.

Serbia player to watch: Dejan Stankovic. He has not fulfilled the hype he was given before the tournament, but the Inter Milan midfielder is never one to let his side down and he will make the most of the space he is afforded by the Australian midfield. His defensive role means he doesn't get as far forward as he does for his club, but he is still a threat from free-kicks and will look to give his team-mates a platform on which to build.

Key Battle: Tim Cahill v Nemanja Vidic. Having had a nice rest for a game, Cahill will be back and ready for action against the Serbs. Likely to play in an advanced attacking role, the Everton midfielder will come up against Vidic on more than one occasion and the duel in the air will be crucial. Cahill, for his height, is excellent in the air, but there are few better than Man Utd's Vidic. It will be a tough battle, but whoever wins it could impact on the result.

Trivia: Australia have only ever had foreign coaches at the World Cup. Yugoslavian Rale Rasic in 1974 and Dutchmen Guus Hiddink in 2006 followed by Pim Verbeek in 2010.

Stats: The entire first-choice defence for Serbia have kept a clean sheet in six of their last ten internationals.

Odds: Australia (4.20), Serbia (1.90) and a draw (3.50) are all available at Bet 365, but Tim Cahill to score first comes in at 9.00.

Prediction: With a place in the second round potentially up for grabs, and a possible clash with England, both sides should go all-out to win and Serbia might just have too much for Australia to cope with.

My Tips tonight to win their matches

England
USA
Germany
Australia

4 Leg multi = 12/1 for $1

GO THE SOCCEROOS !!!!!!!

Full-time - 90'
Slovenia
0 - 1
England

Group C, 14:00 GMT, June 23, 2010

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Fabio Capello's decision to drop Emile Heskey and start Jermain Defoe paid off against Slovenia as the striker volleyed home to seal England's progress with a 1-0 win in Port Elizabeth.


MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: James Milner - Made a shaky start but quickly recovered to provide an invaluable outlet on the right for England. His cross led to Jermain Defoe's goal and he combined well on the flank with Glen Johnson, both in attack and defence. A tireless performance. Honourable mentions must also go to John Terry and Steven Gerrard.

Slovenia verdict: Posed a threat from set pieces and kept England goalkeeper David James on his toes with some long-range strikes. Played a counter-attacking game and fought until the end to contribute to a nerve-jangling finale.

England verdict: After an understandably nervous start England got into the groove and rediscovered the form of old. For a 20-minute spell after half-time they looked like genuine world beaters and should have added to their goal tally - Wayne Rooney hit the post and Slovenia goalkeeper Samir Handanovic made string of good saves.

Could do better: Matthew Upson - Looked a little lumbering in defence and didn't catch the eye until a last-ditch tackle denied Slovenia an almost certain equaliser late on. Before that, he was a spectator to Terry's combative heroics.

Stat attack: Jermain Defoe's last goal for England was also against Slovenia on September 5, 2009.

Landon Donovan's injury-time effort in Pretoria meant the outcome was not exactly what England wanted in Group C, as it means they finish second and leaves them in the same quarter of the draw as Diego Maradona's dangerous Argentinians. But the main thing is they are still there.

With the notable exception of Wayne Rooney, who did not look impressed to be replaced by Joe Cole, and the fact their goals difference read only one, England found themselves again, producing all the verve and fire their manager knows they are so capable of.

Days of rancour gave way to the sheer exhilaration of seeing a team play in the manner of old and though their profligacy ensured there were some nervy moments to survive before victory could be achieved, in the end they made it.

The men who combined to give England that crucial, crucial goal were both exorcising a personal ghost.

It has almost been forgotten it is so long ago but right at the beginning of England's World Cup, Defoe was a starter for Capello.

Hauled off after a goalless 45 minutes against Andorra in Barcelona, Defoe was condemned to the role of impact substitute for the remainder of the qualifiers, admittedly scoring three times in the process.

Milner's wound is much fresher. Always a Capello favourite, the Aston Villa man was asked to plug a hole on the left of England's midfield for the opening encounter with the United States.

Given a right old chasing by Carlos Bocanegra, the 24-year-old was hauled off after half an hour and must have wondered if he would see any more action in South Africa.

Capello is intensely loyal though. Deciding he needed more solidity defensively than Aaron Lennon can provide, the Italian turned to Milner for the right-sided role.

His early contribution was riddled with mistakes. But the cross he swung deep into the Slovenia box midway through that opening period was almost Beckham-esque.

Defoe had made his way into the danger zone, like any instinctive marksman would, got just in front of Marko Suler and stuck out his leg, prodding the ball goalwards with enough power to get it past Samir Handanovic, who did nearly make a save.

It had taken Defoe 23 minutes to achieve what Heskey had managed once in eight years; a competitive goal.

Visibly, the pressure lifted from English shoulders. The high-tempo, quick passing, tigerish pressing game Capello had yearned for, and which temperatures of a South African winter suit so well suddenly appeared, and so did the opportunities.

Frank Lampard and skipper Steven Gerrard had the first couple before half-time, the Liverpool man knowing he would have scored if he had put more power behind a side-footed effort that failed to beat Handanovic after a hitherto quiet Rooney had provided the superb square ball.

Capello cut a frustrated figure when, eight yards out and completely unmarked, Defoe made no contact after Barry had lofted a pass into a Slovenia penalty area in a state of confusion thanks to some selfless running from Rooney.

John Terry brought a brilliant save out of Handanovic when he rose to meet Barry's corner at the far post before Rooney struck the base of a post after his unchecked run into the penalty area had been spotted by Lampard.

It was sumptuous fare lifted directly from the Premier League, the kind of football that prompted Capello to make his "crazy'' claim that England could reach the final of this grand and prestigious tournament in Soccer City on July 11.

In a week for apologies and forgiveness, the England supporters responded by showing they bore no hard feelings for Rooney's rant in Cape Town by chanting his name with gusto, although on the second occasion it was for their talisman's exit - unhappily - to make way for Joe Cole to make his long-awaited bow.

Amid the euphoria at finding a team, one fairly large problem was being overlooked. England's lead remained stuck at one and could so easily be snatched away.

Had first Terry, then Glen Johnson, not thrown themselves in front of Slovenian shots, the smallest country in the tournament would have had their equaliser and England would have been out.

For Slovenia, events elsewhere would give them cause for huge regret. For England, pride was restored - and a sigh of relief could be breathed.

Full-time - 90'
United States
1 - 0
Algeria

Group C, 14:00 GMT, June 23, 2010

Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria, South Africa

USA have topped Group C as Landon Donovan hit a late winner against Algeria to give them a 1-0 win. Clint Dempsey's first-half goal was wrongly ruled out for offside but Donovan struck with seconds left to leapfrog England.


MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Michael Bradley - A solid all-round performance from the coach's son. He looked inventive on the ball and provided a creative presence in midfield, though he also worked hard. He showed plenty of industry in chasing back and breaking up possession when Algeria had the ball in what was an impressive box-to-box display.

USA verdict: By far and away the better team, it seemed that USA's profligacy would cost them after both Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey were guilty of missing clear-cut chances. But Landon Donovan popped up late on to save their tournament and ensure Bob Bradley's side top the group.

Algeria verdict: Started brightly, with Rafik Djebbour hitting the bar in first ten minutes, but after that they were dominated by their opponents. Looked shaky at the back and were reduced to ambitious efforts from distance as they fell limply out of the tournament. Nadir Belhadj was once again one of Algeria's star performers along with Karim Ziani, but there were few positives to take out of this one for the Desert Foxes.

Could do better: Assistant referee - For the second game in a row, USA were denied a goal by a poor decision from the match official. On this occasion, the assistant referee ruled Clint Dempsey's first-half strike offside, despite the fact that replays showed Majid Bougherra to be playing him on.

Stat attack: This was USA's first World Cup clean sheet since their 1-0 win over England back in 1950.

The United States, watched on by former President Bill Clinton, dominated for large periods and created a host of chances but looked set to be denied by a mixture of the woodwork, good goalkeeping and poor finishing.

However, Donovan popped up right at the end to slot into the net and send the Americans through as Group C winners ahead of England, who beat Slovenia in the other game. USA will now play the second-placed team from Group D, which includes Ghana, Germany, Serbia and Australia.

Algeria, who have never progressed to the second round of the World Cup, hit the woodwork early on and created a couple of other chances but were unable to net their first goal of the finals as they tumbled out.

They also finished with 10 men after captain Anthar Yahia was sent off for a second booking late on in Pretoria.

Algeria coach Rabah Saadane, knowing his side could not afford a third successive match without a goal, made one change to the team that held England 0-0, bringing in AEK Athens striker Rafik Djebbour for Ryad Boudebouz.

USA boss Bob Bradley, meanwhile, made three changes. Algeria started brightly and almost took the lead in the sixth minute when Djebbour rattled the crossbar.

US defender Jay DeMerit failed to cut out a long punt forward and Djebbour stole in behind him, controlled the ball on his chest before smashing a volley against the crossbar from 12 yards out.

It was also a big let-off for the Americans, but Bradley's side would return the favour with interest during the remainder of the period as they spurned a number of good chances themselves.

Herculez Gomez brought a save out of Rais M'Bohli, before the US thought they had taken the lead in the 20th minute when Gomez, having seen his first effort saved, saw his cross-shot turned in at the far post by Clint Dempsey. However, the effort was chalked off for a marginal offside that seemed questionable.

The Americans were denied a winning goal in their last match against Slovenia when Maurice Edu's late strike was controversially disallowed, but it was not to prove as decisive a decision this time round.

After a slow start USA were starting to look increasingly dangerous and they created two great chances around the 35th minute.

Dempsey saw the first saved by M'Bohli after being put through by a great pass by Donovan, and then Jozy Altidore blazed horribly over after the influential Donovan had dinked the ball past M'Bohli to set up a magnificent opening.

The Desert Foxes were still posing problems of their own though, and Karim Matmour earned a corner after testing Tim Howard with a long-range thunderbolt as the half ended in stalemate.

With England leading Slovenia in the other game, both USA and Algeria were on their way out of the World Cup at the interval.

The Americans should have improved their lot in the 56th minute though as they spurned another great chance. The ball fell invitingly for Dempsey on the edge of the box, but his shot rebounded back off the inside of the far post before the Fulham midfielder sliced the rebound wide with the goal gaping.

Bradley's side continued to dominate and Benny Feilhaber went close before his fellow substitute Edson Buddle powered a header straight at M'Bohli from five yards out.

Algeria briefly stemmed the one-way traffic when Karim Ziani dragged a shot wide from a good chance in the 69th minute, but otherwise it was largely all USA.

The Desert Foxes had a late chance to snatch what could have been a winner when Rafik Saifi headed straight at Howard, and moments after that the US claimed the victory.

Dempsey was just unable to slot home after a breakaway attack, but the ball fell kindly for Donovan who slotted into a gaping net from close range.

That proved to be the winner and demoralised Algeria would end the game with 10 men when Yahia was dismissed soon after.

Full-time - 90'
Ghana
0 - 1
Germany

Group D, 18:30 GMT, June 23, 2010

Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa

A terrific strike from Mesut Ozil gave Germany a 1-0 win over Ghana and put them into top spot in Group D, where they will face England in the second round. The result also puts Ghana through, as Serbia failed to win.


MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Mesut Ozil - The forward was involved in most of Germany's good work and toiled tirelessly up front. He was a constant thorn in the side of the Ghana defence and scored the goal to send his side into the next round.

Ghana verdict: Started the match in a very lively manner and created some good chances, but lacked a real clinical finsher up front. The Black Stars looked like they tired after the break and then clearly settled for second place as results came in from elsewhere.

Germany verdict: A good performance, but there are worries at the back for Die Mannschaft, who were torn apart by Ghana early on. However, Joachim Low's side plugged away and deserved their win after showing much more guile than their opponents in the final third.

Could do better: Cacau - Only got into the side because Miroslav Klose was suspended and is highly unlikely to retain his place after failing to seize his chance. The VfB Stuttgart was also sloppy in possession.

Stat attack: Mesut Ozil's strike was the first German goal scored from outside the 18-yard box.

The win for Joachim Low's side took them to the top of Group D and means they will face England in Bloemfontein on Sunday afternoon, while Ghana ensured African representation in the knockout phase by edging out Australia on goal difference. The Black Stars will now take on the United States in Rustenburg.

Germany created the first chance when Brazil-born Cacau, in for the suspended Miroslav Klose, broke through in the third minute but his low shot was easily gathered by Richard Kingson in the Ghana goal.

The German contingent were jeering any touch for Berlin-born Kevin-Prince Boateng, whose tackle on Michael Ballack in the FA Cup final last month ruled the Germany star out of the World Cup. However, the Portsmouth man was able to tune out from it and one incisive ball to Gyan should have led to a chance, but the Rennes forward's first touch was poor.

Kingson then had to react quickly at his near post as Anthony Annan deflected a Lukas Podolski cross from the left goalwards in the 10th minute, and at the other end a clever ball from Kwadwo Asamoah played in the advancing Boateng but Bastian Schweinsteiger did enough to cut out his cutback to Gyan.

The game was finely poised and Andre Ayew hesitated when a chance to shoot presented itself, and Ozil wasted a good opportunity for Germany when played in by Cacau as his shot was blocked by the legs of Kingson.

Gyan's glancing header from a corner was shepherded away from the goalline by Germany captain Philipp Lahm, although replays suggested he perhaps used his arm to initially keep it out.

Cacau was next to go close, hooking a shot on target after a clever flick from Sami Khedira which Kingson got down well to save.

Ghana were proving more than a match for the Germans and Boateng was just unable to get meaningful contact on an Ayew cross from the right.

Ayew was then unlucky to be booked for a challenge on Cacau and Schweinsteiger's resulting free-kick drifted all the way through to Kingson, who needed to push it away from danger.

Ghana created a golden opening early in the second period as Asamoah burst through, but his weak effort was blocked by the onrushing Manuel Neuer.

It was a costly miss as Thomas Muller found Ozil in space outside the area and he flashed a left-foot shot beyond Kingson on the hour mark to take Germany to the top of the group.

For the first time in the game Ghana had been slow to close down their opponents but their response was positive at least as Gyan header goalwards was blocked for a corner by Germany defender Jerome Boateng, the half-brother of Kevin-Prince.

Lahm made a crucial block to deny Ayew after Gyan back-heeled the ball into the path of the onrushing midfielder but Germany were not sitting on their lead and Cacau drilled a long-range shot goalwards which Kingson parried away awkwardly.

Ghana continued to press without creating too many clear-cut openings and Neuer was given a rare test by an Annan shot, although it appeared with Australia beating Serbia both teams were happy enough if the result stood and the last few minutes were played out uneventfully.