World Cup 2010 Blog: “Group F Liveblog: Italy vs Slovakia, Paraguay vs New Zealand” plus 9 more

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• Group F Liveblog: Italy vs Slovakia, Paraguay vs New Zealand
• Round of 16 Qualification Scenarios: Group H
• Round of 16 Qualification Scenarios: Group G
• Preview: Cameroon vs. Netherlands
• Preview: Slovakia vs. Italy
• Preview: Denmark vs. Japan
• Preview: Paraguay vs. New Zealand
• England Solve The Problem With Booze
• Match Review & Highlights: Germany 1 – Ghana 0
• Match Review & Highlights: Australia 2-1 Serbia

Group F Liveblog: Italy vs Slovakia, Paraguay vs New Zealand Posted: 24 Jun 2010 05:43 AM PDT Welcome to the liveblog for the final round of Group F games. Because apparently F comes before E. Who knew? It’s Italy vs Slovakia and Paraguay vs New Zealand. Paraguay are in the VIP seats with four points, everyone else will be checking their calculators. Follow the double liveblog of both games below…

Round of 16 Qualification Scenarios: Group H Posted: 24 Jun 2010 04:21 AM PDT This is the last in our series of posts about what each of the 32 World Cup teams need to make it through to the first knockout round. Last on our list is Group H, a group that most thought would be fairly straightforward, at least at the top. But when Switzerland beat Spain, that all changed. Now, almost anything could happen on the last day. Group H is: Chile, Honduras, Spain and Switzerland Remaining matches: Chile vs. Spain and Switzerland vs. Honduras Chile 6 points from 2 matches, +2 goal difference Chile wins the group with: * Any win or draw with Spain (regardless of other result) Chile qualifies in second place with: * A loss to Spain combined with any Honduras win or Switzerland-Honduras draw * A loss to Spain combined with a Swiss win that leaves Chile ahead of Switzerland on goal difference / tie-breakers. Spain 3 points from 2 matches, +1 goal difference Spain can win the group with: * A win over Chile, combined with a Honduras win or draw in the other match. ( Spain beats Chile on tie-breakers with any win ) * A win over Chile, combined with a Switzerland win that leaves Spain above Switzerland on goal difference / tie-breakers. Spain can qualify in second with: * Any win over Chile (regardless of other result) * A draw with Chile, combined with a Honduras win or draw in the other match. * A loss to Chile, combined with a Honduras win that leaves Spain ahead of Honduras and Switzerland on goal difference / tie-breakers. Switzerland 3 points from 2 matches, 0 goal difference Switzerland can win the group with: * A win over Honduras combined with a Spain win that leaves Switzerland ahead of Spain and Chile on goal difference / tie-breakers. Switzerland can qualify in second with: * A win over Honduras, combined with a draw or Chile win in the other match. * A win over Honduras, combined with a Spain win that leaves Switzerland ahead of Chile on goal difference / tie-breakers. * A draw with Honduras, combined with a Chile win over Spain. * A loss to Honduras, combined with a Chile win over Spain that leaves Switzerland ahead of both Spain and Honduras on goal difference / tie-breakers. Honduras 0 points from 2 matches, -3 goal difference Honduras cannot win the group Honduras can qualify second in the group with: * A win over Switzerland, combined with a Chile win over Spain that leaves Honduras ahead of both Spain and Switzerland on goal difference / tie-breakers.

Round of 16 Qualification Scenarios: Group G Posted: 24 Jun 2010 03:24 AM PDT We’re halfway through the last round of group matches in World Cup 2010, and 8 teams now know their fixtures in the Round of 16. In two days, we will know all 16, so we are going through each group and outlining how each side can (or can’t) make it through. Today, it’s the turn of Group G: Brazil, Ivory Coast, Portugal and North Korea. Remaining matches: Portugal vs. Brazil and North Korea vs. Ivory Coast This one is actually pretty simple: Anything but a massive Brazil win and Ivory Coast win combo, and Brazil and Portugal go through. Brazil 6 points from 2 matches; +3 goal difference Brazil has already qualified for the Round of 16 Brazil can win the group with: * Any win or draw with Portugal (regardless of other result) Portugal 4 points from 2 matches; +7 goal difference Portugal can win the group with: * Any win over Brazil (regardless of other result) Portugal can qualify in second place with: * Any draw with Brazil (regardless of other result) * A loss to Brazil, combined with a North Korea win or draw in the other match. * A loss to Brazil, combined with an Ivory Coast win that still leaves Portugal ahead of Ivory Coast on goal difference / tie-breakers (currently 9 goals ahead). Ivory Coast 1 point from 2 matches, -2 goal difference Ivory Coast cannot win the group Ivory Coast can qualify in second place with: * A win over North Korea combined with a Brazil win over Portugal which leaves Ivory Coast ahead of Portugal on goal difference (currently 9 goals behind). North Korea 0 points from 2 matches, -8 goal difference North Korea are already eliminated from qualification

Preview: Cameroon vs. Netherlands Posted: 23 Jun 2010 08:00 PM PDT THE BIG PICTURE Cameroon have had a horror of a World Cup, the kind of World Cup only France could admire. Coming in as the highest ranked African side in the tournament, Eto’o and company were expected to make waves. Instead, after losing their first two matches to Japan and Denmark, they were the first country to be eliminated from the tournament. The Dutch have had a different sort of start, but still not the one they hoped for. They have won their two matches, and they have kept two clean sheets, but they’ve been unconvincing. They’ve lacked the big, impressive win that Portugal and Germany have put up as proof of their status as contenders. But like Spain, everyone knows they have cards they haven’t yet shown, and that’s intimidating. WHAT’S AT STAKE Not a whole lot. The Dutch need at most a point to win Group E, and need nothing at all to qualify. Cameroon, on the other hand, have nothing tournament-wise to play for. But in their last match of the first African World Cup, they have plenty of reason to want to finish well. Bet on Cameroon vs. Netherlands OUR PREDICTION The numbers say Dutch win, by a lot. They are aching for a breakout performance, and the way Cameroon has defended at times, there’s a chance they’ll get it. But there’s also a decent chance that Cameroon will want to come out and give the Oranje a game, and make sure that their World Cup isn’t a pure disaster. I’m going to go out on a limb and say a 1-1 draw … until the last five minutes, when the Dutch get a winner. 2-1. FAN RESOURCES   Cameroon Cameroon Football Blog | Follow on Facebook | Follow on Twitter Cameroon World Cup Jerseys | Cameroon Tickets   Netherlands Netherlands Team Blog | Follow on Facebook | Follow on Twitter Netherlands Jerseys | Netherlands World Cup Tickets

Preview: Slovakia vs. Italy Posted: 23 Jun 2010 08:00 PM PDT THE BIG PICTURE Italy are defending champions, and like most defending champions that aren’t Brazil, almost no one is picking them to repeat. Their performances against Paraguay and especially New Zealand, resulting in a grand total of two points, won’t be making their odds any shorter. The Azzurri have taken on the team widely considered to be the other group favorite (Paraguay), and they have taken on the one expected (wrongly) to be the whipping boy (New Zealand). Now they face the Goldilocks team of Group F, Slovakia. Drawing with New Zealand and being soundly beaten by Paraguay should make Slovakia an underdog against the holders, but it really all comes down to which Italy decides to show up on the day. A not unfamiliar concept for Italy fans. WHAT’S AT STAKE Everything. They can’t win the group without help from the other match, but a win here would guarantee qualification and at least get them over the tournament’s first obstacle. They are a side known for slow starting, and in a knockout match, they are still dangerous. For Slovakia, even a win doesn’t necessarily guarantee qualification. The long and the short of it is – neither can afford to lose it. It might as well be a knockout. >> Read more about the Group F qualification scenario Bet on Slovakia vs. Italy OUR PREDICTION Italy is without Buffon, might still be without Pirlo, and is a side desperately seeking its old mojo. I honestly don’t see them as a semifinal contender, but they should have enough to get past Slovakia. If the Azzurri’s goalscoring woes continue, then a draw is possible, but I’ll say 2-0 to Italy. FAN RESOURCES   Slovakia Slovakia Team Blog | Follow on Facebook | Follow on Twitter Slovakia Football Jerseys | Slovakia Tickets   Italy Italy World Cup Blog | Follow on Facebook | Follow on Twitter Italy Soccer Jerseys | Italy World Cup Tickets

Preview: Denmark vs. Japan Posted: 23 Jun 2010 04:28 PM PDT THE BIG PICTURE Two teams, one spot. For the first time this World Cup, two teams will play one another with the result of the game and that game alone deciding life and death. Japan will be the happier of the two going in, with a stingy defensive performance against the Dutch, the only blemish yet another goalkeeping error. For the second straight game they were defensively excellent, continually turning away Oranje advances. Luckily that’s all they’ll need – a tie will do – because the attack is improving, but still limp. Denmark will be less pleased, even if they gave the neutrals one of the best shows South Africa has offered yet. In stark contrast to Japan, the Danish defense was offering up holes the size of Greenland – they were just fortunate Cameroon were doing the same, eventually falling to the blazing speed of Dennis Rommedahl and friends. A defense with little attack and an attack a disappointing defense. The World Cup at its finest. WHAT’S AT STAKE Barring a stunning upset of Cameroon over the Netherlands, the prize is second place and a likely dance with Paraguay. Japan 3 points from 2 matches, 0 goal differential Win the group with: * A win against Denmark, combined with a Cameroon win that leaves Japan above Netherlands on goal difference / tie-breakers. Qualify with above scenario plus: * Any win or draw against Denmark (regardless of other result) Denmark 3 points from 2 matches, -1 goal differential Win the group with: * A win against Japan, combined with a Cameroon win that leaves Denmark above Netherlands on goal difference / tie-breakers. Qualify with above scenario plus: * Any win against Japan (regardless of other result) Full Group E scenarios. Bet on Denmark vs. Japan OUR PREDICTION Japan’s defense and tactical organization is a far, far cry from the one Denmark faced in their second game, but the Danish back isn’t nearly as bad as it played either – even if they’ll be missing Simon Kjaer. This game has nil-nil written all over it with a defensive Japanese performance, which means a 1-1, sending Japan through, sounds about right for this World Cup. FAN RESOURCES   Denmark Denmark Team Blog | Follow on Facebook | Follow on Twitter Denmark Football Jerseys | Denmark World Cup Tickets   Japan Japan World Cup Blog | Follow on Facebook | Follow on Twitter Japan Soccer Shirts | Japan World Cup Tickets

Preview: Paraguay vs. New Zealand Posted: 23 Jun 2010 03:02 PM PDT THE BIG PICTURE This New Zealand team has already accomplished more than anyone ever expected of them at World Cup 2010, earning 1-1 draws with both Slovakia and Italy. So the All Whites coulse 400-0 to Paraguay and still go home as heroes. But with two points from two games, New Zealand still has a chance of making it out of Group F. All they have to do is beat Paraguay. Paraguay won’t be keen on that, and more than likely won’t let it happen. After a draw against Italy and a win over Slovakia, Paraguay are top of Group F with four points. A win sends them through in first place, a draw still sends them through. WHAT’S AT STAKE Extracted from Group F Qualification Scenarios: Paraguay 4 points from 2 matches, +2 goal difference Wins the group with: * A win over New Zealand (regardless of other results) * A draw with New Zealand, combined with a Slovakia win over Italy * A draw with New Zealand, combined with an Italy win that leaves Paraguay ahead of Italy on goal difference / tie-breakers. Qualifies with above scenarios plus * Any draw against New Zealand (regardless of other results) * A loss to New Zealand, combined with an Italy-Slovakia draw * A loss to New Zealand, combined with a Slovakia win that leaves Paraguay ahead of Slovakia on goal difference / tie-breakers. New Zealand 2 points from 2 matches, 0 goal difference Wins the group with: * A win over Paraguay, combined with an Italy-Slovakia draw * A win over Paraguay, combined with an Italy win that leaves New Zealand ahead of Italy on goal difference / tie-breakers. (Basically beating Paraguay by more goals than Italy beats Slovakia) Qualifies with these scenarios plus: * Any win over Paraguay (regardless of other result) * A draw with Paraguay, combined with an Italy-Paraguay draw that leaves New Zealand ahead of Italy on goals scored (again, brings up the thought of drawing lots). KICKOFF 4pm local time, 10am US eastern. Bet on Paraguay vs. New Zealand OUR PREDICTION Great great World Cup for New Zealand, but I fear Paraguay will be too good for them. With New Zealand likely pushing forward, heads full of glory, Paraguay will take advantage and win 3-0. FAN RESOURCES   Paraguay Paraguay Football Blog | Follow on Facebook | Follow on Twitter Paraguay Football Shirts | Paraguay Tickets   New Zealand New Zealand Team Blog | Follow on Facebook | Follow on Twitter New Zealand Jerseys | New Zealand Football Tickets

England Solve The Problem With Booze Posted: 23 Jun 2010 02:27 PM PDT Before the World Cup there were countless reports of the British workforce either showing up drunk, hungover or simply not showing up at all (probably a better option than the others). The British workforce was essentially going to go on booze-addled strike. Has it happened? The numbers will be crunched after the World Cup, you’d presume. But in a sharp ironic twist, it took beer to get Fabio Capello’s England to show up. Apparently Fabio’s dispatching of the modern footballer ego by bringing back the old footballer: the drunk one. From the Italian’s mouth. “Yesterday evening they drank beer before the game. And I saw the team play with the spirit that we lost in the games we played before this game. The performance was really good and we created a lot of chances to score a second goal. “This is the spirit that I remember when we played in the qualification games. I am really happy with the performance of the team. We played hard, we attacked the ball and this is important if we want to win.” Expect half the British workforce to show up three sheets to the wind in the morning – and just watch the economy boom. Also expect “three sheets to the wind” to appropriately describe England’s pregame state before their 3-0 thumping of Germany. (Due to the booze, obviously.)

Match Review & Highlights: Germany 1 – Ghana 0 Posted: 23 Jun 2010 02:03 PM PDT The scoreline might normally indicate otherwise, but everyone’s happy with this one. Both Germany and Ghana went through, the Europeans of their own volition and the Africans with a little bit of Aussie help. Plus the neutrals were given a nicely balanced, back and forth game decided only by a pseudo-wondergoal from Germany’s wonderboy. Celebrations all around. The game began and finish as any would with two teams which couldn’t rely on the status quo: open, and with a number of chances going either way. Asamoah Gyan was causing Germany all sorts of fits and so nearly put them up early, but Germany and Manuel Neuer, whose Schalke pricetag is rising by the hour, kept his at bay. At the other end it was Mesut Ozil with a 1v1 which he was kind enough to handover to Richard Kingson, leaving the game scoreless into the half. The back and forth would resume, until Ozil finally got it right and confirmed he is very much football’s next big thing: And that would end it. But fortunately for both teams, they shall live on. Germany top the group and for this honor they will be handed a newly confident England; Ghana, meanwhile, will get the surprise Group C winners in the USA. And both, to some degree, will be perfectly pleased with their opponents. Isn’t it nice when it all comes together in joyous celebration?

Match Review & Highlights: Australia 2-1 Serbia Posted: 23 Jun 2010 02:00 PM PDT Serbia needed a win to qualify from Group D, Australia needed a win and either a Ghana victory over Germany in the other game, or – if German won – a sizeable swing in goal difference. It all looked possible when Tim Cahill somehow beat Serbian defenders in the air to make it 1-0 in the 69th and then Brett Holman’s strike made it 2-0 in the 73rd. With Germany beating Ghana 1-0, Australia needed another couple of goals and they were headed to the Round of 16. But Serbia weren’t ready to accept defeat, and made it 2-1 when Marko Pantelix was there to score the rebound after Zoran Tosic’s bendy shot had been saved by Mark Schwarzer: Cahill: Holman: Pantelic: Superb effort from both teams, and Australia can leave with heads held high. Certainly more so than after the 4-0 defeat to Germany that started their World Cup campaign. But it wasn’t enough, and both teams are now finished at World Cup 2010:

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