After so many speculations about Brazil 2014 FIFA world cup the competition finally commenced, The current World Champions are out of the Tournament after only two games in the 1st round games have been played the heart strings of many with its fair share of excitement, upsets, shock defeats, sexy football, goals, frustration and the rise of the underdog.
The final phase of the Group stage kick starts today, some countries have booked their tickets for the round of 16 and some big names are out but will only be playing for pride while some have their destiny in their hands to ensure they have a place in the next round of this year's World Cup in Brazil but the last game importantly will also determine who tops each group and the runners-up which is also a determinant who to play in the round of 16.
In Group A
Brazil are currently set to progress to the next round with 4 points from two games but will have to get something from their match against the indomitable Lions of Cameroon who have been disappointing at this year's World Cup no victory yet for the Cameroonians and they are out of the World Cup but could upset the Brazilians who have been struggling to win games, a draw for brazil is enough to take them through while the real battle will be between Croatia and Mexico, they were both in the same group at the last World Cup and the Croatians lost to the mexicans and were sent home at the group stage that year, now they have to face each other again to determine who plays in the next round a draw will do for Mexico but Croatia needs all 3 points.
Group B
This group produced a stunner and history was made as the defending champions Spain are out of the World Cup joining the likes of France and Italy as defending champions who failed to make it pass through the group stage when defending their title.
Everything looks settled in this group, Netherlands and Chile are through to the next round their match will only determine who tops the group while Spain and Australia will only play for pride results from their encounter has no effect for the round of 16
Group C
Colombia are through to the next round and will be going to their last group stage match to enjoy themselves a draw for them against Japan will ensure they top the group and if the result remains like that Ivory Coast will only require a draw against Greece to get them to their first Knock out stage at the World Cup anything short of victory for the Greeks will be an early exit.
All the teams in this group can still make it out of the group stage depending on the result of their last match. Greece must win against the African side and hopes Colombia wins to get them through.
Group D
Group of death turned group of Upsets, Costa Rica the under dog of this group is currently leading the log and are through to the next round of the competition while the Mighty three lions hope was dashed not after losing their games against Italy and Uruguay but when Costa Rica defeated Italy, England is out of the World Cup, the Queens country was hoping Italy will beat Costa Rica and Uruguay and they would have their destiny in their hands and will have to defeat Costa Rica with high goal margin to book a place in the next round.
England last game against Costa Rica will only be a formality as Italy and Uruguay will battle it out against each other, both sides need a result from this game a draw will do for Italy and Uruguay will need all 3 points to ensure they remain in the competition, their encounter has been tagged as a World Cup final for both teams.
Group E
France is flying high and firing all cylinder, they've booked their ticket for the next round of the competition and their last game will give some members of the team who are yet to play at the World Cup an opportunity to show what they can also do but a point is very vital for France who would love to avoid Argentina that is likely to top Group F. Honduras is out of the competition after failing to winning their games against France and Ecuador but will also be playing for pride.
Switzerland needs a win to ensure their place in the next round but a draw can take them through which they will have to be hoping France wins against Ecuador or a draw will do. So apart from Honduras that is out of the competition all other 3 teams in this group need a result fro their last game.
Group F
Some countries have been disappointing but got results the Albiceleste displayed poorly to many expectations but are through to the next, Argentina struggled against Bosnia & Herzegovina and everyone thought that was because it was their first match but things din't change against Iran as it took the brilliance of their Captain Messi to get a late goal before the blast of the final whistle. Super Eagles just managed to get one over Bosnia-Herzegovina and now look set to progress beyond the first round of the competition, while Iran can still make it through if they defeat the only debutant of this year's World Cup Bosnia & Herzegovina who will also be playing for pride because they are out of the World Cup but a taste of their first victory at the World Cup be a good result for them. The super Eagles of Nigeria needs a result from this game 3 points will them top of the log in this group but a draw will take the Eagles through.
Group G
This group has so many twist and turns, all the four teams in this group still have the chance to make it through to the next round deepening on the result of their last match though the Germans and the USA only need a point each to take them through but if any of them loses it means Ghana or Portugal can still go through but both of them need to score more goals. Goals can be the determinant in this group all the teams need something from their last match.
Group H
The Algerians also wrote a new version of the World Cup story as many thought they were the under dogs of this group but played very well against the Belgians scoring first before loosing the momentum but they have bounced back with a fine display against South Korea which means the Algerians only need a point against Russia to get them to the knock out stage while Belgium have started slowly and struggled in their games against Algeria and Russia but importantly got the results they are currently topping the log and through to the next round. Russia could also qualify but must win their last game against the North Africans while South Korea need3 points with a high goal margin against Belgium and hope Russia defeat with just a goal.
The 20th edition World Cup can be an African year as three of the five African representatives can make it to the knock out stage from the look of things, this will be a great achievement and we here at issaclomedia hope so! Support Africa! Africa for Round of 16! All the Best Africa!
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