One objective, different fortunes

Curtains will soon drop on the group stage of the 2014 FIFA World cup in Brazil. In all the eight groups, stakes are very high as some teams are spending sleepless night brainstorming on how they can grab a draw or three points that might give them a round sixteen ticket.

In group A, while Indomitable Lions are already sure to go back home with their tails within their legs, and Brazil in need of at least a draw to move on, there will be a titanic fight between Mexico and Croatia at the Pernambuco Arena in Recife. Though with 4 points, Mexico currently occupies the second position in group A, a goalless draw against Croatia would send them home, while Croatia progress thanks to her better goal difference.

No matter what happens in group B on the last day of play today, nothing would change. After two matches and two victories respectively, the Netherlands and Chile have booked their places for the juicy round of sixteen.

The two teams will be playing today at the Sao Paulo stadium to determine which team comes first in the group. The other fixture pitting Australia to defending champion Spain would be for honour since the two teams have registered no point yet. A victory for either side will not have any consequence on the group standing.

While Columbia is sure of a round sixteen ticket, Ivory Coast with 3 points, Japan and Greece with 1 point respectively are major contenders for the second ticket in group C.

A victory for Ivory Coast against Greece might be the ideal formula for the Elephants to move hitch-free to the knock- out stage with 6 points. A draw might condition their qualification on the outcome of Japan versus Columbia encounter. Same for Greece whose destiny lies on her grabbing a victory against Ivory Coast and praying that Japan does not defeat Columbia would a better goal difference than them.

There has been a soccer earthquake in group D. Contrary to expectations, soccer power houses Italy and England are at the brink of being eliminated from the competition.

After two matches, it is Costa Rica that is at the helm with 6 points. With the Three Lions of England already parking their bags home, Italy and Uruguay will on Tuesday, June 24, decide which team accompany Cost Rica to the next round having registered 3 points each.

In group E while France has qualified for the second round and sure to top group table no matter the outcome of the last day of play.

Ecuador, Switzerland and Honduras are still hoping for a round sixteen qualification ticket. With three points Ecuador needs to either beat France or obtain a draw while hoping that Switzerland (also 3 points), does not defeat Honduras with a better goal difference than hers. On the other hand, if Ecuador is defeated by France and Honduras beats Switzerland 6 – 0, the South American team would move to the second stage.

After two group games, Lionel Messi’s Argentina has no qualification doubts in Group F having defeated Bosnia Herzegovina and Iran, the star studded team is already thinking of which team they will meet at the knock out stage.

Even though the second position ticket is still for grab, the Super Eagles of Nigeria with 4 points are favourite. But a victory for Iran over Bosnia Herzegovina (with 0 point), and defeat of Nigeria by Argentina would propel The Persian Stars to the hall of sixteen.

For group G and H, the doors for the four knock-out stage tickets are wide open with favourite teams like Germany, Portugal and Russia finding it difficult to impose their soccer prowess.