Netherlands, Chile, Brazil and Mexico confirmed their places in the round of 16 at the 2014 World Cup last night but with 12 matches still left to play before the knock-out rounds begin there is lots up for grabs.
Group C
No team has yet been eliminated from Group C with Colombia the only nation confirmed of their progression. The South Americans still need 1 point against Japan to win the group.
Provided Japan do not upset Colombia, Ivory Coast would just need to avoid defeat against hapless Greece in order to make it past the group stage for the first time in their history.
Group D
England were one of five nations eliminated after just two games at the 2014 World Cup but Roy Hodgson’s side could still play an important role in the group. Should they beat Costa Rica it will open the door for either Uruguay or Italy to win the group.
That match in Natal is a loser leaves the World Cup elimination with the draw being on Italy’s side. Neither nation looked impressive in defeat to Costa Rica.
Group E
France need to avoid defeat to Ecuador to win the group whilst Switzerland need to outdo the South Americans. The Swiss enter the final group matches on level points with Ecuador but 2 goals worse off. They face the pointless Honduras which should be enough to see them through.
Switzerland are 2.20 to beat Honduras to nil
Group F
Argentina haven’t made the most convincing of starts whilst Nigeria are the only team yet to concede a goal at Brazil 2014 so far. The South Americans need to avoid defeat to qualify whilst 1 point will be enough to take Nigeria through.
Iran need to beat Bosnia and Herzegovina along with Argentina beating Nigeria and a 3-goal swing in their favour if they are to progress.
Group G
A draw between Germany and USA would ensure both teams safely through the knock-out stages. It would also see Germany win their group with the fewest points (5) amongst the eight groups. Germany have history of fixing results in World Cups if you go back to 1982, and the two head coaches in this match are both friends and German – surely we know what’s going to happen?
Portugal are 3 points and 5 goals behind USA and on the brink of elimination. A win for Ghana would require Germany to beat the USA and a 3-goal swing in the African nations side to go through. A win is certainly not impossible for the Black Stars with a couple of injuries and probably bruised egos amongst their European counterparts.
Germany and USA to draw is 2.80
Ghana to win is 3.00
Group H
Belgium need just 1 point versus South Korea to win their group, whilst a loser between Algeria and Russia would be eliminated. The Red Devils may rest some players ahead of the knock-out stage and have a fair bit of talent to choose from.
Russia have looked very conservative and weak in front of goal in their opening two matches but you’ve got a feel that their organisation may get them through into the knockout stages where they will likely meet Germany.
Russia to win is 2.00
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