The final round of group games begins Friday night with some interesting match ups:
GROUP A
Chile has been the class of the group with two excellent wins, the result of a core of fine technical players. Austria look set for the No. 2 spot after the important win over Canada. Canada will be hoping that it will be third time lucky against the debutantes from Congo but a spot as one of the best third-place teams is unlikely because of a poor goal differential. Congo would advance with a win over Canada.
GROUP B
A two-horse race with both Spain and Uruguay getting fine performances from key players after their dramatic opening tie. Zambia and Jordan will be hard pressed to get a best third-place spot, but both have impressed neutral observers with their performances.
GROUP C
Giovanni dos Santos and his Mexican teammates have been in fine format at the National Soccer Stadium in Toronto and Portugal have also benefited from some great support. The Baby Scorpions from Gambia have been a tough opponent with their speed and athleticism and could claim one of the third-place spots in the round of sixteen. The other newcomers from New Zealand missed the influence of Chris James, a late withdrawal from the squad.
GROUP D
The Group of Death lived up to its name. The strong U.S. squad could edge out pre-tournament favorites Brazil, who have not impressed with their inconsistent play, from the top spot in the group. A fit and organized South Korean squad looks the best bet for a third-place spot with a win over Poland in their final group game.
GROUP E
Argentina showed their potential over an outclassed Panama after the disappointing opening tie with Czech Republic, with both teams advancing to the next round. North Korea will find it hard against Argentina in their final game but have an outside chance for a third-place spot if Costa Rica fails to defeat Scotland.
GROUP F
Another two-horse race with Japan favored to edge out Nigeria from the top spot when they meet each other in the final game. Costa Rica could claim one of the third-place spots in the round of sixteen with a win over the disappointing Scottish squad.
Argentina vs Brazil in the round of sixteen at the National Soccer Stadium on July 12th?
A final word: Check out bramkvb@hotmail.com or call 416-264-4665 for details of a great work book on the tournament compiled by 14 year old Bram Klees van Bommel.
Comments
OK, I'll satrt by saying I'm a little confused. Is Brasil IN or OUT. I know they lost too the awesome all powerful Americans, but.......are they still somehow alive? Just asking if and how :o) Enjoy some great FUTEBOL!!!
Posted by: Don Mississauga | July 8, 2007 11:13 AM
After reading the comments in the local newspapers and listening to the reaction to our dismal performance on CBC, I can only say with a heavy heart, what about our future ? Nobody has addressed that issue...most of these players will represent out country within the next 4-8 years...does this mean no World Cup Qualifications...CSA please wake ! Assess the team and coaching before we again sit out the next 3 World Cups.I would like to think I can cheer for Canada one more time before I die.
Posted by: sal toronto | July 10, 2007 12:31 PM