Road to Recovery

ARGENTINA vs. SOUTH KOREA 

Injury front: Veteran playmaker Juan Sebastian Veron is nursing a calf injury, and might be replaced in the starting line-up by Maxi Rodriquez. 

Veron is coming off a poor outing in his country's 1-0 win over Nigeria, which leaves the door open for Rodriquez, who would give the Argentine attack a bit more bite and thrust going forward. 

Suspension watch: Jonas Gutierrez earned a yellow card in Argentina's previous match. If he receives another against South Korea, he will be suspended for his country's final game of the group stage, against Greece. South Korea doesn't have any players on a yellow card. 

The potential loss of Gutierrez would force manager Diego Maradona to reshuffle his defence and start Nicolas Burdisso instead. Gutierrez was the weak link for Argentina against Nigeria, so it might be a blessing in disguise if he picks up another yellow card. 

GREECE vs. NIGERIA 

Injury front: Left-back Taye Taiwo hurt his toe in the loss to Argentina but is fit to play. Greek defender Vangelis Moras is also available after recovering from injury.  

Suspension watch: Midfielder Lukman Haruna earned a yellow card in Nigeria's last game. If he is cautioned against Greece, he will be suspended for the Super Eagles' final game of the first round, versus South Korea. Defender Vasileios Torosidis is in similar predicament for Greece. 

Torosidis is a solid player for Greece, and though they have plenty of quality defenders, they would be slightly weaker without Torosidis. 

MEXICO vs. FRANCE 

Injury front: Mexican defender Rafael Marquez hurt his right calf muscle in the second half against South Africa, a 1-1 draw, but should start against France. 

Suspension watch: Influential winger Franck Ribery, key defender Patrice Evra and midfielder Jeremy Toulalan all earned yellow cards in France's previous match, against Uruguay. If he any one of them receives another against Mexico, they will be suspended for Les Bleus final game of the group stage. 

Midfielder Gerardo Torrado and defender Efrain Juarez earned yellow cards in Mexico's first game against South Africa. 

Ribery and Evra are key starters for France. Ribery is his country's most dangerous attacker, while Evra is a veteran defender who helps keep things tight at the back. Les Bleus can't afford to lose either player. The same can't be said for Toulalan, who struggled in France's opening match against Uruguay.