[JoshW]

Just turned them on. Should I be watching one game over the other? Who needs to win, tie to move on?

[adriano]

Ukraine needs a draw to move on. Tunisia needs to win. The intrigue is in this game.

Spain needs to get some match practice for it's reserves against the Saudis.

I'm not watching any of those games.

In the late games Swiss vs. South Korea is a must watch game. Both need to win to avoid Spain in the second round. If they tie and France wins by 2 goals which they'll most probably do, the Koreans go back to Asia.

There could be a very interesting scenario if Swiss and Korea end in a 1-1 tie, and France win 2-0. Both the Swiss and France qualify, with 5 points and 3-1 goal difference records, 0-0 in the game between them, but whos first and whos second?


Excerpt from the Regulations of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™

XVIII. TECHNICAL RULES FOR THE FINAL COMPETITION

Article 31 First round (groups)

5. The ranking of each team in each group will be determined as follows:

a) greatest number of points obtained in all group matches;

b) goal difference in all group matches;

c) greatest number of goals scored in all group matches.

If two or more teams are equal on the basis of the above three criteria, their rankings will be determined as follows:

d) greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned;

e) goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned;

f) greater number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concerned;

g) drawing of lots by the Organising Committee for the FIFA World Cup™.

6. The two teams coming first and second in each group qualify for the second round.



We could have a drawing of lots to determine who faces Spain.

[JoshW]

Great explanation adriano, much appreciated

[Baphomet]

Spain and Ukraine to win today, easily by the way.

[Mudcat]

I just watched about 15 minutes of the Ukraine game and my reaction? Soccer needs to use instant replay. There was a hand ball in the penalty area by the Ukraine that was missed. Replay showed it clearly.

Having the proper call in that situation - which instant replay would have provided - would have been nice.

[natrass]

Poor games today fellas. Last night's was epic ... Croatia v Australia was brilliant.

Tonights isnt very promising either im afraid.

[Baphomet]

Spain was better, Arabia's goalkeeper is just too good.