By Aldwyn McGill

Our Man in Johannesburg

The Group stage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup is down to the wire and thus far Uruguay and Mexico have advanced to the round of 16 KO stage out of Group A, and were joined by Argentina and Korea Republic of Group B.

The only other teams to clinch a spot into the round of 16 are Brazil and Argentina. Uruguay proved to be the better of the lot in Group A and is leading a South American charge. All five South American participants are alive and leading their respective groups.

France was the big disappointment of not only its country and fans, but also the tournament. There was a dissention amongst the ranks, and the problem indicates a lack of proper leadership.

Their players challenged the coach’s decision to the extent where the problem continued and the team lost to 2-0 to Mexico. Then the entire team missed practice due to a report that the coach and trainer had an altercations..

After opening with a scoreless draw against Uruguay, France lost to Mexico 2-0, just after striker Nicolas Anelka was sent home for dissention to the coach. Anelka was substituted with Henry in the 72^nd minute of their 0-0 opening game with Uruguay.

For some, France’s demise was poetic justice, because of the team’s controversial and unfair qualification to the World Cup. Thierry Henry controlled a ball with his hands for the team to score and win their playoff series.

But, France loss was host South Africa’s gain, as Bafana-Bafana beat France 2-1 to end the tournament of a winning note. Bafana fell short of their 5-goal target to catch Mexico on goal difference. Three of the six African teams have been eliminated.

However, CONCACAF representatives are alive and well as USA and England defeated Slovenia and Algeria by similar 1-0 scores to advance into the round of 16 out of Group C. However, Mexico will have their hands full with Argentina in the KO stage on Sunday.

USA’s goal was scored in injury time by Landon Donavan for the team to advance, but the US should have been in already after an impressive 2-2 tie with Slovenia, which they actually should have won, was it not for a botched call by the referee.

As a result, FIFA has indicated that his services will no longer be required as a referee for the remainder on the tournament. USA was pumped and worked down to the last minute to knock the fourth of six African teams to be eliminated.

South Africa, did well, since they were not given a prayer to survive with the big boys of Group A. But with all Vuvuzelas blazing, and an honourable showing, Bafana should improve in the world standings in spite of their elimination.

In Group B, Argentina and Korea Republic surfaced as the top two to advance, with Argentina leading a strong South American charge and improving with every game.

After a slow start in their 1:0 opening match against Nigeria, Messi and company exploded for a 4-1 win against Korea Republic and shattered Greece hopes with a 2-0 win in its last game to clinched Group B title.

Korea Republic advanced behind Argentina and may be the team to watch at the KO stage of the tournament. Their only loss was to Argentina and the game was 2-1 at the half before Argentina pulled away in the second half. They beat Greece 2-0 and finished with a 2-2 tie with Nigeria.

In the fight for survival in Group D, at press time Ghana takes on Germany in what could be a must win for Germany, since Serbia faces Australia in a winnable game and could clinch a spot into the next round. Australia needs a win and some help to advance.

In Group E, Netherlands clinched their spot into the round of 16, while Denmark is in a must win situation against second place Japan because of its inferior goal difference.

In Group F, Paraguay leads with 4 points to Italy and New Zealand 2 points. But all teams still have a chance to advance, because if Slovakia beat New Zealand by two goals or more, they too can get into the next round with an Italy loss.

In Group G, Brazil and Portugal clash in what some think may be a preview of the World Cup final. Ivory Coast in third can only advance if they beat Korea DPR by 10 goals clear and Portugal loses. Good luck!

In another sizzler, group leader Chile faces tournament favorite Spain who may now be in a must win situation, since they are tied with Switzerland on 3 points, and Switzerland plays Honduras which also stands chance with a 3+ goal win.