2nd Rd Highlights

With the third and final round of the World Cup group stages underway yesterday, it's time to recap the action from the middle sixteen games in group play (with bonus coverage of yesterday's games and their implications).

After a conservative first round of play, teams have hit their stride and found the back of the net. Faltering defenses and bold attackers have opened up the scoring sheets but the tournament remains wide open.

The story of the World Cup so far is the dominance by teams from North, Central and South America (CONCACAF and CONMEBOL). To this point, these eight teams have a combined record of eleven wins, five draws and only three losses. Even more impressively, two of the three losses came at the hand of other teams from the Americas.

Only Brazil and the Netherlands have secured a spot in the round of 16 after the first two matches. Cameroon and North Korea have no shot at advancing and will be playing only for pride in their last matches.

Who are the winners, losers and the hopeless? Find out below.

Group A
South Africa's chances of making it out of the group stage were almost certainly dashed after a disappointing 3-0 loss to group A leaders, Uruguay. Bafana Bafana had opportunities to rein the game in but were ultimately silenced after South Africa's keeper was red carded for bringing down Luiz Suarez in the box. France's struggles continued in the second round. An energetic Mexican side soundly defeated L'Equipe 2-0, putting away two goals late in the second half.

On the first day of the final games of group play, Uruguay and Mexico secured their spots in the knockout stage. Despite a win over France, South Africa became the first host nation not to advance — thanks to goal differential.

Group B
If Argentina underperformed in their opener, they fully showcased their ability in a stylish 4-1 win over a strong South Korea team. Despite not scoring, Messi distributed the ball superbly and helped Gonzalo Higuain net a hat-trick. Greece redeemed themselves with a 2-1 victory against the Nigerian Super Eagles.

On the first day of the final games of group play, Argentina and South Korea advanced on to the round of sixteen. Maradona's boys became the first team to win all three group games in the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, while South Korea's draw with Nigeria gave them one more point than third-place Greece.

Group C
In one of the greatest comebacks in World Cup history, the United States rallied back from two goals down to tie and nearly defeat Slovenia. Landon Donovan led the charge with a booming shot over Slovenia's goalkeeper in the beginning of the second half. Team USA would have pulled off a win if referee Koman Coulibaly hadn't recalled Maurice Edu's goal in the waning minutes of the match. England's goalless draw with Algeria was not so heroic. The Three Lions' forceful attacking line was stifled by a well organized Algerian side.

Group D
Of the African teams in contention to advance, Ghana's future looks the most promising. The Black Stars lead Group D following a 1-1 tie with Australia and a surprising 0-1 German loss to Serbia. Ghana pressed the ten-man Australian side but couldn't find a second goal. Germany also played a man down, but couldn’t capitalize on a penalty kick or fend off the strong Serbian midfield.

Group E
Next to Brazil, the Netherlands is the only team that has qualified for the second round. Wesley Sneijder ensured qualification for the Oranje with a one time strike beauty that powered its way off the Japanese keeper’s hands and into the netting. While the Netherlands advanced with a game to spare, Cameroon has the unfortunate distinction of being the first African team that shall not pass.

Group F
New Zealand's All Whites are all right. The 78th ranked All Whites held the defending World Cup champions Italy to a 1-1 tie. New Zealand pulled off the tournament's biggest upset so far and opened up a new chapter in New Zealand’s football history. Meanwhile, Paraguay bested Slovakia 2-0 to take the lead in the group.

Group G
Portugal showed no mercy to the North Koreans as they opened up a six goal salvo in the second half for a whopping 7-0 result. Tiago had two goals for the Portuguese and Ronaldo scored his first of the tournament after a goofy juggling act got him past North Korea's keeper.

Unsurprisingly, Brazil advances to the round of 16 with a comfortable 3-1 result over Ivory Coast. Luis Fabiano ended his scoring drought in style, beating the Ivorian defense twice for two exquisite goals. Brazil's Elano would tack on a third goal but neither Brazil nor a broken arm could prevent Didier Drogba from heading home his first goal of the tournament.

Group H
Spain, the 2008 European Champions, returned to form to defeat Honduras 2-0. After a shocking loss to the Swiss in their first match, Spain upped their game and played the speedy and enlightened football that we've come to expect from the Spanish. David Villa scored twice for his side, in a match where Spain could have easily scored three of four more.

Chile managed to crack the Swiss defense in a windy and chippy match in Port Elizabeth. Despite the loss, Switzerland took the record for the most consecutive scoreless minutes in the World Cup.