Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Argentina and France Look to Complete 100% Group Stage





France have dominated their group with an impressive 8 goals in two matches, while Argentina have struggled in their two wins.  Even so, it is only Argentina who have already secured their spot in the second round, but they need at least a draw to avoid finishing second in their group.  Nigeria would book their own spot in the second round with a draw, but could still advance with a loss as long as Iran don't beat Bosnia by enough to make up the goal difference.  Argentina should be seeking more than just a draw as they need to shift into high gear before the round of 16 begins if they want to reach their lofty goals for the summer.  In Group E, France have little to fear and will only fail to qualify if they lose badly to Ecuador and Switzerland crushes Honduras.  Honduras is yet to win a game, but they could make it through if they can beat the demoralized Swiss by 3 goals and France beat Ecuador by 2 goals.  Some of the scenarios are very unlikely, but the good news for BISERGSers is that seven out of eight teams have something to play for today and won't only be going for wins, but in many cases, lots of goals (unlike England and Costa Rica yesterday).

1 comment:

  1. A tornado warning meant I only was able to watch only a few minutes of the first half, but in those few minutes, the Ecuadorian players made ugly fouls against the French, hurting themselves. And in two of those three choques (players running into each other), the referee wrongly blamed the French for what the South Americans provoked. (Oh, discovered we need to work on the trap door to the small shelter under the house, and put a flashlight, water, etc. down there.)

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