Well, today being the last day for the final qualification into the last 16, was a tough one. Ukraine started the day with a well deserved 1-0 win over the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in Berlin. Andriy Shevchenko’s 70th minute penalty proved to be enough for Ukraine to stop runners up Tunisia, from advancing to the next round of 16. This world Cup proves to be the third consecutive World Cup that Tunisia has participated in and is kicked out in the group stages. As for Ukraine, competing in their first FIFA World Cup, they are now looking forward to a second round tie against Switzerland in Cologne on 26 June. Simultaneously, Spain advanced to the Round of 16 with a third win under their belts as they beat Saudi Arabia 1-0 in Kaiserslautern. Juanito’s 36th-minute header was enough to separate the teams and confirm the Saudis’ elimination after one draw and two defeats. Spain now look forward to face former World Cup champions France, in Hanover on June 27. France qualified after a hard fought victory over Togo, not wanting to relive the defeat of Korea/Japan 2002 at the hands of Senegal, secured a 2-0 victory over Togo in Cologne with second-half goals from Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry. Today’s victory was instrumental for France as today was Zidane and Vierra’s birthdays. Vieira marked his 30th birthday with the breakthrough goal after 55 minutes. Henry added France’s second six minutes later to give France the win they have looked for since 1998 Final. Sadly enough, Togo returns home without a point from their first FIFA World Cup campaign. I sincerely hope that they would have by now gained at least a little experince from this World Cup. Today’s qualifications ended with Switzerland securing their place in the final 16 with goals from Philippe Senderos and Alexandr Frei thus securing their top spot on their group table and their qualification into the next round. This victory leaves Dick Advocaat’s Taeguk Warriors facing an earlier-than-expected journey home while Switzerland faces Ukraine on June 26. The group stages have been very exciting and intriguing, i know that this next round will take us to another level. Don’t you? Tomorrow’s matches will be Germany taking on Sweden, while Argentina tackles Mexico. I am very sure that we know who will be victors and who will be the vanquished at the end of the day. For me, I tip hosts Germany and Argentina to come out victorious, I see no better option.    

Source:FIFA

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