JOHANNESBURG // In one of the most open World Cups in the history of the tournament, the next four days could see many of the world's strongest footballing nations leave South Africa facing ridicule when they get home. With only two countries - Holland and Brazil - having confirmed their place in the last 16 of the most watched competition on the planet, every group remains as open as a goalmouth scramble.
Countries as powerful as Germany, Spain, England and Italy, the reigning world champions, could all be waving goodbye to Africa's first World Cup by Friday night. France, another powerhouse in world football, could win by a country mile today against South Africa and still find themselves on the plane home if Mexico and Uruguay play out a draw in Group A. The two games will be played simultaneously.
Defeat for Germany tomorrow night against Ghana would have been unthinkable less than a week ago but they find themselves in a situation their defender Arne Friedrich describes as "a disgrace". England must win against Slovenia tomorrow while Italy must win their last game against Slovakia on Thursday to escape from Group F.
gmeenaghan@thenational.ae
