Posted on 06/23/2006 6:51:15 AM PDT by soccer_maniac
Spain will open the games, playing against Saudi Arabia in Kaiserslautern at 9:55 a.m. ET on ESPN and Ukraine will face Tunisia at the same time in Berlin (ESPN2).
Ukraine goes into the game against Tunisia knowing that it determines its own destiny. A victory will guarantee passage, but a draw could set up the possibility of another tie-breaking situation on goal difference. Tunisia, meanwhile, which hasn't won a World Cup game since its debut in 1978, has to defeat Ukraine and hope that Saudi Arabia does not defeat Spain by a large margin.
France will play against Togo in Cologne (2:55 p.m. ET, ESPN) without Zinedine Zidane, who is suspended for yellow card accumulation. 'Les Bleus' need a victory; any other result will put an end to their World Cup adventure. The 1998 champions were eliminated four years ago in the group stage, as well.
Switzerland and Korea lead the group with four points each and will face each other in Hannover (2:55 p.m. ET, ESPN2) knowing that a victory for either side will secure a spot in the Round of 16. A victory or a tie by Togo will guarantee both Switzerland and Korea a spot in the knockout phase.
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As I've said all along, my semi-final pics are South Korea, Sweden, Germany and Iran.
With 2 losses, Iran isn't going anywhere.
Yikes! Maybe I should be pulling for Iran!
This gives new meaning to "World Cup Matchup"!
Check out the four Persian Ladies posted above. I don't see two losses there.
No wonder the mullahs want them under wraps.
Hmm, Persian babes.
LOL, good point.
Nope..
"The equation is simple - very simple for Togo who are already out of the qualification equation. France need to win and, if Switzerland v South Korea ends in a stalemate, ensure it is by a margin of two goals to be sure of qualifying. " -- From BBC
France - Togo has kicked off.
France starts Trezeguet up front with Henry. Zizou is suspended.
Goal. 1-0 for Switzerland. But the scorer Senderos is bleeding.
He scored with his head, and obviously hit not only the ball but also his Korean counterpart accidently.
Korean player Kim is bleeding, too. Both (Senderos, SUI and Kim, KOR) are treated off the field. Teams are playing 10:10.
Both are back on the field, everything´s ok so far.
Somehow I don't think those women live in Iran anymore.
France - Togo at the half:
Score 0-0
Possession 73-27
Shots on target 8-1
Shots off target 4-4
Corners 7-0
Fouls 5-14
The only Frenchman praying that France doesn't score is Chiraq, as then he would no longer be the most unpopular man in France.
Can't score on TOGO with strikers from Arsenal and Juventus? That's unbelievable.
As it stands, France would have three ties and fall short of qualifying. Three ties? Advancing on three ties just doesn't happen (unless it's Italy in 1982).
All France has to do is follow the signs left by the German Army that point out the way to Paris.
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