Das Ende von Runden Zwei

Very exciting day of competition today as Round 2 drew to a close, culminating in a very dramatic match between Spain and Tunisia, but more on that later. First, we head on over to Dortmund, Germany where Togo, seeking their first ever point in a World Cup, met with the Swiss, who were looking to grasp the top spot in Group G. The Swiss took an early lead in the 1st half, spend the rest of the period trying to stave off the Togo team. Try as they might, the Africans were not able to come together as a team long enough to produce a goal. And when the Swiss scored once more in the 2nd half, it seemed like their coffin was finally nailed shut. Final score, 2-0. (Togo returns home empty handed). The 2nd match of the day, which took place in Hamburg, Germany, pitted Saudi Arabia against the Ukraine. The Ukraine was looking for something better than their disappointing 0-4 loss against Spain, seeing how so much seems to be expected from them. (They were supposed to be one of the European Powerhouses this World Cup). The Saudis were just looking to move ahead to the next round, and their previous tie to Tunisia wasn't going to do it. Both teams had much at stake, but only the Ukraine stepped up. They completely turned the tables on the Arabian team, and redeemed themselves from their initial loss. Final score, 4-0. Despite the result, the Saudis may still have a chance. It all comes down to their final games. And finally, the match of the day, Spain vs. Tunisia in Stuttgart, Germany. The Spanish came out with both barrels blazing on their opening match against the Ukraine, so there were high expectations for this team. 8 minute into the match, Tunisia is the first to draw blood, and suddenly it seemed like it would be a completely different game than the first. That 1-0 score carried through the first half, and through most of the 2nd. During the 72nd minute, the Spanish finally managed to find the net, and tied it all up at 1 apiece. 5 minutes later, they managed to do it again. Suddenly, it seemed like an entirely new Spanish team had emerged on the field. It seemed like that was how this one was going to end, but just 1 minute into stoppage time, Spain gets fouled inside the box. Penalty kick is awarded, scored, and the match is over. Spain comes back to win it, 3-1. So, at the end of all of today's matches, Groups G and H look like this:

Group G:
1. Switzerland (4 pts.)
2. Korea Republic (4 pts.)
3. France (2 pts.)
4. Togo (0 pts.)

Group H:
1. Spain (6 pts.)
2. Ukraine (3 pts.)
3. Tunisia (1 pt.)
4. Saudi Arabia (1 pt.)

Tomorrow: THIS IS IT!! Round 3, final standings will be determined, and we will soon find out who will move on to the Group of 16. Scheduled to play tomorrow: Germany vs. Ecuador, Costa Rica vs. Poland, Paraguay vs. Trinidad and Tobago, and Sweden vs. England. That's right 4 games! 2 Groups will be defined, and 4 teams will move on. It's Clutch Time! (So Exciting!)