Und Dann Gab Es Sechzehn

Despite our personal loss today, the World Cup still goes ever on. And today was the final leg of the initial elimination round. From here on in, 16 teams will battle head to head for ultimate dominance. They will push, tackle, kick, and scream through the ranks for the chance to become the ultimate soccer champion. From here on in, it's one team at a time, one game at a time, winner take all. Groups G and H were set to close out the initial qualifying round, the Round of 16 kicks off tomorrow. On deck to play this morning, Saudi Arabia vs. Spain in Kaiserslautern, Germany, and Ukraine vs. Tunisia in Berlin, Germany. Spain was looking to remain undefeated, while the Saudi's sought an additional point to add to their single one earned from their tie against Tunisia. An early goal in the 1st half from Spain would turn out to be the only one of the entire match. With that, the Saudis earn their ticket home. Final score, 1-0. Meanwhile, the Ukraine, seeking to clench the coveted 2nd place slot in order to advance, had to first make its way through the Tunisian defense. Like Saudi Arabia, Tunisia was looking to add to their single point, but, again, like Saudi Arabia, was unsuccessful in that venture. Final score, 1-0. On to Group G, who anticipated action from Togo vs. France in Cologne, Germany, and Switzerland vs. Korea Republic in Hanover, Germany. France, who had been a great disappointment in the last World Cup, was seeking their first win following 2 ties, as well as redemption from their abyssmal performance 4 years ago. Togo, on the other hand, was just looking for their first win, period! But just when it was looking like France had nothing more to offer this time around, they manage to find the Togoan net, not once, but twice. Final score, 2-0. Switzerland, leader of this group, had anticipated heading into the next round with Korea in tow. France, pulling an upset, and Switzerland scoring their 2 goals against Korea, opened the door for France to advance. So, ultimately, Ghana becomes the only African team to advance to the Round of 16, and Asia is completely out. So, at the end of today's competition, Groups G and H look like this:

Group G:
1. Switzerland (7 pts.)
2. France (5 pts.)
3. Korea Republic (4 pts.)*
4. Togo (0 pts.)*

Group H:
1. Spain (9 pts.)
2. Ukraine (6 pts.)
3. Tunisia (1 pt.)*
4. Saudi Arabia (1 pt.)*

(* Indicates eliminated team)

Tomorrow: ROUND OF 16! Germany vs. Sweden, and Argentina vs. Mexico (Go Tri! Hey, we gotta root for someone now that the USA is gone!)