Round 3: Possibilities: Ghana, New Zealand, and Group H

As we get ready for day 2 of round 3, here are some potential shockers to be served up by the likes of New Zealand, Ghana, and all of Group H


Group D:

Ghana will be nearly assured a way through to the knockouts if they tie Germany.  If the Germans have recovered from their implosion against Serbia, this will be a tall order.  If Australia beats Serbia, Ghana will also be through, but this is perhaps an even taller order.  If Ghana makes it through, they will probably face the USA, England, or Slovenia.


Group E:

Since I often rant about Italy, I'll keep this brief.  If both Italy and New Zealand win their final games, they will top the group with 5 points apiece.  Certainly the least-palatable result for anyone who's not a fan of either team.  The first place finish in this group is crucial: 2nd place faces the Netherlands in the knockouts, whereas 1st place faces Denmark.

Group H:

I may have been terribly incorrect in my prediction of a 3-way tie for first place in Group C, but it appears that we may have that very situation in Group H.  If Spain beats Chile, and Switzerland beats Honduras, both likely results on paper, then Chile, Spain and Switzerland will all have 6 points.  The Goal differential currently stands at:
Chile +2
Spain +1
Switzerland 0

Unfortunately, this result could result in a 2-way tie in goal differential as well, if Switzerland beats Honduras by 1 or 2 goals, and Spain beats Chile by 1 goal.  This groups matches, played on Friday afternoon, will be most interesting to watch.  They'll be edge-of-your-seats races to the finish.