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Spain's David Villa (L) fights for the ball with Chile's Waldo Ponce during a 2010 World Cup Group H match at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria June 25, 2010. [Agencies] |
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Spain's Andres Iniesta (6) celebrates his goal during a 2010 World Cup Group H match against Chile at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria June 25, 2010. [Agencies] |
JOHANNESBURG - The do-or-die stage of the World Cup starts on Saturday with the United States plotting to dash African dreams and Uruguay hoping to extend Latin America's remarkable run so far in the tournament.
After two weeks of increasingly exciting football in South Africa, some huge names are out: Italy and France.
Just sixteen teams are left, including Spain and Portugal who avoided the humiliation of fellow European powers France and Italy to book their places on Friday. Spain beat Chile 2-1 while Portugal fought out a surprisingly drab draw with Brazil.
Saturday's first knockout duel pits the defensive solidity and attacking flair of twice former champions Uruguay against the speed and slick passing of South Korea who have only once before made it out of the group phase when co-hosts in 2002.
With a place in the quarter-finals and a kind-looking draw awaiting the winner, South Korea are hungry but must shore up their fragile defence against a formidable Uruguayan attack of Diego Forlan lurking behind Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani.
Uruguay are yet to concede a goal at the tournament, but Korean coach Huh Jung-moo was not intimidated ahead of the kickoff in Port Elizabeth's Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
"The possibilities are open to everyone, the ball is always round," he said. "Italy, France can always be eliminated and small teams can always do well."
