Today was the final action of group stage matches. Today featured teams from Group G and Group H.
In the final matches in Group G, Portugal took on Brazil, and the Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire) took on North Korea (Korea DPR).
The Portugal vs. Brazil matchup had been hyped up for weeks, as these two common language nations looked set to dazzle the world and score plenty of goals. However, both teams were resting some starters, or missing them due to injury/suspension, and the game did not have the same feel as normal. Both sides created chances, but none too serious, and the game finished 0-0, which was good for both teams. Both Portugal and Brazil move on, with Brazil taking the top spot.
In the other game, the Ivory Coast ended North Korea's dream run into the World Cup finals with a 3-0 win, although the goal margin was not enough for the Ivory Coast to move into the knockout stages as well. Yaya Toure, Romaric, and Soloman Kalou scored for "Les Elephants".
And in the final matches of Group H, Spain took on Chile and and Switzerland took on Honduras.
Spain took care of business in their last match by beating the Chileans 2-1. David Villa scored a stunning goal from 50 yards in the 24th minute away after the Chilean keeper came way too far out of the goal. Andres Iniesta scored the second for the Spaniards in the 37th minute, and just seconds later, Chilean midfielder Marco Estrada was sent off for his second bookable offense, leaving the reeling South American nation down two goals and down to 10 men.
Just after half-time Chile scored to cut the deficit in half, through Rodrigo Millar. However, the result would stand at 2-1, which ensured Spain's entry to the knockout stages.
In the other game, Honduras and Switzerland played to a 0-0 draw, which ended up knocking both teams out of the World Cup, and letting Chile into the next round as the runner up in the group.
