A-Leaque Soccer News Australia

The First round of the World Cup is drawing to a close with the knockout stage commencing on Saturday when host Germany tackle Sweden.

Not many if any upsets thus far at the 2006 FIFA World Cup with Germany strolling through comfortably as expected in Group A ahead of South American’s Ecuador.

England played poorly in their opening three games in group B but still managed to top the group ahead of the disappointing Swedes. England has lost Michael Owen through a knee injury leaving their striking options limited heading into the second round.

They face Ecuador, not an easy assignment for the Group B winners with Ecuador cruising through their opening two games in Group A before cautiously resting five players in their final Group game against Germany.

Argentina will take on Mexico on the first day of the knockout stage. Argentina firmed in World Cup Betting markets after their 6-0 demolition job on the Serbs to book their place in the last 16. They drew their last Group game against Holland 0-0. Mexico reached the round of 16 as runners up behind Portugal in Group D.

Holland will face unbeaten Portugal in the round of 16 on Sunday. This should be an entertaining game with the Portuguese having little difficulty in securing a birth in the second round while the Dutch came through a tricky Group that included Argentina, Ivory Coast and Serbia & Montenegro.

Thursday and Friday will see the remaining eight teams for the second round decided.