World Cup: Suspense over qualifiers in two groups

Rio de Janeiro, June 26:

Thursday’s matches will complete the preliminary stage of the 2014 World Cup with all the qualifiers in place.

The two groups that still have plenty of suspense over the qualifiers are Group G and E.

In Group E, Belgium are through, though result of their match against South Korea will have a bearing on the second qualifier from the group. And so will the other game between Russia and Algeria.

If the Belgians win at Sao Paulo, then the Koreans will be out, leaving the Russia-Algeria match to decide the second qualifier.

In case the Koreans win the inconsequential game for the Belgians, the Asian side will be in contention, provided Russia beat Algeria for a two-way tie with four points each from three matches and the goal difference will come into play.

For the Algerians a draw would do to qualify. A loss will take Russia into the knockout round if the Koreans lose their match.

In Group G, ideally a draw would suit both Germany and the United States as the two teams have four points each. A victory to either team will bring Ghana and Portugal into the frame for the second position in a two-way tie.

Following are the fixtures of World Cup group stage Thursday:

Group G:

At Brasilia: Portugal vs Ghana

At Recife: United States vs Germany

Group H:

At Sao Paulo: Belgium vs South Korea

At Curitiba: Algeria vs Russia

(IANS)