World Cup 2010: Day 11

JOHANNESBURG: Four matches are lined up for the eleventh day of the World Cup and the pressure to reach the second round is on the rise.

Hosts South Africa will face a French side in disarray with both countries needing a miracle to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

France and South Africa will battle for their last chance to reach the last 16 of the World Cup. However, they will need the help of Uruguay or Mexico to progress to the next round.

Mexico faces Uruguay today and both sides know that just a point a piece from their meeting will see them into the last 16.

Conspiracy theorists have suggested that the pair will play out a tame stalemate in Rustenburg, ensuring they both progress into the knockout stages.

Both sides have been quick to play down such talk, though, with the top spot in Group A still up for grabs, finishing in first place could prove crucial, as the runners-up are likely to be paired with free-flowing Argentina in the next round.

Later in the day Greece will take on Argentina. While the likes of England, France and Italy have stumbled, Argentina have stylishly cruised through their opening two games.

Though Argentina’s victory in Group B is not yet confirmed, their superior goal difference guarantees a place in the last 16. A point would be enough to see them top the group.

In the fourth match of the day Nigeria will meet South Korea in Group B. The winner will most likely qualify for the second round, provided Argentina beat Greece, while the loser will almost certainly go home.