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Day 11 – Monday June 21

Spain v Honduras

If it wasn't for Spain's dreadful performance against Switzerland, this game wouldn't carry as much importance.  But the favorites are forced to dig themselves out of a hole following their first game loss.  Honduras is a severe underdog here, but don't count them out.  They were the best defensive squad in CONCACAF qualifying.  If they can clog the passing lanes and rough up the Spanish strikers, it could mean an upset.

What to watch for:

- Spanish midfield.  There's no better.  They owned the possession against Switzerland, but despite rattling the post a few times, couldn't put home a goal. 

- Can David Villa or Fernando Torres figure out how to find the back of the net.  If you can't score, you won't win.  Unless Xavi and company start bombing from long range, Spain will need their forwards to show up.

Day 12 – Tuesday June 22

Argentina v Greece

All Diego Maradona's squad needs is a tie and they're through.  But Greece needs a convincing win to help push themselves into the knockouts.  More than likely the Greeks will find themselves defending in their own zone most of the match.  But their eyes will be on the scoreboard, and that will motivate them to attack.

What to watch for:

- Argentine strikers.  Gonzalo Higuain netted a hat trick against a stout South Korean defense.  Which forward (Messi, Aguero, Tevez, Milito, Higuain) will make his presence known against Greece?

- Argentine defense.  Greece is far from an offensive powerhouse, but Argentina is not exactly a brick wall on defense.  Will they play sloppy enough to let Greece into the game?  Can Theofanis Gekas find the form that made him the leading scorer in UEFA qualifying?

Day 13 – Wednesday June 23

Germany v Ghana

After the US and England struggle to stay alive on Wednesday, Group D will sort out their mess.  Ghana is the closest African team to the knockout rounds.  They'll have to defeat or tie Germany to make it through.  Not exactly an easy task against the nation who's finished in the top 3 of the World Cup more often than any other.  Both squads struggled in their last match after strong openings.  They'll have to assume that Serbia will win against Australia.

What to watch for:

- Germany will be without Miroslav Klose thanks to his red card against Serbia.  Will Joachim Low stick with experience in Lukas Podolski and Mario Gomez?  Or will he use young Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller?

- Boateng brothers Kevin-Prince (Ghana) and Jerome (Germany) will be on opposite benches.   Although Jerome may not see the pitch, the Germans will be marking Kevin-Price.  He injured German captain Michael Ballack during the FA Cup final this season.

Day 14 – Thursday June 24

Italy v Slovakia

Thursday will be full of decisive action.  Japan and Denmark will settle 2nd place in Group E.  And Paraguay and New Zealand will help sort out Group F.  The defending champs are in trouble here as they meet Slovakia.  Marcelo Lippi will have to make sure his elder statesmen are well rested after their disappointing opening matches.  Slovakia still has a fighting chance in their first World Cup, so they will not be laying down here.

What to watch for:

- Italy needs goals in case of a tiebreaker situation.  Will they finally start Serie A scoring champion Antonio Di Natale?

- Will goalie Gianluigi Buffon be able to play for Italy?  If not, will Chiellini, Cannavaro, and company be able to deflect the majority of the Slovakian attack?

Day 15 – Friday June 25

Spain v Chile

Depending on how Monday shakes out, Chile will either be at the top of the group defending its standing, or in the middle of the pack needing to stun the group favorite in order to survive.  Spain should still be in the competition, otherwise the world may stop spinning on its axis.

What to watch for:

- Humberto Suazo didn't play against Honduras.  Will he be fit to go against Spain?  He's the strongest offensive force that Chile has, and they'll need his big body to match up against Pique and Puyol.

- Chile is not the tough defensive side that Switzerland is.  The Spanish should be able to penetrate and move behind the defense.  If Spain gets their passing going, can Chile get the ball back?