England Scrape Through, Americans In Last Minute Drama, Germany Seal Top Spot, Socceroos Finally Win

Game 37: Slovenia 0-1 England

I thought England were going to be knocked out based on their performance in the first 2 games and the first 15 minutes against Slovenia. Somehow, they managed to play good football for about half an hour before going back to their boring style of launching long hopeful balls forward. I don't see why so many people are optimistic about their chances. Sure, their defence is solid but they find it so difficult to score. Slovenia, meanwhile, were just not good enough and didn't look like scoring and they probably knew they were going through right up until the Americans scored in injury time against Algeria. Hard luck. England take on Germany in the Round of 16 and I predict Germany to edge England - probably on penalties. Man of the Match: Steven Gerrard (no doubt the best player as he was absolutely hardworking, was involved in some decent attacks, and was by far England's best passer throughout the game)

Game 38: USA 1-0 Algeria

Wow! Unbelievable way to get yourselves into the Round of 16. For 90 minutes, everyone thought Slovenia were through with England out of Group C but Landon Donovan had other ideas I guess. But to me, they deserved this. They don't play the best football out there, but when their backs are against the wall, they never give up and go all out to seek that important goal(s). Algeria never looked threatening enough in the final third of the pitch as always. Looks like it's back to the drawing board for them and maybe they can do better in 4 years.

Game 39: Ghana 0-1 Germany

This game started slowly as both teams knew exactly what was at stake. Germany definitely couldn't afford to lose and didn't play their best attacking football. But in the end, they deserved the win and eventually the top spot in the group. Ghana also go through and will be the only African nation in the Round of 16 barring a miracle turn of events in favour of Ivory Coast. Ghana look good value but must be more clinical upfront if they are to match Cameroon's feat of reaching the quarter finals in 1990. Ghana play USA and I think that should be an interesting match-up between 2 evenly matched teams. Germany, meanwhile, would warmly welcome Miroslav Klose back into the starting lineup after a disappointing performance from Cacau against Ghana. Man of the Match: Mesut Oezil (again the best player for Germany as he was hardworking as ever and scored one of the best goals in the tournament so far)

Game 40: Australia 2-1 Serbia

A good win for the Aussies after failing to live up to pre-tournament expectations that they would give the Germans a fright for top spot. Having said that, I just don't think they have talent upfront apart from Tim Cahill. Their defence is a little slow at times and goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is way past his prime. Serbia probably disappointed me the most. I expected a lot from them but they didn't show their qualifying form. Strikers were wasteful and midfield was overrun on a lot of occasions. So, both teams go home and hope for a better performance in Brazil 2014 should they make it.