2014 FIFA WC: Group stage to be concluded today

RIO DE JANEIRO: Group Round matches of 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil will conclude today, after the remaining four matches three more places in the Round of 16 still need to be decided, ARY News reported.

In Group H, Belgium, who are through already, requires no more than a draw against Korea Republic to finish top.A draw would probably suffice for Algeria too, given their two-point lead over next opponents Russia and the Taeguk Warriors (Korean Republic).

In contrast, (Russia) Fabio Capello’s men will have to take risks in order to claim the win they need, especially as they have scored just once – but that could well play into the hands of Les Fennecs (Desert Foxes), high on confidence and boasting five goals so far.

On the other hand, nerves will be on edge in Group G, where leading duo Germany and USA lock horns in Recife. A draw would send both into the knockout phase, with Die Nationalelf as section winners, though Joachim Low’s side have vowed to pursue all three points.

Behind them, Ghana have more realistic hopes of advancing than a Portugal team handicapped by their -4 goal difference. A win for the African hopefuls, whose own goal difference is -1, would haul them level with any eventual loser in the meeting between USA (+1) and Germany (+4).