by megri » Sun Jun 25, 2006 8:14 am
Soccer's 2006 World Cup moves into a new phase today when the 16 remaining teams of the original 32 embark on the knockout phase.
From today's second round, when Germany plays Sweden and Mexico plays Argentina, until the July 9 final in Berlin, it's a matter of win or be eliminated.
Said England defender John Terry: "It's cutthroat now."
The remaining 16 include six current or former world champions - Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Germany and Italy - and two former finalists - the Netherlands and Sweden. Throw in Euro 2004 runner-up Portugal and it becomes clear that none of the cream has yet been skimmed off the top of this World Cup.
High-scoring forward Jared Borgetti has been cleared to play today for Mexico against Argentina after missing the past two games with a torn thigh muscle.
"I'm practically all better," Borgetti said Friday after Mexico's players briefly took the field at the Zentralstadion. "I'm very well, and I'm going to try to play a good game - and the most important thing: score goals."