Group D

U.S. moves into the knockout round

United States, 2-0-1, 7 points, +3 goal differential IN, 4 gf, 1 ga

The U.S. entered the tournament as co-favorites with Germany, but the Americans haven't looked brilliant yet. They have won their group, though, and they will be a heavy favorite in the Round of 16 on Monday in Edmonton against Colombia, which lost to England, 2-1, on Wednesday night. The Americans avoided a possible meeting with France in this round.

Australia, 1-1-1, 4 points, 0 goal differential IN, 4 gf, 4 ga

The Australians managed to exceed expectations despite being in the so-called Group of Death, finishing ahead of Sweden, but things don't get easier. They will face Brazil on Sunday in Moncton and, if they manage an upset, will probably get Japan, the defending champions, after that.

Sweden, 0-0-3, 3 points, 0 goal differential IN, 4 gf, 4 ga

The Swedes didn't win a single match in the group stage, but they didn't lose, either, and they made it in.

Now for the bad news: Sweden will play Germany, the world's top-ranked team and winner of two of the last three World Cups.







Nigeria, 0-2-1, 1 point, -3 goal differential OUT, 3 gf, 6 ga

Placed in the tournament's toughest group, alongside three of the eight quarterfinalists from four year ago, Nigeria held its own, with a comeback draw against Sweden and a 1-0 loss to the United States. But it wasn't enough to advance. The crucial result ended up being a 2-0 loss to Australia.