Day 15 marked the halfway stage of the FIFA World Cup 2010, with the completion of group stage matches. 4 matches were played in Group G and H, to decide who will accompany Brazil to the next round. Ivory Coast had to win big against North Korea in Nelspruit to overcome Portugal’s huge goal difference. The Ivorians did win, but even that win was not enough, as Portugal and Brazil drew nil-nil in the Durban Stadium, in a game where chances were limited. Ivory Coast started the ball rolling early through Yaya Toure (14’) and Romaric (20’), prompted fans to think another goal-feast was on the horizon. But it was not to be as the next goal was only scored in the 82nd minute through Salomon Kalou. The results meant Ivory Coast would be disappointed for the second successive World Cup, marking a disappointing tournament for Africans (5 out of 6 are out) so far, while Portugal would follow Brazil to the next round as the group’s runners-up.
The last group, Group H meanwhile had higher stakes, as all 4 teams still had the chance mathematically to qualify, with Euro 2008 Champions Spain in the thick of it. Chile met Spain the Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Spain needed to win, while Chile only needed a draw to ensure their places in the next round.
Spain got what they wanted, with a 2-1 win, their goals scored by David Villa (24’) and Andres Iniesta (37’). Chile got their goal 2 minutes after the break through substitute Rodrigo Millar. Chile’s cause were made tougher earlier when they went a man down after Marco Estrada was red carded after adjudged to trip Fernando Torres in the run-up to Torres’ goal.
Switzerland and Honduras meanwhile slugged it out Bloemfontein. Both teams needed to win for a chance to qualify. However, it was a disappointing match for both teams, as they failed to make good of their chances in front of the goal. The match ended 0-0, meaning both teams have failed to qualify for the next round. Spain qualified as group winners, to face Portugal in the next round, with Chile right behind on goal difference, and face Brazil, a 1998 repeat. ![]()
June 25
Group G
BRA 0 POR 0
CIV 3 PRK 0
Group H
CHI 1 ESP 2
SUI 0 HON 0
Group G Standings
| Pld | W | D | L | F | A | Pts | |
| Brazil | 3 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 7 |
| Portugal | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 5 |
| Ivory Coast | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| North Korea | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 12 | 0 |
Group H Standings
| Pld | W | D | L | F | A | Pts | |
| Spain | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 6 |
| Chile | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| Switzerland | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Honduras | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
*Teams in bold qualifies for the next round









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