Five nations already out of World Cup

Press, 13 June 1986, Page 32

Five nations already out of World Cup

By

DAVID LEGGAT

Given the complicated system being used to find the 16 teams to advance into the second round of the World Cup soccer finals, the complete draw for that knockout stage will not be known until tomorrow morning. The last two group matches will then be played, between Scotland and Uruguay, and Denmark and West Germany, to decide final placings in the tough group E section. They will have an important bearing, not only on which teams will finish first and second, but also whether Uruguay or Scotland can scrape through as one of the four bestplaced third teams. Five teams are already eliminated — South Korea, Iraq, Canada and Portugal through finishing

bottom of their groups, and Hungary, owing to its dismal 2-9 goal difference, coupled with only two points. Eleven nations were certain of second round places before this morning’s group D matches Involving Brazil, Northern Ireland, Spain and Algeria. They are Argentina, Italy, Mexico, Paraguay, Russia, France, Brazil, Denmark, West Germany, England and Morocco. Belgium and Poland are sure of positions as well, having gained three points, and a draw with the Algerians will assure Spain of a place. Victory

over the Brazilians will give Northern Ireland the other spot. Should that monumental task prove beyond it, the Uruguayans will have an excellent opportunity, providing they can beat Scotland.

Only two ties have been confirmed. France, the European champion two years ago and a semifinalist in 1982, will meet the defending world champion, Italy, on Wednesday morning (N.Z. time). England’s stunning success yesterday has given it the best possible draw, against the unfancied Paraguayans, in the Aztec stadium, in Mexico City, a day later.

The other six clashes remain in the realm of possibilities. However, Morocco will have to face either Denmark, or more likely, West Germany.