Italians tripped by Syria

Ajax pair
Japan's 1-1 draw with Benin earlier in the day meant victory for the Netherlands against Australia would secure their place in the Round of 16. AFC Ajax centre-half Hedwiges Maduro got the Dutch off to a fine start with a 19th-minute goal and second-half strikes from Maduro's Ajax team-mate Urby Emanuelson and FC Utrecht midfielder Rick Kruys completed the win.

Coda strike
Italy missed a golden chance to get their Group E campaign back on track as they lost 2-1 against Syria in Tilburg. Sunday's reverse against Colombia, who overcame Canada this evening to head the group on six points, had put the pressure on the Italians, and they found themselves two goals down before registering through Empoli FC defender Andrea Coda. Only a comfortable victory against Canada on Saturday can prevent the European side's early exit.

Swiss defeat
Defeat for the Swiss against Nigeria on Saturday could also spell elimination after Switzerland's second Group F match ended in disappointment against Brazil in Emmen. Gladstone's 14th-minute header was all that separated the teams. With the Korean Republic beating Nigeria 2-1 in the other pool game, Switzerland sit third in the section behind Korea on goals scored.