Third-placed pair secure progress

Argentinian success
Germany started the day level on points with the United States at the top of Group D, knowing a win would secure their place in the first two in the section. However, Neri Cardozo's strike two minutes before half-time earned Argentina three points in Emmen, the South Americans holding out despite Juan Manuel Torres's late dismissal.

Third enough
That result, coupled with the United States's 1-0 success against Egypt, meant the Germans slipped to third spot, yet results elsewhere ensured their points tally was still enough to advance as one of the four best third-placed sides. They now face Group B winners China in the last 16 on 21 June.

Italians find form
Italy, meanwhile, had lost their opening two Group E games so three points were essential against Canada in Kerkrade if they were to stay in the tournament. Paolo Berrettini's team duly won 4-1, Graziano Pelle opening the scoring midway through the first half before Daniele Galloppa doubled the advantage two minutes into the second. Although Marcel De Jong halved the deficit soon after, further goals from Pelle and substitute Raffaele De Martino rounded off an impressive Italian display.

American opposition
The victory took Italy above their opponents and into third position, five points behind section winners Colombia who claimed a third straight success, 2-0 against runners-up Syria. Italy nevertheless edged through as one of the third-placed qualifiers, and next play the USA.

Another victory
The Netherlands had guaranteed themselves pole position in Group A with two opening victories, and maintained their perfect record with a 1-0 win against Benin, who finished third but missed out on the last 16. AFC Ajax defender Hedwiges Maduro scored the goal on 47 minutes, setting up a last-16 encounter with Chile, while Japan's 1-1 draw with Australia took the Asian team through to a meeting with Morocco.

Swiss slip up
In Group F, Switzerland became the only European representative to be eliminated, their 3-0 defeat by section runners-up Nigeria spelling the end of their campaign. Pierre-André Schürmann's side fell behind in the 49th minute to a strike from SFK Lyn Oslo's Chinedu Ogbuke, and any hopes of progress were erased by John Obi Mikel's penalty ten minutes later. Promise Isaac wrapped up the win to leave the Swiss with the wooden spoon.

European encounters
In the other Group F tie, Brazil confirmed their top billing with a 2-0 triumph over the Korean Republic. They will tackle Syria in the next stage. Turkey, third in Group B, have also advanced to a showdown with Group C winners Spain, while Ukraine will take on Nigeria. All eight last-16 matches will be played on 21/22 June.