We've had virtually a knockout match every game we've played from the pool stages through to the semi-finals.
That left Brazil, led by Romario, carrying the South American challenge, while Italian Roberto Baggio hauled his team through the knockout stages in a trio of match-winning performances against Nigeria, Spain and Bulgaria.
England must beat Slovenia in their final group match on Wednesday to reach the knockout stage of the tournament.
BBC: England boss Capello backs John Terry despite criticism
Vicente Del Bosque's Spain team have yet to fire on all cylinders at the tournament, losing to Switzerland in the opening match and then winning all three knockout stage matches 1-0 -- including the semifinal against Germany.
CNN: Dutch legend Cruyff tips Spain to win first World Cup crown
With Roma's victory over Cluj, the Italians moved a point clear of Chelsea, who must now beat Cluj in their final group match to be sure of reaching the knockout stages.
They have since eliminated defending champions Shakhtar Donetsk, favourites Juventus and Wolfsburg in the knockout stages, with Thursday's victory their 16th match in the competition this season.
"The next match is very critical for our team to go for the knockout stage but we will try our best, " Korea coach Jo Tong-sop said.
Beckham received a hero's welcome when he returned to play a Champions League knockout tie against his old Manchester United teammates last week, although the match, in which he appeared as a late substitute, ended in a heavy defeat.
CNN: Defiant Beckham says he will return after Achilles surgery
Despite the defeat, Standard Liege can still reach the knockout stages after AZ Alkmaar and Olympiakos drew 0-0 in the other group match.
Wambach and company spent much of the match balancing a pair of ambitions: winning and conserving energy for the Olympic knockout round.
WSJ: 2012 London Olympics: U.S. Women's Soccer Team: A New World Order at Old Trafford - Jason Gay
The Nigerian started his first Champions League match for Chelsea against Werder Bremen on Wednesday, as his side qualified for the knockout stages despite losing 1-0.
In contrast, the knockout phase of the Europa League has been a steady parade of wild shoot-outs, improbable comebacks and gripping match-ups between teams with an unfailing commitment to attack.
应用推荐