Article
26 June 2010
Realmadrid.com
The group stage of the World Cup is now over and all ten of Real Madrid's representatives are still alive.
NETHERLANDS
The Oranje also won out in the group stage with Rafael van der Vaart playing an important role in the team's early success. Netherlands are next scheduled to play Slovakia with the winner potentially having to face Brazil in the quarterfinals.
BRAZIL
Brasil clinched its berth in the knockout round after only two group stage wins and later locked up the top spot with a draw against Portugal. Kaka has played 166 minutes in two matches but was unable to squre off against Cristiano Ronaldo after being sent off against Cote d'Ivoire. The Seleção now play Chile.
PORTUGAL
Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe punched their tickets into the Round of 16 by thrashing Korea DPR and drawing against Cote d'Ivoire and Brazil. The forward continues to be the go-to guy for Portugal, while the defender saw his first action of the tournament by playnig 63 minutes against Brazil.
SPAIN
La Roja also made it through by winning their last two matches of the group stage against Honduras and Chile. Casillas, Ramos and Xabi Alonso have participated in every match, while Arbeloa got in on the action in two. Albiol has yet to be called in to duty. Spain next face Portugal with the winner scheduled to play either Paraguay or Japan in the quarterfinals.
ARGENTINA
Higuain and company won all three group stage matches and went on to beat Mexico 3-1 in their Round of 16 matchup. The Real Madrid forward scored the second goal on the night and his fourth overall to move tops in the tournament scoring table. The Albiceleste now face Germany in the quarterfinals.