World Cup capsules for Spain-Switzerland, Honduras-Chile, South Africa-Uruguay

Wednesday’s WCup lookahead capsules

Capsules for Wednesday’s matches at the World Cup (FIFA rankings in parentheses):

The Americans will advance with a victory and even could move on with a draw, depending on the result of the England-Slovenia game. Algeria must win and have Slovenia win to guarantee getting to the second round.

United States: A strong comeback team, the U.S. rallied to tie both England and Slovenia. That’s a dangerous way to live at the World Cup.

Algeria: The Desert Foxes had to beat African champion Egypt to qualify, so big games are no big deal, particularly after a 0-0 draw with group favorite England.

Notable Fact: Algeria never has advanced at a World Cup. The United States was in the quarterfinals as recently as 2002, when it lost to eventual finalist Germany 1-0.

The uproar in England over two ties will turn into a volcano of venom if the highly touted team doesn’t advance. Slovenia leads the group and a draw will move it to the next round.

England: Since captain Steven Gerrard scored in the fourth minute against the United States, the English have not gotten a goal and have two draws.

Slovenia: After blowing a 2-0 halftime lead and tying with the Americans, Slovenia has another chance to prove its legitimacy and win the group.

Notable Fact: Not since 1958 in Sweden has England failed to advance past the group stage once it’s qualified for the tournament.

A surprisingly tight group given Germany’s expected dominance. A winner in this game will advance, but so would Ghana with a draw.

Germany: After routing Australia 4-0, the Germans struggled with 10 men and lost to Serbia 1-0. Key striker Miroslav Klose is suspended.

Ghana: Kevin-Prince Boateng, whose tackle in the English F.A. Cup final took Germany captain Michael Ballack out of the World Cup, will play for Ghana.

Notable Fact: Germany has advanced from the group stage in every World Cup appearance. Ghana made the second round for years ago in Germany before losing to Brazil.

The Aussies have gone from long shot to a maybe, but they must beat the Serbs and get some help. Serbia carries extra confidence into the match after its victory against Germany.

Australia: Midfielder Harry Kewell and defender Craig Moore, two of the Socceroos’ veterans, are suspended for the match.

Serbia: Inter Milan midfielder Dejan Stankovic is at his third World Cup, each for a different nation. He represented Yugoslavia in 1998, Serbia and Montenegro four years ago.

Notable Fact: Australia advanced to the second round in Germany, where it lost on a controversial late penalty to eventual champion Italy.