ClapAfter 48 first round games there are 16 teams left of the 32 countries that came to South Africa to compete in World Cup 2010. Here are some statistics:
• Only six European nations have qualified for the last 16 at South Africa 2010, an all-time low for the Old Continent. This once again proves the old adage that European teams struggle off their own continent.
• For the first time ever, every South American country has qualified for the second round and all but one country (Honduras) of all the Americas have qualified.
• Of the first 100 goals at South Africa 2010, the 90th minute proved the most popular time to score, with five goals at that stage.
• Three players are tied for top goals scorer with 3 goals. Spain’s David Villa, Argentina’s Gonzalo Higuain and Slovakia’s Robert Vittek.
• The US finishes atop their group for the first time since 1930 but for the first time ever in the modern era of the World Cup.
• Not surprisingly Argentina has taken more shots (64), shots on goal (30) and in goals scored (7) are in a tie with Portugal.
• Brazil had the highest pass completion record after the first round of games with a staggering 84%. The US finished 25th with an 68% completion rate.
So here are your 16 teams moving on to the “Knock Out Stage”.
