By Joe Hizul

Group C
Slovenia 0 vs. England 1
Goals: England - Defoe (23)

USA 1 vs. Algeria 0
Goals: USA - Donovan (91)

Group D
Ghana 0 vs. Germany 1
Goals: Germany - Ozil (60)

Australia 2 vs. Serbia 1
Goals: Australia - Cahill (69), Holman (73); Serbia - Pantelic (84)

Finally, after a lacklustre start, England is through to the knock out stage. Jermain Defoe volleyed home in a very thrilling game.
 
It was a very crucial match for both team, with England feeling the most pressure as they had struggled through the previous two matches, and now are up against Slovenia, which had topped the group coming into the match. Slovenia only needed a draw to get through, so the English side really needed a victory, nothing less and they’re out.
 
But Coach Capello’s changes to the team really paid off. England played with a confidence not witnessed before during the past two outings. For starter, they dominated early on, and in the 23rd minutes, Jermaine Defoe volleyed in a superb shot from a James Milner cross. They created lot of chances for more goals, but Defoe’s early volley would be the solitary one of the game.
 
Slovenia pressed on the attack but the English side hung on for a one nil victory. England will meet old rival Germany in Bloemfontein on Sunday (10pm Malaysian time), which topped Group D after beating Ghana one nil.
 
USA scored a last-minute goal against Algeria by way of a breathtaking goal from Landon Donovan. Donovan scored during the dying minutes after 10-men Algeria was left without their Skipper when Anthar Yahia was red-carded for foul against Carlos Bocanegra. Donovan goal led the USA to finish the game at 1-0, propelling the American to the next round as winner of Group C.  Their next opponent will be Ghana, which despite losing the match against Germany, qualified at the expense of Australia.

Australia had a fantastic win against Serbia which they beat 2 goals to 1. The Aussies and the Serbs had an evenly matched game throughout, with both sides having equal possession of the ball right up till half-time, nary a score up to that point. Both team stepped up their attacks, but it wouldn’t be until the 69th minutes when the status quo started to change. Australia’s Tim Cahill scored, followed closely four minutes later with yet another Australian goal by Brett Holman. Serbia answered in the 84th minute with a goal by Marko Pantelic.

Unfortunately, Australia wasn’t able to extend their good fortune and despite an amazing effort, was still knocked out of the competition despite the match drawing to a close 2-1 in Australia’s favour.

Yes, it's an amazing victory, but it was not enough for the Aussie to advance. It failed to overcome the goal differences which favoured Ghana, and ultimately saw the African side proceeding through over Australia, despite a tie in points.

Ghana went into the match against a defensive Germany which saw them unable to find the net despite breaching through and getting a few scoring opportunities. The game solitary goal came from Mesut Ozil.

Lady luck must really be favouring the Ghanians. It could be heartbreak for them, but Australia’s inability to score more goals meant the African side is through. Ghana will play the USA in Rustenburg on Sunday (2.30am Malaysian time).

Throughout the World Cup, Resorts World Genting are showing ALL the action on the BIGGEST SCREEN IN MALAYSIA, with RM2million worth of big prizes that must be won, including 2 Kia cars and 3 trips to South Africa for the finals!

Time Out KL viewing party for this week at the Genting International Show Rood (next to the casino), Level 2, Genting Hotel will be on Friday June 25. Fans can enjoy the atmosphere with free drinks and special drinks promotion, special offers and a buzzing crowd while watching Brazil vs Portugal and Chile vs Spain. Resorts World Genting’s live screenings are enhanced by the live commentary and analysis from Liverpool and Wales legend Ian Rush and TV celebrity Chui Ling.

To join the Time Out KL buses that will leave Wisma Genting on Jalan Sultan Ismail in the heart of the city at 5.30pm on Friday, just enter the promoted on the side and at the top of this pa