Another seven have been eliminated and will be playing for nothing more than pride while the rest battle for survival.

Ecuador and Germany [Images] have qualified from Group A along with England [Images] (Group B), Argentina and Netherlands (Group C), Portugal (Group D), Brazil [Images] (Group F) and Spain (Group H).

Definitely out are Poland and Costa Rica (Group A), Paraguay (Group B), Ivory Coast and Serbia & Montenegro (Group C), Iran (Group D) and Togo (Group G).

The lineup for the second round matches will not be known until later this week.

After relatively few shocks in the first 16 games played in the opening six days, the last round of matches has been less predictable.

No one could have forecast Argentina's 6-0 rout of Serbia & Montenegro, a team that had conceded only one goal in 10 qualifying games.

More predictable perhaps was that Serbia's Ilija Petkovic would become the first of the 32 coaches here to announce he would step down after the finals.

Also Read Know these football moves? You may turn into a football! When will Ronaldinho peak? A Football Mela Football Fiesta gallery

Henri Michel has also said he will soon be quitting his job with Ivory Coast.

Ghana were surprise winners, deservedly beating Czech Republic 2-0 in a Group E victory which would have been even more emphatic but for outstanding goalkeeping from Petr Cech.

Other results were rather more predictable.

STUBBORN RESISTANCE

Germany overcame stubborn resistance from Poland to maintain their extraordinary unbeaten streak against their old rivals in a dramatic match.

Since they first met 85 years ago, Poland have never beaten the Germans.

When it appeared a draw was likely in Dortmund, Oliver Neuville scored seconds from time to put the hosts in the last 16 and eliminate the Poles.

England were also made to fight hard, squeezing past Trinidad & Tobago 2-0 with two late goals.

Netherlands advanced with a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast, the first time the Dutch have won their opening two group games to advance with a match to spare.

Portugal's 2-0 victory over Iran, following their 1-0 opening win over Angola, helped them progress from the group phase for the first time since 1966.

Angola's chances of progressing are slim, but still mathematically alive, after their battling 0-0 draw with Mexico.

Brazil notched their second successive win with a 2-0 triumph over Australia but Ronaldo [Images] had another poor match and his place for the final group game against Japan [Images] must be in doubt.

Unlike four years ago when fancied teams like Argentina and then champions France [Images] crashed out in the first round, most of the favourites look like going through.

But Italy [Images] cannot afford to slip up against Czech Republic in Group E and France are in danger of elimination.

After drawing 1-1 with South Korea on Sunday, France go into their last Group G match trailing Korea and Switzerland [Images].

France have two points while Korea and Switzerland each have four. Although Raymond Domenech's team should beat Togo, they could miss out if they do not score enough goals against the Africans while Korea and Switzerland draw.