World Cup Groups C, D: The permutations

This evening at the World Cup in Brazil, the curtain will come down on Groups C and D. Here, Sports Mole takes a closer at all the permutations from the four matches.

GROUP C

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Greece vs. Ivory Coast (9pm)
Japan vs. Colombia (9pm)

With six points from six, the Colombians know that regardless of the result that they gain against their Japanese counterparts, their place in the last 16 has already been secured. Avoiding defeat would guarantee top spot for Jose Pekerman's side, while even a loss would require a hefty swing in goal difference for them to be dislodged. Meanwhile, Japan would join Colombia in the knockout stages if they collect three points and the Ivory Coast are beaten by Greece.

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Staying with the Ivory Coast, they will progress by either securing a draw or a win against the Greeks, who can also still advance. For that to happen, Fernando Santos's men must take maximum points and hope that Colombia claim something from their meeting with Japan.

GROUP D

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Italy vs. Uruguay (5pm)
Costa Rica vs. England (5pm)

The World Cup will end for either Italy or Uruguay in Natal, with both locked on three points following one victory and one defeat apiece. A win for either would see them advance along with group leaders Costa Rica, while the Italians have the superior goal difference, which means that the draw favours the Azzurri.

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One of the tournament's surprise packages, Costa Rica, take on England in Belo Horizonte safe in the knowledge that, like Colombia in Group D, they are through. They are three goals better off than the Italians and four on Uruguay, so even a defeat against the Three Lions is unlikely to loosen their grip on the summit, although a draw or victory would confirm it.