An England Fan’s Guide to the FIFA 2010 World Cup – Knockout Stage

An England Fan’s Guide to the World Cup – Knockout Stage

The group stage games are huge events in the World Cup, but the real ‘business end’ of the tournament is, without question, the knockout stage.

This is the stage where hearts are broken and entire nations erupt in screams of elation at the same time – this is the true feeling of the World Cup, one that captures the attention of millions across the globe every four years.

England have always struggled in the knockout stages, leading to the country dubbing itself a “quarter-final team”. For some reason, the quarter and semi-finals seem to be the end of the road for us, whether we lose on penalties or by the “Hand of God”, England have never been able to make it to a World Cup Final since Alf Ramsay led the likes of Moore, Charlton and Banks onto the pitch at Wembley Stadium in that historic 4-2 victory back in 1966.

But maybe 2010 could be our year to reach the World Cup Final again?

The knockout stages could go a number of different ways for England if they qualify from Group C. If they qualify first they will play the runners-up of Group D, if we qualify second then we will play the winners of Group D. The teams in Group D are Germany, Australia, Serbia and Ghana, so the more likely opponents for the knockout stages will be Germany or Australia.

Please note that these fixtures will only happen if England qualify first from their group and subsequently win each game to progress further in the tournament.

England Qualify 1st from Group C

Match Day 4 – Round of 16: Rustenburg

If England qualify first from Group C their game will take place on June 26th in Rustenburg. The game will kick off at 20:30 CET, making it an 18:30 GMT fixture for those in the UK. The likelihood is that we will play either Germany or Australia in this fixture. As the England base camp is in Rustenburg it will be a boost for the team not having to travel hundreds of miles to the stadium. For those who will only be watching the first game take place in Rustenburg, staying in the city will allow easy access to the stadium if England were to qualify in first place and get to the Round of 16.

Click here for more stadium information and a list of hotels in Rustenburg.

Match Day 5 – Quarter-Finals: Johannesburg

If England win their Round of 16 game they will progress to the quarter-finals where they are likely to face France or Argentina. The fixture will take place on 2nd July at 20:30 CET, or 18:30 GMT for those watching in the UK. It will be played at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, the venue for the World Cup Final.

Click here for more stadium information and a list of hotels in Johannesburg.

Match Day 6 – Semi-Finals: Cape Town

If England manage to win their quarter-final game they will progress to the semi final in Cape Town. This match could end up against a number of world class teams - the likes of Portugal, Brazil and the Netherlands are all potential opponents for the Semi Final match-up. The semi-final will take place on 6 July at 20:30 CET or 18:30 GMT for those watching at home. If England lose in the semi-final they will play in the third-place play-off on 10 July at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Click here for more stadium information and a list of hotels in Cape Town.

Match Day 7 – Final: Johannesburg

The biggest football game in the world. Watched by millions across the globe, the World Cup Final will be the biggest game in any footballer’s career and is a spectacle to behold. The FIFA 2010 World Cup Final will be played at the Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg at 20:30 CET or 18:30 GMT.