It was the last day Friday for the group matches in the World Cup soccer finals. In Group H, Japan beat Tunisia 2－0, while Belgium beat Russia 3－2. Japan and Belgium go into next round of 16. In Group D, Poland beat the US 3－1, but it's the US who will advance, along with South Korea, who beat Portugal 1－nil.
Co－hosts Japan won their second successive match, beating Tunisia 2－nil and confirming their advancement to the second round. They win Group H and will face Turkey next. Japan had the majority of chances in the match but had to wait until just after half－time to confirm their superiority. Tunisia was eliminated with just one point.
Belgium got late goals from Wesley Sonck and Marc Wilmots to beat Russia 3－2 and qualify for the second round from Group H. It will face Brazil in the next round of 16.
In Group D matches, even though Poland beat the US 3－1 and got three points, it was still eliminated. The US has 4 points and ranks second in Group D, and will face Mexico in the next round. South Korea and Portugal had a hard fight. In the end, the co－host beat Portugal 1－nil, winning three points to rank first in Group D. South Korea will meet Italy from Group G in the next round.
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