The battle to avoid joining the likes of Spain and England on the World Cup scrapheap begins in earnest on Monday as the final round of first phase fixtures kicks off with Brazil bidding to book their place in the last 16.
The most entertaining World Cup in years has made a mockery of pre-tournament predictions, with holders Spain condemned to an early flight home after only two matches and England, perhaps less surprisingly, following close behind.
The identity of the remaining teams joining them in the departure lounge will be decided over the next four days as the round-robin stage of the tournament reaches its climax.
Monday's action will see Brazil aim to wrap up qualification for the last 16, where victory over an already-eliminated Cameroon in Brasilia will clinch first place in Group A.
The battle for the other qualifying spot in the group sees Croatia face Mexico in the sultry coastal city of Recife.
Croatia recovered from an opening defeat against Brazil to trounce Cameroon 4-0 in their second match, but must beat Mexico to advance. Mexico, fresh from thwarting Brazil in a 0-0 draw last week, need only a point to go through.
With Spain and Australia already sent packing in Group B, all eyes will be on the Netherlands clash with in-form Chile in Sao Paulo.
The contest is effectively a shoot-out to decide who wins the group and therefore avoids the prospect of playing Brazil in the next round, if, as expected, the hosts win Group A.
Chile boss Jorge Sampaoli is pulling out all the stops to secure a win, and says he will risk suspension for star midfielder Arturo Vidal.
But Sampaoli indicated Chile would throw caution to the wind as they face the free-scoring Dutch, who hammered 2010 champions Spain 5-1 and overcame Australia 3-2.
"There is a context which is real, which is protecting a player and that's respectable," Sampaoli said.
"But we need to win the group because that will give us a way of looking to the future in a different manner."
In Group C, meanwhile, Colombia can finish the first phase with a 100 percent record if they defeat Japan in Cuiaba on Tuesday. The Colombians have already qualified for the last 16, and a point will be enough to top the group.
Japan, who have one point from two games, must beat Colombia and hope Ivory Coast fail to beat Greece to have any chance of going.
Also on Tuesday, England will bid a sorry farewell to the tournament after their elimination from Group D, with Costa Rica needing only a draw in Belo Horizonte to ensure first place from the group.
The group's biggest drama is likely to come in the match between Uruguay and Italy, beaten by Costa Rica on Friday. A draw would be enough for the Italians to advance; Uruguay must win to go through.
The final round of games in Groups E & F see France and Argentina facing Ecuador and Nigeria respectively knowing a point will be enough to finish top of their standings.
A draw could be enough for Ecuador to advance in Group E if Switzerland fail to beat Honduras by a significant margin.
Similarly, Argentina's opponents Nigeria need only a point to go through after their 1-0 win on Saturday over Bosnia, who play Iran in their last match.
Group G remains finely balanced with Germany and the United States in pole position to qualify.
The Americans heroic 2-2 draw with Portugal on Sunday leaves them level with Germany on four points.
A draw between Jurgen Klinsmann's US side and the Germans on Thursday would be enough to take both teams through.
After wins over Algeria and Russia, Belgium will back themselves to secure the point they need against South Korea to clinch first place in Group H.
A South Korean win would mean Russia have to beat Algeria to avoid elimination. Algeria, currently second on three points, will qualify with a win, but a draw could be enough.
AFP
Mon Jun 23 2014
Monday's action will see Brazil aim to wrap up qualification for the last 16.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.