'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The second round of matches are on their way and we already have learned the probable candidates who are at a risk of missing their round of 16 fixtures. As per rules of FIFA, these players are only a booking away from being suspended from the business end of the tournament.Until the last World Cup Fifa erased all cards after the group stages. But since 2010 cards are accumulated until the quarter-finals, meaning two cautions in the first five matches can cause players to miss key knock-out games.Who are these players? We take a look at 5 of the most key ones likely to miss the round-of-16 games.
#6 Notable mentions
Patrice Evra
Joao Pereira
Martin Caceres
Stefan De Vrij
Hector Moreno
Dejan Lovren
#5 Marcos Rojo - Argentina
Argentina confirmed their place into the round of 16 after Lionel Messi saved their blushes against Iran by scoring a sensational goal in the dying minutes of the second group F game. The match was a clean one as far as the South Americans were concerned as none of their players were booked in the entire 90 minutes.
But Marcos Rojo was one of the players carrying a yellow card into this game after he was booked for a late challenge on Mensur Mujdza of Bosnia-Herzegovina in their opening fixture. As a result of which, the left-aback from Sporting Lisbon is one of the candidates likely to miss the round of 16 stage if he manages to book himself in the final game of the group stage.
#4 Luiz Gustavo - Brazil
Luiz Gustavo has been the balance between Brazil’s attack and defence. The Wolfsburg midfielder picked up a booking in the first World Cup game against Croatia and is also on the verge of missing the round of 16 fixture if he picks up another yellow card.
In the second game against Mexico, Gustavo managed to play out the entire game without getting himself booked. But he has to be aware about committing to challenges in the game against Cameroon because he is an essential figure for the Seleccao in the middle of the pitch.
#3 Jonathan De Guzman - Netherlands
Netherlands stomped their authority over the tournament as favourites after thrashing Spain 5-1 in their opening game. They followed that performance with a comeback 3-2 victory over a determined Australian side. With the qualification to the round of 16 sealed and a chance to finish first in their group, the loss of Robin Van Persie is the only concern for them in their final group game against Chile.
But midfielder Jonathan De Guzman is only a card away from missing the round of 16. The Swansea player was booked in the game against Spain as he cynically hauled down a counter attack on the 24th minute. Considering the Dutch’s bench strength, Guzman will be a vital miss for the Oranje if he manages to receive a yellow card in the final game.
#2 Paul Pogba - France
France secured their qualification from the group stage against Switzerland in their second game with a convincing 5-2 win over their European adversaries. Although, Pogba did not start the match, his performances have proved that he is an integral part of Didier Deschamps’ side now. The midfielder shone in the France- Honduras game as Les Blues grabbed three points in their opening fixture.
But Pogba was involved in an incident with Wilson Palacios of Honduras which earned him his first yellow card of the tournament. The Juventus player kicked Palacios from behind after the play had stopped which forced the referee to book both the players. As things stand, Pogba is card away from getting suspended for the knockout stages of the competition.
#1 Neymar - Brazil
Surprisingly, Neymar became the first recipient of yellow card in the inaugural match of Brazil vs Croatia after elbowing Luka Modric in the throat midway through the first half. Brazil won the match 3-1 and Neymar escaped without any further bookings. In the Second game against Mexico, Neymar was cautious as he managed to see off the draw without getting into the referee’s book.
The final group game against Cameroon will be a decisive encounter for the hosts as they will look to win the game and end as toppers of Group A. And Neymar, along with his attacking skills, will have to be aware of the fact that any rash decision might lead to a suspension for the knockout game.
