We’re fully into the second go-round for most teams – which means that the groups are beginning to separate into the haves and the have-nots. With this in mind, a look at today’s biggest losers at the World Cup.

Third Runner-Up: That Guy With The Flag

Mexico beat France 2-0, but their first goal was a good yard offside, a violation somehow ignore d by the linesman. I’m not saying that France deserved to win, but now Mexico’s a draw away from round 2. Given that their co-leader in Group A, Uruguay, is in the same boat, and the two teams play each other in their final group game… what’s the betting on a miraculous 0-0 draw?

Second Runner-Up: South Korea

Got waxed 4-1 by Argentina, which is no shame – the Argentines were awesome – but does present a problem in a group that could end up tied. The loss is bad, but losing three goals in the goal differential is even worse.

First Runner-Up: France

Failed to score a goal or win a game in their first two. Now, would need to beat South Africa and have either Uruguay or Mexico lose, plus get some help on the goal differential. In other words: Bye-bye, France!

The winner of the losers… Sani Katia!

Katia is the Nigerian midfielder who, in a moment of pure, unadulterated stupidity, got himself sent off for kicking a Greece player in full view of everyone in the stadium. Nigeria was leading 1-0 at the time; they lost 2-1 after playing most of the match down a man. Nigeria is now pointless, on the bottom of Group B, and in need of a minor miracle to qualify for the second round. If they’d even got a draw, they probably would have gone through with a win against South Korea; now, they’re stuck at the bottom of their group.

Tomorrow morning, the USA takes on Slovenia in what is a truly pivotal match for the Americans. In a lot of ways, it’s like a CONCACAF qualifying match; the USA will have more firepower and should win, but to do so, will have to break down a defensively determined team (and manage to avoid their own lapses) to get the job done.

Does it surprise you that I’m already so nervous I can hardly speak?