Two more teams were mathematically eliminated from the World Cup football finals on Saturday after playing their second of three group games. Both were teams playing in South Korea.
Two teams making their World Cup debuts - Slovenia and China - both lost for the second time in two games and have no chance of advancing to the second round, even if they win their final group match.
Slovenia fell to South Africa in Group B action here in Daegu, 1-0, while China was shut out by Brazil in Seogwipo, 4-0.
The Brazilians overmatched the Chinese, getting three goals in the first half and one in the second. The goals came from four different players, all starting with the letter "R." Roberto Carlos scored on a free kick in the 15th minute, Rivaldo tallied in the 32nd minute, Ronaldinho converted a penalty kick just before the halftime whistle and Ronaldo booted in the fourth goal in the 55th minute. Brazil has won both its Group C matches and is in excellent position to qualify for the second round.
With its 1-0 victory over Slovenia, South Africa moved into second place in Group B behind Spain, which has already clinched a second round berth. The South Africans need only a tie against Spain, or for a Paraguay loss or tie against Slovenia to go through.
The other two teams already eliminated from second round contention are Saudi Arabia and Nigeria.