Hello all, I'm Chris Bevan and welcome back to Cape Town for day 15 of the World Cup. Plenty more to look forward to today, unless you are Italian of course...

Yes, the defending champions crashed out on Thursday, with a defeat by Slovakia capping a dismal group campaign. The Azzurri were pelted with rotten tomatoes at Rome airport in 1966 when they returned home after a disastrous tournament... so I would be a bit nervous about being the first man off the plane when they get back home from South Africa in the next couple of days.

Lots of chat from the England camp today too of course... Their last 16 clash with Germany is only two days away after all. Guess what the theme of yesterday's press conference in Rustenburg was? Yes, penalties. Striker Jermain Defoe says: "We have been practicing pretty intensely. We're not doing the walk from halfway but there is still pressure because all the lads are standing there. If you miss you are going to get a little bit of banter."

I need your help today of course - it's a team game, isn't it? Whether you are mourning Italy's exit or working yourself into a frenzy at the thought of England beating Germany, get in touch. Text me on 81111 (UK) or +44 7786200666 (worldwide), I'm on Twitter @chrisbevan_bbc or join the chat on 606.

So what's going on in the next few hours then? Lots and lots, as it happens. We wrap up the group stages with the last of the action in Groups G and H. It's quite tasty-looking action too by the way, with Portugal taking on Brazil and Ivory Coast against North Korea in Group G, and Chile versus Spain and Switzerland-Honduras in Group H.

There's a discussion going on about penalties on BBC Radio 5 live at the moment, with renowned spot-kick expert Matt Le Tissier talking a lot of sense. "For all the preparation you do, there is no guarantee those five players are going to be on the pitch at the end of the game,"  he says. Le Tissier scored 47 out of 48 penalties during his playing days... wouldn't it be nice to be able to draft in someone like that just for the shoot-out, should it come to that on Sunday... ?

I went to see the Netherlands beat Cameroon here in Cape Town last night and I don't think there was a happier man in this city than Arjen Robben. The Dutch winger, who has been sidelined by a hamstring injury, came off the bench to make his first appearance of the tournament and played his part in his side's winner too, with his rasping shot hitting the post and rebounding for Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to bury the loose ball. Robben said: "I think you know how hard I worked for this, so to be out there was very special for me. It was a great experience and a big pleasure to be part of the World Cup."

England goalkeeper David James is holding a press conference in Rustenburg, right now. I'll bring you the best bits. He's just been asked if he has been practising penalties? "Me taking them, no. The intention is for us to win the game in 90 minutes."

Er, lots of questions about penalties. They all are actually. James is laughing now (but probably crying inside) and says: "The homework will be done with regards to penalties but, without sounding like Groundhog Day, we will be trying to beat Germany in normal time."

No more questions about penalties! Good.

"If you look at our potential road to the final, the idea of beating Germany is romantic but we are not sitting here as underdogs - it's achievable and we're confident we can do. It then possibly brings on another match (Argentina in the quarter-finals) which has it's own unique historical value."

So, England look forward - but Italy can only look back. BBC Sport's Paul Fletcher was at Ellis Park yesterday to see Slovakia beat the Azzurri in a thrilling match, and send Marcello Lippi's side home early. He writes: "The sad truth for the Azzurri is that in 2010 they were simply not good enough. Italy drew with Paraguay and New Zealand and lost to Slovakia. They did not deserve to qualify."

"I think England can beat Germany, it will be a huge game. I am going to look at that on TV."

Let's put England v Germany to one side just for a moment and concentrate on today's games. It cannot just be me looking forward to seeing Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (and Tiago too) taking on Brazil? Can it?

Nope, it's not just me. World Cup Motty is looking forward to Portugal-Brazil as much as me. He thinks Brazil will win it, but not by much - meaning both of them go through to the last 16. Motty also thinks Chile and Spain will get through from Group H, by the way, but that is a lot more complicated.

If we are looking at this World Cup from a continent v continent point of view then there is only one winner so far, and it is not Antartica. Yep, the South American countries competing in South Africa are enjoying themselves so far - Uruguay, Paraguay and Chile are yet to lose a game in South Africa, and only Chile are still fighting to make it to the last 16... even they have won both their games so far too. Impressive stuff, but will any of them win the thing?

I spoke to Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp yesterday about his players in the England squad at the World Cup. Why isn't Aaron Lennon having a better tournament? "Aaron played the last few games of the Premier League season but was not 100% fit and was really just finding his feet. He did not come back with all guns blazing and do what we know he can do," Redknapp told me. "but he knows he can still have a big part to play in this World Cup. This is a squad game and, if he gets called upon with 10 minutes to go, then his pace can still win us a game."

A bit of news for you: The officials have been announced for England's last-16 game against Germany - Uruguayan referee Jorge Larrionda will take charge of the match.

Right, time to hand you over to Sam Lyon for the rest of the build-up to today's games. Thanks for keeping me company and see you all very soon.

Y'alright folks. I'm Sam Lyon and I'll be with you for the next hour or so as we start to focus on this afternoon's bumper ties. Portugal-Brazil clearly takes the biscuit, but don't go thinking North Korea-Ivory Coast won't have it's fair share of spills - remember, a big (OK monster) win for Sven-Goran Eriksson's men in that one and they are right back in contention for a last-16 place. I forsee goals people, goals...

Let us remind ourselves, then, of the state of play in Group G. Brazil are already into the last 16 and will win the group if they avoid defeat against Portugal. The Portuguese are likely to join them, even if they lose, after their 7-0 mauling of North Korea - that means Ivory Coast must hope Carlos Queiroz's men lose and they win heavily enough to overturn a nine-goal deficit on goal difference. Simples.

As Jez points out below, the Ivory Coast's hopes of banging in a hatful today could rely on Chelsea frontman Didier Drogba. The trouble is, despite scoring last time out against Brazil, it was quite clear he is about as fit as I am out there following an elbow injury. In total, the 32-year-old touched the ball a mere 17(!) times against the Samba Boys. A repeat of that today, and I calculate he has to score once every two touches. Easy.

The Ivory Coast are also relying on Brazil sticking a few past Portugal, too, of course. Dunga's boys will have to do it without Kaka, though, who was sent off against the Ivory Coast for blatantly - and dare I say viciously - breathing on Kader Keita. The Ivorian may have earned a 9.7 on the judges' scorecards for diving (course, you'd never catch a Brazilian doing that), but he will be kicking himself if Brazil, uninspired without their Real Madrid playmaker, fail to fire against Portugal today. That said, the form Kaka's been in, it might be a blessing in disguise for Brazil...?

"What of Portugal's record against Brazil then, Sam?" Well, in answer to that made up question from an unattributable source, I can tell you that the two teams have face each other 18 times with Portugal winning just four and losing 12. They have only met once in a World Cup, though, in - wait for it - 1966. Portugal won 3-1 that year before going on to lose to England - the eventual winners, as if we'd forget - in the semis. Omen! It's an omen! Ahem.

No, Sunil (below), Deco is again ruled out today because of a hip injury - and Ruben Amorim is also unavailable for Portugal. Brazil's Elano misses out after injuring his shin in against Ivory Coast, so Julio Baptista and Dani Alves are expected to be drafted in by Dunga.

The team news is a bit simpler for North Korea-Ivory Coast, with the former likely revert to an even more defensive system as they look to salvage pride after their 7-0 thrashing against Portugal. The Ivory Coast, in need of goals, are likely to restore Gervinho in attack. Confirmed line-ups when we get them, people.

Bayer Leverkusen have completed the signing of Michael Ballack on a two-year
contract, the club have confirmed.

And while we're having a brief moment of Germany news, according to Times Deputy Football Correspondent Matt Hughes, national coach Joachim Loew has just confirmed that midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is struggling for Sunday's second round match against England. What a boost for Don Fabio's boys that would be, huh?

Right then, time for me to hand you over to Jonathan Stevenson in Johannesburg for all the team news and action as it happens from North Korea-Ivory Coast and Portugal-Brazil. I'll be back in situ for this evening's ties involving Chile, Spain, Switzerland and Honduras - but until then, kick back and enjoy. It's going to be an absolute belter.

Time to get the old swingometer out again, isn’t it? Ivory Coast need to win by a landslide and hope Portugal lose their marginal against Brazil. For this World Cup party footballing broadcast, starting with arguably the worst analogy of all time, welcome back to Johannesburg. Can you refresh your page so Sam Lyon isn't lumbered with it? Ta.

Yep, I'm Jonathan Stevenson and this is the climax to Group G. Portugal take on Brazil in Durban, while North Korea and Ivory Coast face off for the first time in history in Neslpruit. I wonder what the drama gods have in store for us today?

Portugal: 1-Eduardo; 2-Bruno Alves, 6-Ricardo Carvalho, 15-Pepe, 23-Fabio Coentrao, 21-Ricardo Costa, 16-Raul Meireles, 19-Tiago, 7-Cristiano Ronaldo, 5-Duda, 10-Danny.
Brazil: 1-Julio Cesar; 2-Maicon, 3-Lucio, 4-Juan, 6-Michel Bastos, 5-Felipe Melo, 8-Gilberto Silva, 13-Dani Alves, 21-Nilmar, 19-Julio Baptista, 9-Luis Fabiano.
Referee: Benito Archundia (Mexico)

North Korea: 1-Ri Myong-guk; 5-Ri Kwang-chon, 2-Cha Jong-hyok, 13-Pak Chol-jin, 3-Ri Jun-il, 8-Ji Yun-nam, 11-Mun In-guk, 17-An Yong-hak, 4-Pak Nam-chol, 10-Hong Yong-jo, 9-Jong Tae-se.
Ivory Coast: 1-Boubacar Barry; 3-Arthur Boka, 4-Kolo Toure, 5-Didier Zokora, 21-Emmanuel Eboue; 13-Ndri Romaric, 19-Yaya Toure, 9-Cheik Tiote; 10-Gervais Kouassi, 11-Didier Drogba, 18-Abdelkader Keita.
Referee: Alberto Undiano (Spain)

Yep, by tonight we will have shedded half the 32 countries who started this potentially great tournament with hopes and dreams of success and be standing on the precipice of what has already been dubbed ‘the round of the last 16’. But, gentleman and fair maidens, who are going to be the lucky four who join the 12 already confirmed?

That’s what I want to know from you - as well as every World Cup-related thing going on in your World Cup life right now. I’m a sponge - saturate me with chat: I’m on Twitter @Stevo_football; I’m on text on 81111 (UK) and +44 7786200666 (worldwide); and I’m hearing rumours that opinions are already being voiced on our daily 606 page. Miss it, Mesut (miss out. I’m trying. Sorry).

Correct, those of you who neatly remind me that Brazil are already through and so there are only three places up for grabs in the last 16 still (thanks Sam). But who will they be? Here's a Matchday 15 talking point: will Spain be one of them?

I'm afraid I'm still buzzing. Italy's stunning exit and Japan's assured display were fabulous highlights from Matchday 14, we've got these two games coming up and a potential exit for the Spanish tonight. Throw in Germany v England on Sunday, and there's action everywhere you look. I've even been invited to take part in a table football penalty shootout by some German broadcasters on Saturday. I'll let you know.

So, where are we in Group G? Well Brazil are through and a point will seal top spot. Portugal progress with a draw or if Ivory Coast fail to beat North Korea. Ivory Coast need to win and hope Portugal lose to Brazil, and in the process make up an enormous goal deficit. North Korea are already out.

"We know that football is always something of a Pandora's box. All the teams that are here are very good sides. We are talking about globalised football and we have to be prepared for unexpected surprises."

"We are playing against the highest-ranked team in the world. They have tremendous organisation, they are a very solid team, full of outstanding players. I think it's going to be a very difficult game for both sides. Any victory against Brazil is always an excellent result for any team. But even a draw for that matter."

Didier Drogba spearheads an attack-minded Ivory Coast side that must score many times against North Korea. Salomon Kalou, Aruna Dindane, Guy Demel and Siaka Tiene drop to the bench, with Romaric, Gervais Kouassi, Abdelkader Keita and Arthur Boka coming in. North Korea coach Kim Jong-hun keeps faith with the side that was thrashed 7-0 by Portugal, so striker Jong Tae-Se will continue to look for his first World Cup goal alongside Hong Yong-Jo in attack.

"I think they were extremely well-organised against Brazil and for 45 minutes against Portugal. Then I really don't know what happened in the second half, it looked too easy for Portugal. I don't know if they were tired, changed tactics, I don't know."

"My staff and players did not meet the expectations of our countrymen. Nevertheless our people, even though we didn't play too well, will welcome us with open arms. For the young children in North Korea who are football fans, I think they will be more motivated and more interested in football."

Portugal are without injured Brazil-born playmaker Deco for the second consecutive match, but Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo starts. Carlos Queiroz makes four changes to the team which routed North Korea 7-0 in the previous match, with Duda, Danny, Pepe and Ricardo Costa all starting. Brazil bring in Julio Baptista and Daniel Alves for the suspended Kaka and injured Elano. Manchester City's Robinho drops to the bench, with coach Dunga drafting in Nilmar.

The teams are out, so it's time for us to listen to Hino Nacional Brasileiro, A Portuguesa, L'Abidjanaise and Aegukka. Yeah I know, you love it when I give you the anthem names. Love it.

Portugal's is one of those great anthems, isn't it? So's is Brazil, in all fairness. No tears for the North Korean hitman Jong Tae-Se this time, and we're on the cusp of a couple of kick-offs.

The Ivorians are going all-out attack already and Yaya Toure plays Kader Keita in on the right of the box, but his goalbound shot draws a fine low save from Ri Myong-Guk.

There's an unmistakeable buzz of excitement when Cristiano Ronaldo gets the ball - it really is intriguingly set up in Durban. Incredible, too, that Brazil have the world's two best right-backs in their team, with Dani Alves playing in midfield today.

Lovely turn into space by Julio Baptista and he lays it off for Dani Alves - the Barca man never needs a second invitation to shoot and he lashes narrowly wide from about 25 yards.

North Korea have improved a little after a shaky start, but they haven't got close to the final third yet. Gervinho gets to the byeline down the left for Ivory Coast, but his cross rolls along the goalline and there's no-one to touch it in.

It's all Ivory Coast. Gervinho collects a Didier Drogba pass, turns inside a defender and from 16 yards forces Ri-Myong-Guk to save low down to his right.

Nice move from the Portuguese, Raul Meireles sending over a cross from the left only for Tiago to get his volley all wrong and slice wide from the edge of the box.

First effort on goal from North Korea in Nelspruit as Hong Yong-Jo smashes a free-kick just wide from about 40 yards. Decent hit from there, son.

Hong Yong-Jo goes agonisingly close for North Korea, curling a 20-yard free-kick inches wide.

A good start from the Ivory Coast. But they're going to need a lot more to pull off one of the more extraordinary qualifications in World Cup history. They'll be wanting plenty more goals - ooh, probably at least five more - and also need Brazil to take the lead against Portugal, before it even starts to get interesting...

Ivory Coast have had 64% possession in Nelspruit, but they haven't created a clear-cut chance for a few minutes. Remember, they need a goal glut and for Brazil to beat Portugal to have a chance of going through.

Cristiano Ronaldo lets fly from outside the Brazil area, but it's routine for Julio Cesar - it would take a hell of a hit to beat him from there.

Romaric heads goalwards after a cross from the Ivorian left, but it's a comfortable catch for Ri Myong-Guk.

This just in from Marcelo, at Brazil's TV Globo: "Are you watching Felipe Melo? Now you probably understand why we worry so much about him. He’s mad! Took a yellow card motivated by revenge. He’s a good player, but sometimes very “hot”, so to speak."

Back under way in Nelspruit at the Mbombela Stadium. Now, how many goals can Ivory Coast get in these 45 minutes? Can they make it really interesting?

And we're off at the Durban Stadium as well.

North Korea's goalkeeper Ri Myong-Guk takes a heavy knock as Ivory Coast attack and he's a bit winded, needs a little bit of treatment. Should be fine to carry on, though.

Cristiano Ronaldo escapes down the Portugal left and heads towards the area, but when he gets to the byeline to cross for Tiago, a sliding Lucio makes a crucial intervention and the danger is averted for Brazil.

Brilliant stuff from Emmanuel Eboue as he drifts in from the right for Ivory Coast, but his whacked ball across the six-yard box is not met by a team-mate. Up the other end and the always confident Jong Tae-Se shoots right-footed from 25 yards, forcing Boubacar Barry to make his first save of the day.

Cristiano Ronaldo, another man who doesn't have to have his arm twisted to have a pop from range, launches a 35-yard free-kick goalwards - it takes a deflection off team-mate Pepe and loops over Julio Cesar's crossbar.

Some pinball inside the North Korea box ends with a horizontal Didier Drogba heading just past the angle of post and bar. They need goals, and quickly, Ivory Coast.

Julio Cesar is the best goalkeeper in the world, and that's why. Cristiano Ronaldo breaks down the right and after he is tackled well by Lucio inside the Brazil area, the ball breaks for Raul Meireles six yards out - he pokes towards goal, but Cesar sticks out his right hand to get a crucial deflection. Brilliant.

Ivory Coast should have a third when Arthur Boka sends over a cross from the right, but Didier Drogba doesn't get the timing of his jump right and he can only glance wide.

The games aren't world-class, but how about this for breaking news chat: Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer has just told BBC Sport he thinks England will go out ON PENALTIES in Sunday's last-16 clash in Bloemfontein. Fabio - pin it up in the dressing-room, job done. Video of the interview with you shortly.

Ivory Coast are getting desperate now as Romaric drills one in from 30 yards and Ri Myong-Guk pushes it away, diving to his right. Looks like North Korea might have spared themselves a second successive humiliation in Nelspruit.

It's woeful. Players are just booting the ball out of play - these are very, very good players, too. Portugal are probably the better team right now as well, presumably relieved that the Ivorians haven't scored a hatful in the other game. They are both going through in the most unthrilling fashion imaginable.

With 20 minutes to go, just a reminder about the standings - it's not rocket science. Brazil, already qualified, will top the group with Portugal safely through in second place. Worth remembering though, that a winner for the Portuguese puts them top.

Ivory Coast know they are exiting the World Cup and they are just going through the motions in front of 34,000-odd in Nelspruit. North Korea have even had a couple of shots at goal as this one meanders to its conclusion.

We are witnessing history (of sorts) in Durban. Our friends at Infostrada Sports tell us that the last time Brazil failed to score in a World Cup group match was 32 years ago in 1978 - a 0-0 draw against Spain.

I hope this is the last time we see a game at this World Cup with several top-class players on the pitch giving us absolutely no entertainment whatsoever. Ah well, Spain are on tonight...

A chance for Brazil! Lucio heads goalwards, but it's an easy save for Eduardo in the Portuguese goal. Dead rubber for them or not, the 1958/70/82 vintage this team ain't.

I nearly had to eat those words big time. Ramires fires goalwards from 25 yards and it takes a horrible deflection - the ball looks like it is looping in, but Eduardo bends his back and fingertips it away. Great save.

Ivory Coast have had 27 shots this afternoon. To be fair, they could have won 27-0 and it wouldn't have mattered as things stand.

Didier Drogba, 32, waves goodbye to the World Cup for probably the last time - as a player, anyway. He does a lap of honour around the outer rim of the stadium in Nelspruit, taking his shirt and boots off and giving them to fans in the crowd. Lovely touch from arguably Africa's best footballer.

What this means is that Brazil, having topped Group G, will play the runners-up in Group H at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Monday at 1930 BST. As for Portugal - they will face the winners of Group H in Cape Town on Tuesday at 1930 BST.

On that total lack of anything resembling a bombshell, it's time for me to leave you. Thanks for sticking around, and please come back in a little while when Sam Lyon takes you through a hopefully much better conclusion to Group H. I'm off to practice table football ahead of a battle with the Germans on Saturday. Have a good one.