It's all in a struggle.

On a week where the first round of group matches are concluding, Latin American outfits at this World Cup in South Africa look to be all heading into the next round at least of the tournament, into sudden-death stages and possibly quarter finals. It is a repeat of Italia '90 when all South American representatives were progressing simultaneously.

Uruguay topped group A followed by the Mexicans then Argentina who was re vindicated their form in group B by topping with a maximum nine points and pleasing even the harshest of critics, to Maradona's previous tactical mess in his selection process and poor results that accompanied the two-time champion. Things have gone from strength to strength even if some players like Lionel Messi are yet to perform like in club level. Paraguay have also progressed alongside newcomers Slovakia at the expense of defending holders, Marcello Lippi's Italy.

It remains to be seen with the results in group G with Brazil whilst Chile and Honduras in group H seem to only have Marcelo Bielsa's men advancing depending on the result with current European holders, Vicente del Bosque's Spain outfit led on the field clearly by new Barcelona signing David Villa.

Argentina can count on their extremely charismatic, attention-seeking coach Diego Armando Maradona. Players admit that his sole presence in the dressing room provides appreciation and value of putting on an albiceleste jersey, representing millions of countrymen. It is a true childhood dream particularly for those poverty-stricken players that make way up the ranks, even in the social ladder in becoming a professional football player, let alone a national team World Cup call-up.

Another example of perseverance, reliance, self-belief, tenacity and determination whilst proving critics wrong are Argentina's goalscorers that sent Greece home, Bayern Munich's Martin Demichelis and formerly overlooked 37-year old marksman from Boca Juniors, Martín Palermo. The former battled depression for being omitted by now Chile's coach Marcelo Bielsa for the 2002 tournament co-hosted by Korea/Japan in the far East, leaving the pony-tailed defender on the verge of even committing suicide according to close sources at the time.

And with ten minutes to go, as the towering figure of "San Martín Palermo" lumbered onto the pitch in place of European top goalscorer of the year Diego Milito, the Greeks might as well have gone home; it was obvious what was going to happen. It is the most overused cliché in the Argentine media that the life of Martín Palermo reads like an overly sentimental film script. Today we saw further proof however that the bearded one upstairs (God, not Maradona) is directing his very own feature with the veteran striker as the star, as ‘El Titán’ and South Korea’s joy became Greece’s anguish. Breaking his leg dramatically during his spell with Villareal years back in Spain's La Liga, most notably his dramatic three penalty-kick misses at a Copa América match against Colombia and his miraculous, salvaging last-minute gasp winner against Peru at the Monumental stadium in a torrential rain-soaked Buenos Aires on a night Argentina's qualification hopes were on a thin thread and Diego Maradona's reputation as the national idol, hero was all going down to shreds.

For all 'The Titan’s' (el Titán, also nicknamed El Loco, the madman) many, many deficiencies as a footballer he has two things in his favour; he scores goals wherever he is, and he has an eye for the emotional and dramatic. Once again it was proved as Lionel Messi skinned the defence alive only to see yet another shot batted away by an enigmatic goalkeeper in Alexandros Tzorvas of Panathinaikos - followed by bedlam as Martin was left with the simplest of finishes five minutes into his World Cup debut. Palermo was then hugged by almost everyone who has ever stepped foot into the Argentina training camp, including the kind of embrace from his coach which recently meant Diego had to confirm he is dating a blonde 31-year-old woman. Lionel Messi was equally effusive, and almost managed to hide the “what the heck do I have to do to score?” look on his face as he was bear-hugged by the comparatively giant Palermo.

Various online World Cup blogs have covered the "success" of particularly Latin American sides that have performed at this month's tournament. Away from the media hype on European sides, the highlight around the world wide web during this mega-month tournament is one written by English-born globetrotter, Tim Vickery based in Brazil. His decades of insight into the game from Rio de Janeiro has been invaluable.

Evaluating on the boring and unnecessary tactics based on the numerous draws carried out - a sign of change, a wind of new fresh air particularly Diego Maradona's Argentine compatriot whom he has praised to the local media, his once predecessor at Rosario outfit Newell's Old Boys, Marcelo Bielsa. At his beloved club, the leprosos, (the 'lepers'), witnesses noted his difference and focus on creating the best form of defence in attack at a time when South American football was focused on retaining possession - an attributed so characteristic in the DNA of players, in the culture and in the style of football play.

Quoting from his article on SBS' The World Game; he adds

"Bielsa used the press conference to outline his view that 4-3-1-2 was not the only way that football could be played. He sets up his teams on the following basis; in an attacking line-up, he sees no point in the conventional full-back. He wants his width higher up the field."

"If the opponent plays with two strikers he will have three at the back, two to mark and one to cover. A defensive midfielder will protect. And everyone else is primarily attacking - squeezing the opposition back in its half of the field. Successful sides are usually imitated, and future tournaments would be a lot more attractive with a few Bielsa clones in charge."

"He always goes with a front three - two wingers and a central striker. Behind them is an attacking midfielder. And the two wide players are expected to keep pushing forward - both at the same time, unlike the normal full-back. They link up with the winger to create two against one situations against the opposing full-back. All of this was on show against Honduras - especially in Jean Beausejour’s goal that decided the game. Star of the show is right winger Alexis Sanchez, devilishly skillful. But his involvement in the move was as a decoy."

In fact the Udinese magician puts himself alongside those other skillful individuals that could do more justice with a goal to their name. His teammate at his northern Italian club, Antonio di Natale played his part under Marcello Lippi's eliminated side revealing how lonely it is to be playing up front with systems of play that don't backup, with other attacking forward companions left far too static, unsupported and unimpressive at this world stage. One can recall the missed opportunity di Natale had whilst creating space under possession just under the hour against Slovakia until he rushed through on his right side, forgetting to lift his head up and look where to place the penetrating pass. Another chance gone begging for the Azzurri.

Pim Verbeek may as well learn a thing or two at the helm of the Socceroos' managerial position without his stubbornness to Marcelo Bielsa's offensive setup. It is about an inexcusable level of desire, hunger and motivation apart from tactical, physical and technical prowess a squad of players can boast. Italy showed barely any of it in the group stage leading to their "shock" exit. Anybody with a clear understanding of the game would verify that the title of World Champion was too big a name to be attached beside them even prior to the commencement to the tournament. Needlessly to say, the embarrassment of Raymond Domenech's French side needs little mention with Les Bleus sent packing and crushing into internal bickering within the squad.

Reflecting on the importance a coach's role has with the players, engaging that level of face-to-face confidence and rapport needed in the dressing room. Perhaps a natural disaster is the missing formula that may provide a difference between sides even before kick-off. Looking at New Zealand's performance, lacking the technical attributes their more fancied rivals possess, their simplicity of play made way alongside their courageous efforts and team unity. The simple fact of having qualified to this ultimate event by FIFA was motivating enough for the Kiwis.

Diego Forlán and Luis Suárez, who have led Uruguay’s attack at the World Cup, heaped praise on their team’s defenders after another clean sheet in Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Mexico. Marshalled by captain Diego Lugano, Oscar Tabarez’s men have an enviable mix of quality up front and at the back. That helped them hold France to a 0-0 draw in their first Group A game and a 3-0 victory over hosts South Africa. “We control games very well, mainly down to our amazing defence which is on great form,” goal scorer Suarez told reporters. “We feel very safe with them and we have to have confidence in the great team we’ve got.” Forlán, who scored two of the three goals against South Africa last week, echoed his praise. “Defensively this team is great and so well settled,” he said. Lugano, also captain at Turkish outfit Fenerbahce was happy with his team’s performance on Tuesday, saying they were in good shape heading into their last-16 match on Saturday in Port Elizabeth with the runners-up of Group B.

“Our opponents are not only struggling to score, they’re also creating very little, which shows we’re a solid team,” he said. After the news conference, the players got back on the team bus where they banged on the windows to the delight of fans beating a drum and chanting “Come on La Celeste (the Light Blues)” on the street below.

Paraguay carry their hopes with the remembrance of the tragic outcome of their star goalscorer Salvador Cabañas. The Paraguayan marksman who was alongside Chile's Humberto Suazo and Brazil's Luis Fabiano leading the goalscoring tally of the South American qualification round, was shot in the head with a bullet at a nightclub in Mexico City for whom he played for the country's most popular club, Club América. The bullet remains while his short-term memory severely damaged leaving him with very slim chances to ever play football again.

Their replacement, Argentine-born Lucas Barrios who defends for Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund got his citizenship by way of his mother, fulfill his personal ambition, every footballers' dream and replace the dashed hopes of Cabañas in providing attacking prowess alongside Roque Santa Cruz, Benfica's Oscar Cardozo and his teammate at the Westfalia club, Nelson Haedo Valdéz who was also once homeless. Their draw to Italy by the football knowledgeable out there should very well not be cynically surprised about that result. The reflection of it all is the uprising nature in the character of players who strive to defy odds in their given lives and circumstances. The struggles undergone to reach a goal, and the ambition of moving forward and attaining achievements beyond anyone's wildest dreams and in fact, of their own.

Paraguay finished with five points in Group F. Slovakia, which upset defending champion Italy on Thursday, also advanced with four points. New Zealand finished third in the group with three points off as many draws, while the Italians finished last. “It was a very hard match, but in the end it was the most important thing to qualify,” Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino said. “We had many problems in our attack today, to get through their defense. But the result is in our favour.” Probably the best chance of the match came when Paraguay substitute Edgar Benítez struck a low shot that was saved by New Zealand goalkeeper Mark Paston in the 76th minute. The other notable moment came 12 minutes earlier, when Cristián Riveros headed straight at Paston from a short corner.

“Obviously, the first goal was to advance,” said Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz. “Our job goes further than scoring goals. We have the job of making it difficult for the (opposing) defense to generate offense.” The Paraguayans—who also reached the second round at the World Cup in 1986, 1998 and 2002—continued South America’s dominance of this tournament. The continent’s teams have 10 wins, no losses and three draws. Four of the five South American squads have qualified for the next round and the fifth, Chile, can do so Friday night.

A few of the Paraguayan players pulled their socks off at the end of the match and threw them into the midfield section of the stands where their fans stood and cheered. Paraguay will play Tuesday in Pretoria against the second-place team from Group E, which was to be determined later Thursday.

Every day when Chile’s players walk onto their World Cup practice field, the torn and muddied Chilean flag flying nearby serves as a reminder of just how much their country needs something to cheer for. The flag, ripped in the middle and covered in dirt, was pulled from the wreckage left behind by the earthquake and tsunami that hit the South American country in February, killing more than 500 people and leaving 200,000 homeless. It was held up by Bruno Sandoval, captured in an iconic Associated Press photograph, after he retrieved it from a flooded area in coastal Pelluhue—a moment that Chilean president Sebastian Piñera later hailed as “lifting the spirit of a country.” Now, the flag is serving the same purpose in South Africa.

“It’s in our minds what happened with the catastrophe,” Chile captain and goalkeeper Claudio Bravo said. “They brought the flag for that reason to remind us what happened in Chile, and that the whole nation is watching what we are doing.” The flag has been hoisted outside the team’s training base at the Ingwenyama complex near Nelspruit, providing an emotional spark for the players. “I always go by there after the training sessions, and for me it shows the suffering of our country during the earthquake and the tsunami,” defender Waldo Ponce said. “It’s an extra motivation to go onto the pitch and make sure that our work gives a little joy after what happened.”

The decision to bring the flag to the World Cup has resonated back home, where massive efforts are still being made to rebuild regions that were destroyed by the quake. “In symbolic terms, it shows a super strong power, now that this flag in some ways shows how we have got back on our feet again,” said Joan Bas, a 28-year-old Santiago-based sociologist who has been gathering citizen input for the plan to rebuild Constitución, one of many coastal downtowns were swept away by the tsunami.

“It has to do with being Chilean, characterized by this force, this muscular strength, this battering ram that the Chilean spirit has, and that you can see in the team’s results. In some way Chile has this character … and we see the flag representing our ability to keep advancing.” Pedro Poblete lost his liquor store in the central town of Talca in the earthquake, and said watching Chile play at the World Cup helps him “forget that I’m homeless.”

“That flag was a symbol that identifies all the people affected by the earthquake,” Poblete said. “The fact that it’s in South Africa representing us is like a part of us was there. We have suffered, we have bled, and we continue to bleed. To see the flag and the players soothes our pain.” Chile has won both its games so far, but still needs at least a point against Spain on Friday in its last Group H match to guarantee a spot in the round of 16. It can advance even with a loss, as long as Switzerland do not defeat Honduras and Chile ends up with a better goal difference.

“It would be illogical to train one way and play another,” Bravo said. “We’re preparing to play the same way we have been doing and we are not going to change just because one result might get us through.” Bravo will be looking for a third straight clean sheet—which would guarantee that the Chilean flag keeps flying in South Africa for at least one more game and onto the sudden-death stage. “It’s a very important issue for us, and we take it as a big motivation that has helped us a lot,” Bravo said.