THERE have been a handful of familiar match-ups in the group stages, with countries who played each other at the 1990 tournament facing off again. And the lesson seems to be that standards are evening out around the world. For example, South Korea had lost 3-1 to Spain in 1990 but did much better this time, battling back for a 2-2 draw in an exciting finish. Sweden, flops last time around, improved on their 2-1 loss at Brazil's hands in 1990 by holding the same opponents to a 1-1 draw this time.

However, Cameroon failed to learn their 1990 lesson, as we've seen with their failings against both the old Soviet Union and the new Russia. There is one re-match forthcoming in the second-round when Holland clash with Ireland. They drew 1-1 in a group game in 1990 but when they meet on Tuesday morning this time there will have to be a winner.