POINTS might be the prime objective as the 32 teams pursue their quest for a place in the prized second round of the World Cup.

POINTS might be the prime objective as the 32 teams pursue their quest for a place in the prized second round of the World Cup.

But the urgent objective for countries who are positioned in tough first-round groups - like Bafana Bafana's - is to score as many times as possible. Fifa media officer Delia Fischer said on Monday that should a number of teams finish level on points in the first round - either in the race for first place or second position - second-round qualifying will be decided initially on goal difference.

And on the evidence of the opening matches in Group A between Bafana vs Mexico and France vs Uruguay - both drawn - there is a distinct possibility that goal difference will settle the issue for either of the prized first or second places.

While Bafana, Mexico, France and Uruguay are level and heading for a photo-finish with the same goal difference, Bafana and Mexico technically have their noses in front by virtue of their 1-1 draw against the goalless encounter between France and Uruguay. In the event of teams finishing with the same goal difference, the greater number of goals scored will be the deciding factor.