With the points system and 2 teams that advance with draws or get eliminated with a loss what's to stop these 2 teams from getting together before a game and saying to each other lets have a draw?
I mean this is in the best interest of both teams. Why should either team take the risk of losing and getting knocked out when a tie is just as good?
I think this points system is flawed.
It has happened in the history of soccer...most notably in 1982 when West Germany played Austria. Germany needed a win to advance, Austria only needed to not lose that game by more than three goals. Germany scored early, neither team did anything on offense after that and both went on to the next round after the 1-0 final. That game was the entire reason FIFA started playing group stage matches at the same time on the last day. I really hope the US doesn't get themselves into the Round of 16 like that through some backdoor deal...it's totally lame and I'd rather earn it legitimately. To answer your question of what's to stop them from reaching some secret agreement...nothing. You just have to hope the players go all out...out of respect for the game.
But by the same logic, the NFL playoff system is also flawed. Once a team clinches home field or a playoff spot, they may rest starters for the last few weeks. How is that any different than not trying to win a meaningless WC group stage game?
With that in mind, what is flawed about the points system? I can't think of a better method than what they use now...