Source : ABC NEWS
The path to the World Cup knockout stages is more complicated than ever as the most teams in the tournament’s history make it through to do-or-die games.
With head-to-head results now factored in, and the best-placed third-ranked teams in their groups also getting a look in, it makes for a messy and wonderful finish to the group stages.
Here’s what Thursday’s results mean for each team in action as we get to the pointy end of the tournament.
- Check out the full World Cup schedule here in Australian times
- ABC Sport podcast: Check out the latest episode here
Kang-In Lee crouches to the ground after South Korea’s shock loss to South Africa. (Getty Images)
Group A
Mexico
Mexico went into the game knowing it had top spot locked up, but still put Czechia to the sword with a 3-0 win.
The team doesn’t know who it will play next, with the opponent to be the best placed third finisher from one of groups C, E, F, H or I.
What Mexico does know is that it has locked in a home knockout game in Mexico City.
South Korea
South Korea just needed a draw to lock in second spot, but was instead stunned by South Africa in a 1-0 loss.
That means it will have to rely on the results of other games to make it through.
In good news, South Korea have a better record than Scotland, who will finish third in its group. In bad news, it has a worse record than Bosnia and Herzegovina, who leapfrogged South Korea.
It’s going to be a very nervous wait for the Koreans.
South Africa
South Africa locked in a stunning second place with its 1-0 win over South Korea.
The result means it will now play Canada, and not on the host nation’s home turf, but in Los Angeles.
Czechia
Czechia had the smallest glimmer of hope than an unlikely big win over Mexico, and a draw in the South Korea and South Africa game, would see it into second spot, or at least get it into a strong third-placed position.
It means Czechia misses out on the knockout stages in its second World Cup, after first appearing in 2006.
Ruben Vargas celebrates scoring for Switzerland to lock up top spot in the group. (Getty Images: Jared C. Tilton)
Group B
Switzerland
Switzerland played a cracking game against hosts Canada, winning 2-1 and earning top spot of Group B.
The Swiss will face one of the eight best third-placed teams, with their opponent to come from one of groups E, F, G, I or J.
Canada
Canada had a chance to secure top spot in its group and a home final with a victory over Switzerland, but let it slip from its grasp.
It means Canada will now face South Africa in Los Angeles in the knockout stage.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
The results for South Korea and Scotland played into Bosnia and Herzegovina’s hands, with its victory over Qatar securing the team a spot in the knockout stage.
Qatar
The hosts of the last World Cup had a chance to claim third in the group with a win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but were outplayed in the 3-1 loss and head home as a result.
A Scottish fan reacts as his team goes down 3-0 to Brazil in the World Cup. (Getty Images: Jeff J Mitchell)
Group C
Brazil
Brazil’s comfortable 3-0 victory over Scotland secured its place at the top of Group C, a result it needed given Morocco was hot on its heels with both recording a 2-1-0 record.
Brazil will play the runners-up of Group F, which could be any one of the Netherlands, Sweden or Japan.
Morocco
It looked shaky early for Morocco as Haiti put two goals on the team many believe is Africa’s best hope at this World Cup, but a 4-2 final score locked the Moroccans into the knockout stage.
Morocco will face the winner of Group F, which, like Brazil, could be any one of the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden, but looks most likely to be the Netherlands.
Scotland
Scottish fans the world over were, at most, hoping for a win. Realistically, though, they would have been very happy with a draw. Or they could have found a silver lining with a close loss. Instead, the 3-0 defeat leaves them currently ranked as a third-placed lucky loser.
It looks unlikely that will remain though. The South Africa win not only meant Scotland jumped into second spot of its group, it meant South Korea fell to third with a better record than Scotland, pushing the Scots further down the pecking order.
Group G looks dangerous for Scotland, with both Iran and Belgium looking likely to have a better record in third, while Senegal (vs Iraq) and DR Congo (vs Uzbekistan) are also threats to go through from third.
Haiti
Haiti was already done going into today’s games, but had a mighty time of it with two goals against Morocco, including an absolute stunner into the top corner from distance.
