Chances of Reaching the Round of 32? A Fate Left to Other Groups

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Our national team must now finish among the top eight of the 12 third-placed teams to secure a spot in the Round of 32. With the final matches for nine groups still remaining, the fate of our team is expected to be finalized around the 28th, when all group stage matches conclude.

Reporter Hong Seok-jun has the details.

[Reporter]

In this tournament, the top eight teams among the 12 third-placed teams advance to the Round of 32. The ranking for third-placed teams is determined first by points, and if points are tied, by goal difference, followed by goals scored.

If these are also tied, fair play points are applied.

Fair play points favor teams with fewer yellow and red cards.

With Groups A, B, and C having completed their group stage schedules, we are currently behind Bosnia, the third-placed team in Group B, in points, but ahead of Scotland, the third-placed team in Group C, in goal difference.

Including the current third-placed teams from the nine groups that have only played two matches so far, we are currently ranked 4th out of 12 teams. However, it is highly likely that our advancement to the Round of 32 will not be decided until all matches are completed this coming Sunday.

A prominent overseas statistics outlet has offered a positive outlook, projecting our national team's probability of reaching the Round of 32 at 88%.

If advancement to the Round of 32 is confirmed, we will face either Germany, which has secured 1st place in Group E, or the winner of Group G.

In Group G, Egypt, Iran, and Belgium are competing for the top spot, with the final third match scheduled for this coming Saturday.

Mathematically, if the national team advances to the Round of 32, it is more likely that they will face the winner of Group G.

[Interview: Lee Han-beom / National Football Team Defender: I understand that if we advance, we could potentially play against Egypt (from Group G). Since African players are fast, we will prepare well to avoid conceding counterattacks like we did today.]

If we face the winner of Group G, the match will be held in Seattle, USA, next Thursday, allowing some time for physical recovery.

On the other hand, if we meet the Group E winner, Germany, we would have to play in Boston, USA, next Tuesday.

In that case, we would have to travel to Boston on Monday, one day before the match, after the entire group stage concludes, making for a tight schedule.

(Video Editing: Jang Hyun-ki, Design: Choi Jin-hoe)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.