Lead

South Korea and South Africa were locked in a goalless stalemate at halftime of their decisive Group A match at the FIFA World Cup on Wednesday, with a spot in the knockout phase hanging in the balance. The match, played at Estadio Monterrey in Guadalupe, Mexico, sees South Korea needing only a draw to secure second place in the group, though head coach Hong Myung-bo has made clear he expects a victory.

Coverage Comparison

According to Yonhap News, South Korea entered the match in second place in Group A with three points, following a 2-1 win over Czechia and a 1-0 loss to Mexico. Mexico have already clinched the top spot in the group and became the first team of the tournament to secure a knockout berth. Czechia and South Africa each have one point, with Czechia holding the tiebreak advantage on goal difference.

Yonhap also reported that South Korea have more than a 90 percent chance of advancing to the round of 32, citing sports analytics firm Opta Analyst, which gave the team a 91.08 percent chance to advance. A win or draw against South Africa would guarantee South Korea the runner-up spot in Group A, regardless of the outcome of the Mexico-Czechia match.

Key Claims

  • South Korea and South Africa were goalless in the first half.
  • Captain Son Heung-min was not in the starting lineup for South Korea; Kim Min-jae wore the skipper's armband.
  • South Korea breathed a sigh of relief when defender Lee Gi-hyuk blocked a shot by Thapelo Maseko.
  • Mexico clinched the top spot in Group A and became the first team of the competition to grab a knockout berth.
  • Opta Analyst predicted South Korea have a 91.08 percent chance to advance to the round of 32.
  • South Korea will secure second place with a win or a draw against South Africa.
  • South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo doesn't want his players to settle for anything less than a victory.
  • The top two teams from each of the 12 groups will automatically qualify for the knockout phase.
  • South Africa will be without their two most experienced outfield players.

Perspectives

South Korea Head Coach Hong Myung-bo

Hong Myung-bo told reporters at his prematch press conference that he does not want his players to settle for anything less than a victory. "The moment we start thinking a draw will be good enough, we will be in trouble," he said. "We will prepare for this match with the mindset that we will win it no matter what." He also noted that the team has been in situations in past World Cups where they had to win their final group match to advance, describing the current position as "not a bad spot to be in, but it's not especially helpful, either."