Group A is done and dusted: Who Mexico and South Africa will meet in the World Cup Round of 32 and what next for South Korea
It is official: Co-hosts Mexico and South Africa are moving through to the FIFA World Cup knockout phase and the path is clearer. Mexico outclassed lowly Czechia 3-0, while South Africa upstaged South Korea 1-0 in Group A on Thursday (AEST). Czechia were no match for Mexico, who were already assured of qualification before the […]
It is official: Co-hosts Mexico and South Africa are moving through to the FIFA World Cup knockout phase and the path is clearer. Mexico outclassed lowly Czechia 3-0,while South Africa upstaged South Korea 1-0 in Group A on Thursday (AEST). Czechia were no match for Mexico, who were already assured of qualification before the match. After being booed at half-time, Mateo Chavez, Julian Quinones and Alvaro Fidalgo scored in the second half to complete a flawless Group A campaign for El Tri. Mexico became the first home nation to win all three group-stage games without conceding at the World Cup since Italy in 1990. MEXICAN WONDERKID SMASHED 72-YEAR RECORD:Who is the World Cup phenom who had no pro experience two years ago?South Africa, meanwhile, defied the odds to reach the World Cup knockout round for the first time in their history after beating South Korea. Bafana Bafana were bottom of Group A heading into Thursday’s finale, while South Korea were second and on track to progress to the Round of 32. But, Thapelo Maseko’s 63rd-minute goal in Monterrey sent shockwaves through the group and across North America as Hugo Broos’ South Africa made history following three group-stage exits at the World Cup, having gone 16 years without an appearance at the showpiece event. Round of 32 fixturesMexico are certainly remaining in their homeland for the Round of 32. Mexico City will stage the knockout fixture on July 1 (AEST), though the identity of the opponents remain uncertain. As it stands, Javier Aguirre’s Mexico will face Scotland. El Tri are due to meet one of the best third-placed finishers from either Group C, E, F, H or I. Bafana Bafana leapfrogged South Korea into second spot behind co-hosts Mexico, securing a Round-of-32 date. Next up? another co-host in the form of Canada. Los Angeles will host the showdown on June 29 (AEST). DOWNLOAD THE WORLD CUP WALL CHART HEREFOOTBALL360’S WORLD CUP HUBFOOTBALL360’S SOCCEROOS HUBWhat next for South KoreaSouth Korea face an anxious wait to discover if they live to fight another day. As it stands, South Korea are set to meet Group G leaders Egypt as one of the eight best third-ranked teams, but the Pharaohs are yet to play their third and final game. Their latest result will only be amplified by head coach Hong Myung-bo’s decision to drop South Korea legend Son Heung-min for the decisive fixture. Son – the country’s all-time leading goalscorer and most-capped player now playing for Los Angeles FC in MLS – was sensationally omitted to the bench against South Africa. “The greatest Asian player of all time left to start on the bench for the most important game in the World Cup for South Korea,” the commentators said. “What a decision that is, by the way. ”By commenting, you agree to ourCommenting Guidelines