Sports analytics firm gives Korea 90% chance of reaching World Cup knockouts
GUADALAJARA, Mexico — With one match remaining in the group stage at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, South Korea have more than a 90 percent chance of reaching the next knockout phase, a sports analytics firm said Saturday. According to Opta Analyst, South Korea have a 91.08 percent chance to advance to the round of 32. In Group A, South Korea sit in second place with three points, after a 2-1 win over Czechia and a 1-0 loss to Mexico. With six points, Mexico have already clinched the top spot in Group A and thus a place in the round of 32. Czechia and South Africa each have one point, with Czechia occupying third place thanks to their superior goal difference. South Korea will close out group play against South Africa at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Estadio Monterrey, or 10 a.m. Thursday (South Korean time). South Korea control their own destiny, as they will seal the runner-up spot with at least a draw against South Africa. With a record 48 nations in action, the top two teams from each of the 12 groups will automatically qualify for the knockout phase. They will be joined by the eight best third