The final round of matches in World Cup Group A take place in the early hours of Thursday when South Africa’s hopes hinge on them beating South Korea whilst the Czech Republic take on group winners Mexico.
Group A Update
With the maximum of 6 points Mexico are already assured of top spot in this group. South Korea are second with 3 points and the Czech Republic and South Africa both have 1 point but are still in contention to qualify for the knockout rounds
A reminder that the final round of matches in each group share the same kick off time. Should two or more teams finish equal on points in their group the first criteria used to determine the final standings is the head to head record. The 8 best third placed finishers from the 12 groups will also qualify for the Round of 32.
South Africa vs South Korea (Monterrey)
South Africa:
South Africa played out a 1-1 draw with Czech Republic in their second group outing in Atlanta to keep themselves in with some sort of chance to reach the Round of 32. It wasn’t looking good when they conceded after just 6 minutes. They regained composure and gradually grew into the game without really testing the Czech keeper but in the 83rd minute Bafana were awarded a penalty and Teboho Mokoena made no mistake. That draw means both Bafana and the Czechs need to win their matches to make it out of the group.
Bafana took on co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City in the opening match of the tournament and they went down tamely by a 2-0 scoreline. They gifted Mexico a goal after just 9 minutes and were fortunate to go into half time only 1-0 down after creating next to nothing themselves. Sphephelo Sithole was red carded on 49 minutes and Mexico went 2-0 up on 67 minutes. Substitute Themba Zwane picked up what looked a very harsh red card on 84 minutes and there was still time for the referee to show another red in injury time, this time to a Mexico defender.
South Korea:
A goalkeeping error early in the second half led to South Korea going down 1-0 to Mexico in their second group match in Guadalajara. They threatened to square things up but Son had an effort cleared off the line and they were also denied by a double save from the Mexican keeper late on. The Koreans are still well placed to go through but if they were to lose this and finish third they will face a nervous wait to see if they have done enough.
South Korea came from a goal down to beat Czech Republic 2-1 in their opening game which was also staged at Guadalajara. They had the better of the game but fell behind just before the hour mark. The Korean’s drew level through Hwang In-beom on 67 minutes and the same player then set up substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu to make it 2-1 on 80 minutes.
The Betting:
South Africa are priced at around 44/10 to win the game with the draw available at 28/10 and South Korea can be backed at around 6/10.
A game of 3 goals or more is priced at 19/20 and its even money for both teams to score
The Verdict:
A draw would do the job for Korea in terms of guaranteeing second place in the group so the onus is on Bafana to force the issue. The South African’s have conceded early in both their matches so far and I think they will try and take this match deep rather thana come flying out of the blocks. A draw at half time is my play here.
Bets: 1st Half Result draw at 5/4 with Betway
Note, odds are subject to change
Czech Republic vs Mexico (Mexico City)
Czech Republic
The Czech’s 1-1 draw with South Africa in their second group match in Atlanta almost certainly leaves them needing to beat the co-hosts to stay in the tournament. A well worked move led to Michal Sadilek opening the scoring against Bafana in just the sixth minute but they never kicked on from that, South Africa levelled things up in the 83rd minute and there was no further scoring.
Czech Republic came up against South Korea in Guadalajara in their opening match which they lost 2-1. They were on the back foot for much of the contest but skipper Ladislav Krejci nodded them in front just before the hour mark. The lead lasted just 8 minutes before Korea squared things up and they conceded again on 80 minutes.
Mexico
Whatever the result here Mexico will play their Round of 32 clash against one of the third placed finishers at this venue in the early hours of Wednesday 1st July. In their second outing Mexico beat South Korea 1-0 in Guadalajara thanks to a goal from Luis Romo early in the second half. Both sides had chances thereafter but there was no further scoring and Mexico became the first nation to qualify for the Round of 32.
The co-hosts opened their campaign with a more than comfortable 2-0 win over South Africa in Mexico City in the opening match of the tournament in Mexico City. Julian Quinones pounced on a defensive error to give Mexico a ninth minute lead and it stayed that way to half time. Bafana were reduced to 10 men before Raul Jimenez made it 2-0 on 67 minutes. There was another red card for South Africa inside the last 10 minutes and the only blemish on Mexico’ss day came when Cesar Montes picked up a straight red in injury time with the game won.
The Betting:
Czech Republic are priced at around 2.66/1 to win the game with the draw available at 2.96/1 and Mexico can be backed at around 19/20.
A game of 3 goals or more is priced at 11/10 and its 19/20 for both teams to score
The Verdict:
Although its job done for Mexico and they could ring the changes they have a terrific historical record at this venue and as co-hosts of the tournament I think they could still put in a decent shift. Czech Republic have been disappointing, especially in the South Africa game where they had an early advantage but seemed to lose their way. A total goals tally of 2-3 is a bit of a token gesture from my side in what looks like a tricky betting heat.
Bets: Goal range 2-3 at 19/20 with Betway
Note, odds are subject to change