With Argentina finally managing to scrape through to the World Cup’s round of 16 on Tuesday, all eyes will now be on defending champions Germany, who are yet to book their spot in the pre-quarterfinals of the tournament.
The Germans began their World Cup campaign on the wrong foot when they were stunned by Mexico 1-0 in their opening game. However, Toni Kroos helped Germany beat Sweden 2-1 with a last-minute free kick that ensured their survival in the campaign.
Currently, the Germans are tied with Sweden on second spot with three points and the same goal difference (0). South Korea are in fourth place with zero points and a goal difference of -2. Mexico are on top with six points and a positive goal difference of 2.
German coach Joachim Loew has told his team that they are “masters of our own destiny” when they face South Korea. Loew’s team are in danger of becoming the first German side to fail to make it past the opening round since 1938. Germany will progress to the knockout phase if they win by two clear goals.
“I don’t really know what chances South Korea have of winning this match and I don’t know ours either,” Loew said at Kazan Arena. “But we have to be clear about what we need to achieve. We have to score two clear goals over our opponents and that will see us through. We have to be masters of our own destiny tomorrow.”
How do Germany qualify?
The math in this group is tricky, with all four teams still having a chance to advance. Germany will advance if they beat South Korea by at least a two-goal margin.
If Germany win by one goal, their progression would depend on the outcome of the match between Sweden and Mexico. If Sweden lose, Germany and Mexico will advance; if Sweden win by more than one goal, they will top the group, with Germany in second.
Germany could also advance with a draw if Mexico beats Sweden. If both matches end in a draw, it will come down to which team, Germany or Sweden, scored more goals in the group games, with Germany winning if the scores are equal.
Mexico just need a win or draw against Sweden to progress. If they lose, they could still advance if Germany lose to South Korea, or if Germany win with a smaller goal difference.
Sweden will advance if they beat Mexico and Germany fall to Korea. If Sweden draw, they must hope Germany lose. South Korea have to beat Germany by at least two goals and ensure Mexico beat Sweden by the same margin.