'How many countries must we rely on?' Hong Myung-bo's team fails to reach the Round of 32 amid a 'historic crisis'... Worst-case scenario becomes reality → Qualification probability plummets [World Cup issue analysis]

*This content was translated by AI.

In fact, the atmosphere suggests that Hong Myung-bo's team is sinking into a labyrinth. The price of squandering the chance of advancing on their own is snowballing, and the probability of reaching the tournament is plummeting at a terrifying speed.

According to a release by statistical media outlet 'Opta' on the 25th (local time), South Korea's probability of reaching the Round of 32 has already plummeted to 54.45%.

Depending on the results of the final group stage matches held earlier, Ecuador (third in Group E) and Sweden (third in Group F) secured four points, overtaking South Korea and confirming their advancement to the tournament. Furthermore, with Paraguay in Group D drawing with Australia and securing a higher position than South Korea, South Korea's probability of reaching the Round of 32 dropped to a shocking level in the 50th% range. This is the first time since before and after the tournament's opening that South Korea's chances of reaching the Round of 32 have been projected to be in the 50th% range.

With this tournament reorganized to include 48 participating nations, the top eight teams among the 12th teams finishing third in their respective groups will catch the last train to the Round of 32. South Korea currently holds a record of one win and two losses, with three points and a goal difference of -1, securing a maximum of fifth place among the third-place teams.

With the teams ahead already filling their spots, only three advancement tickets remain for the third-place teams. As Opta's probabilities indicate, Hong Myung-bo's team has been pushed to the brink.

The ranking among third-place teams is calculated in the order of points, goal difference, goals scored, fair play points, and FIFA ranking. Having suffered a shocking 0-1 defeat in the final match against the weakest team, South Africa, with a powerless tactic and a collapse in both offense and defense, South Korea has lost both practical benefits and results, leaving it in a miserable position where it must entrust its fate to the circumstances of other nations.

There are a total of six remaining scenarios for South Korea to catch the last train to the Round of 32. These include Egypt defeating Iran in Group G, Spain defeating Uruguay in Group H, Senegal defeating Iraq by one goal or drawing in Group I. Additionally, Austria winning in Group J, or Algeria defeating Austria by two goals; Uzbekistan defeating the Congo in Group K; and Ghana defeating Croatia in Group L.

For South Korea to survive, at least three of these six scenarios must materialize. If luck from the heavens does not accompany them simultaneously, the worst-case scenario of packing their bags early is approaching.

Even amidst the tense situations in other stadiums, Coach Hong Myung-bo and key national team players such as Lee Kang-in and Son Heung-min unanimously expressed their intention to prepare for the Round of 32 match. Lee Kang-in stated, "While waiting, there may be another match, so we will prepare to the best of our ability," and Son Heung-min also conveyed his determination to not give up until the end, saying, "We must accept whatever result comes out." Coach Hong Myung-bo also rallied his troops, saying, "We must rebuild the team in any way possible. We will not give up and will prepare."

In fact, the national team is undergoing recovery training at the Chivas Verde Valle training camp, their base camp located in Guadalajara, waiting for the dice to be rolled amidst a sliver of hope.

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*This content was translated by AI.