Portugal, Uruguay 2-0 Victory... South Korea Must Win 3rd Match for Possible Scenarios
[Asia Economy Reporter Seomideum] Portugal has become the first team to secure advancement to the Round of 16 in Group H of the 2022 Qatar World Cup, where South Korea is also competing. South Korea will need to win their third match against Portugal and then wait for Uruguay to defeat Ghana.
On the 29th at 4 a.m. (Korean time), Portugal defeated Uruguay 2-0 at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, with two goals from Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United). With 6 points, Portugal has secured at least second place in the group regardless of the outcome of the third match, thus advancing to the Round of 16. Uruguay, with 1 draw and 1 loss, has fallen to the bottom of the group standings.
The final qualification for the Round of 16 in Group H will be decided by the matches between South Korea and Portugal, and Uruguay and Ghana, scheduled for December 3 at midnight. Although Portugal has already qualified for the Round of 16, they need at least a draw against South Korea to secure first place in the group. This situation, where Portugal must give their all in the third match, is disadvantageous for South Korea.
On the 28th, during the second match of Group H in the 2022 Qatar World Cup between South Korea and Ghana, Red Devils and citizens at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul expressed their disappointment as the national team's 2-3 loss was confirmed. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@
South Korea must defeat Portugal to keep their hopes of advancing alive. If South Korea wins against Portugal, they will have 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss, totaling 4 points. Portugal will have 6 points. If Uruguay beats Ghana, Uruguay will have 4 points, and Ghana will remain at 3 points. Considering Uruguay’s goal difference of -2, South Korea’s 1-0 victory over Portugal would open the possibility of advancing to the Round of 16. This assumes Uruguay wins by a one-goal margin.
If Ghana defeats Uruguay, Ghana will have 6 points, and South Korea’s advancement will be impossible regardless of the result against Portugal. If Uruguay and Ghana draw, Uruguay will have 2 points, and Ghana will have 4 points. Ghana and South Korea will be tied at 4 points, but Ghana will have the advantage due to superior goal difference and head-to-head results. If Ghana at least draws with Uruguay, South Korea will face the burden of needing a high-scoring victory against Portugal.
Realistically, achieving a high-scoring win against Portugal, the strongest team in Group H, is difficult. Therefore, assuming South Korea secures at least a 1-0 victory, Uruguay beating Ghana would be the best-case scenario.
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