World Cup group F permutations: Korea Republic vs. Germany, Mexico vs. Sweden

All four teams can still qualify for the
World Cup round of 16

Preview

Despite having a maximum six points the Mexicans are not yet
through to the World Cup round of 16. All four teams in group F can
still qualify, but just a point for Mexico will be enough to see
them progress.

Mexico face third-placed Sweden at the Ekaterinburg Arena
today (3pm, BBC Two) while second-placed Germany, the reigning
holders, take on the Korea Republic at the Kazan Arena (3pm, BBC
One).

A Sweden victory against Mexico could open up a complicated
scenario in group F, says Fifa.com. 

Group F permutations

It’s all to play for in group F with the four teams
battling for qualification.

27 June fixtures: Korea Republic vs. Germany (3pm, BBC
One); Mexico vs. Sweden (3pm, BBC Two)

Fifa.com explains the permutations in group
F:

• Mexico need a point against Sweden to qualify in first
  place
• Mexico qualify if Germany fail to win against Korea
  Republic   
• Sweden will qualify if they better Germany’s result 
• Sweden will finish top if they beat Mexico and better Germany’s
  result 
• Germany qualify if they win by two clear goals or
  more 
• Korea Republic will qualify if they beat Germany and Sweden
  lose to Mexico. Also, Korea will need to finish with a better goal
  difference than both Germany and Sweden

Korea Republic vs. Germany

• When: Wednesday 27 June 
• Kick-off time: 3pm (UK time) 
• Where: Ekaterinburg Arena 
• TV channel: BBC One

Toni Kroos’ last-minute winner against Sweden kept
Germany’s World Cup hopes alive.

The defending champions go into their final group game
against the Korea Republic knowing that a victory by
two clear goals will secure their spot in the last-16. They can
also progress if they match Sweden’s result against
Mexico.

Midfielder Sebastian Rudy (injured) and defender Jerome
Boateng (suspended) miss out but German head coach Joachim Low has
everyone else available.

On his team’s chances of reaching the knockout stages Low
said: “We need to have clarity in our own result. We know what we
need to do and we’ll look at our own performance, we will try and
be the masters of our own destiny.”

Korea Republic can also qualify but it will mean beating
Germany, Sweden losing to Mexico and also then finishing with a
better goal difference than both Germany and Sweden.

Coach Shin Tae-yong knows it won’t be easy. He told Sky Sports: “To be honest, Germany are a lot
stronger than us and it won’t be easy. But the ball is round,
anything can happen, and I believe there will be chances for
us. 

“Mexico beat Germany in their match so there is hope for
us. Although it’s likely that Germany will have more possession, we
will do our best.”

Korea captain Sung-yueng Ki is expected to miss the match
because of a calf injury.

Korea Republic vs. Germany
predicted starting XIs

How the teams could line up at the Kazan Arena, according to
Fifa.com:

• Korea Republic: Jo Hyeonwoo; Lee Yong, Kim Younggwon, Jang
  Hyunsoo, Hong Chul; Hwang Heechan, Koo Jacheol, Jeong Wooyoung, Lee
  Seungwoo; Lee Jaesung, Son Heung-min 
• Germany: Manuel Neuer; Joshua Kimmich, Niklas Sule, Mats
  Hummels, Jonas Hector – Ilkay Gundogan, Toni Kroos; Thomas Muller,
  Marco Reus, Timo Werner; Mario Gomez

Mexico vs. Sweden

• When: Wednesday 27 June 
• Kick-off time: 3pm 
• Where: Ekaterinburg Arena 
• TV channel: BBC Two

Mexico’s task of reaching the last-16 is a little easier
than their rivals as they just need a point in their final game
against Sweden.

However, a defeat against Sweden coupled with a Germany win
could see Mexico suffer the “rare fate” of being eliminated with
two group victories, Fifa.com reports. Sweden will likely need
a win, and by two goals, to qualify.

Neither Mexico and Sweden have any injury or suspension
worries for the clash in Ekaterinburg.

Mexico vs. Sweden predicted
starting XIs

How the teams could line up at the Ekaterinburg Arena, according
to Fifa.com:

• Mexico: Guillermo Ochoa; Carlos Salcedo, Hector Moreno, Hugo
  Ayala, Jesus Gallardo; Miguel Layun, Hector Herrera, Andres
  Guardado; Carlos Vela, Javier Hernandez, Hirving Lozano 
• Sweden: Robin Olsen; Mikael Lustig, Victor Lindelöf, Andreas
  Granqvist, Ludwig Augustinsson; Viktor Claesson, Sebastian Larsson,
  Albin Ekdal, Emil Forsberg; Marcus Berg, Ola Toivonen