Wednesday saw our first three groups set in stone in the World Cup. Mexico, South Africa, Switzerland, Canada, Brazil, and Morocco are all through in automatic qualifying spots, while Bosnia and Herzegovina will officially advance to the knockouts for the first time in their history. Canada and South Africa have also made it to the knockouts for the first time in their histories as this expanded World Cup continues to produce surprises.
South Korea and Scotland are still alive as third-placed teams, but on only three points each, they will rely on goal difference to see how things shake out after South Korea were upset by South Africa 1-0. Only needing a point to finish in second in Group A, the Taegeuk Warriors couldn't get the job done, leading to a hugely surprising upset.
In earlier action, Brazil put in a professional performance to defeat Scotland 3-0 behind a brace from Vinicius Junior. While they took care of business and kept a clean sheet, it's a performance that will also leave Scotland hanging in the balance as they now have a minus-three goal difference. Neymar did make his return to the pitch during that match, and it's clear that he has some rust to shake off. Elsewhere, Morocco were pushed to the limit by Haiti but were able to secure the win in the second half, as they finished in second place behind a 4-2 victory.
Canada's players may leave the pitch with mixed emotions after this day. While they have secured a historic place in the round of 32 for the first time, the 2-1 defeat to Switzerland means they finish second in Group B and miss out on the reward of playing their next match at home in Vancouver. Meanwhile, Bosnia and Herzegovina kept their World Cup dream alive with an impressive 3-1 victory over Qatar. The result puts the team in a strong position among the third-placed teams, and they could likely now be on course for a round of 32 clash with the United States. For Qatar, the tournament comes to an end.
Group A
Group B
Group C
With their victory over South Korea, South Africa have advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in their history. This is the kind of stuff that the World Cup is all about, and it has delivered with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada also joining the first time at the knockouts club.
In his sixth World Cup for El Tri, he's coming in for an appearance as Rangel leaves the pitch, and it's a standing ovation.
Bafana Bafana have struck, and we have chaos in Mexico. With that goal, they move into second in the group and an automatic place in the knockouts. Woah.
It's Mora who sets things up, and Quinones follows it up into the net as Mexico doubles their lead. There are the goals that this evening of soccer has been lacking.
Trouble for Czechia as Chavez goes coast to coast and scores to put El Tri ahead in the second half of play. This result would send them home, as Mexico needed that.
Hwang Hee-Chan exits as South Korea have made changes as they look to take control of this match in the second half of play.
At the half, no one in Group A has scored. Czechia and South Africa are the teams who need goals in order to advance, but neither are playing much like it. Hopefully, the second half brings more action with it.
South Korea were expected to dominate this match, and despite holding 63% of possession,that's not happening as Bafana Bafana have turned their limited chances into shots on goal. This could get interesting if one goes in.
Czechia need a victory but as we reach the 20-minute mark and close in on the first hydration break of the match, they've yet to put a shot on target as El Tri are dealing with their attacks.
While they only need a draw to go through in second place in the group, South Africa are showing that they're going to push early in the match. Kang-In Lee had a good chance for South Korea but was unable to put it on target in what is an extremely open start to the match.
Playing in a hostile environment, Czechia will struggle early in the match, with Mexico getting off to a fast start. But El Tri's attack hasn't been able to keep pressure on while playing against a full-strength side, and that's where Czechia can finally get something going via Patrik Schick, who has struggled during the group stage, nabbing a draw that won't be enough. Pick: Czechia 1, Mexico 1
South Korea look to be in better shape after the two opening games despite losing the last one against Mexico and are expected to win and qualify for the round of 32 of the World Cup. Pick: South Africa 1, South Korea 2.
While Guillermo Ochoa may not be in the starting XI, there is still something to watch as 17-year-old Mora gets the start.
Czechia XI: Kovar, Krejci, Hranac, Holes, Doudera, Cerv, Sadilek, Coufal, Sulc, Visinsky, Hlozek
Mexico XI: Rangel, Sanchez, Reyes, Montes, Chavez Garcia, Mora, Alvarez, Romo, Quinones, Martinez Ayala, Romo
Almost time to roll to the late games at 9 p.m. ET. Here's what's on tap:
McTominay's header was blocked off the line and that'll be that as Scotland destroyed their goal difference in Miami.
At a -3 goal difference, Scotland are still in it, but with seven minutes plus stoppage time to go, one more goal could tip the balance.
They've struggled to contain Hatii during the match, but Soufiane Rahimi has now gotten what could be a go ahead goal in the match. In Brazil's game, Neymar has also entered for Matheus Cunha as Brazil's number 10 makes his return to the pitch.
Scotland should be concerned at this point. As Matheus Cunha scored Brazil's third goal, this is tanking Scotland's goal difference a -3 will make it tough to actually advance as a third placed team.
Here we go! The second halves have resumed.
Two goals in just moments for both Haiti and Morocco as it's now 2-2! Two golazos at that. First it was Isidor with a stunning rocket from outside the box before Saibari finished with calmness from the top of the box.
It's 1-1! Morocco have drawn level with Hakimi finishing a rebound from point-blank range.
Both Morocco (down 1-0 to Haiti) and Scotland (down 1-0 to Brazil) have shown some life. Both have had some decent looks. Morocco should be level at this point, while Scotland have gotten some dangerous corner kicks but aren't doing anything with them. A big final 10 minutes of the half.
The Haitians have taken a shock lead against Morocco! 1-0 10 minutes in! Lovely play down the right and a semi-fortunate finish off a nifty skill move from Joseph.
Oh gosh. Scotland just gave away a horrible goal. They play around at the back, McKenna takes too big a touch and Rayan gets a touch on it as it falls to Vini Jr. in the box, and he does the rest, taking a touch by the goalkeeper and finishing into the open net.
Here's what to know about the scenarios:
The national anthems are over, the atmosphere is electric, and everything is set for kickoff. It's time to decide who will reach the Round of 32. Game on!
