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

Mexico go into the final round of games in group F top of the table with two wins from two.

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 guarantee their progress.

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

A Sweden victory over 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’s last-minute winner against Sweden kept Germany’s World Cup hopes alive.

The defending champions go into their final group game against 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 Germany’s 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 Ki Sung-yueng 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 (4-4-2): Jo Hyeon-woo; Lee Yong, Kim Young-gwon, Jang Hyun-soo, Hong Chul; Hwang Hee-chan, Koo Ja-cheol, Jung Woo-young, Lee Seung-woo; Lee Jae-sung, Son Heung-min 
• Germany (4-2-3-1): 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 to reach 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 (4-3-3): Guillermo Ochoa; Carlos Salcedo, Hector Moreno, Hugo Ayala, Jesus Gallardo; Miguel Layun, Hector Herrera, Andres Guardado; Carlos Vela, Javier Hernandez, Hirving Lozano 
• Sweden (4-4-2): Robin Olsen; Mikael Lustig, Victor Lindelof, Andreas Granqvist, Ludwig Augustinsson; Viktor Claesson, Sebastian Larsson, Albin Ekdal, Emil Forsberg; Marcus Berg, Ola Toivonen