On June 26, Beijing time, the final matches of Groups D, E, and F of the World Cup concluded, with all three third-place teams earning 4 points. Ecuador and Sweden locked in their knockout berths early, and Paraguay also sits above South Korea in the third-place standings. South Korea, which lost 0-1 to South Africa in a shock result yesterday, has fallen to 6th position in the race among the 12 third-place teams.

As South Korea's ranking continues to slide, their path to advancement is becoming increasingly precarious. The well-known foreign media outlet TA has updated the probability of South Korea advancing as a third-place finisher three times in a row.

After yesterday's loss, the probability was still as high as 94%, but after Germany's surprising defeat to Ecuador, which sent the latter through, South Korea's chances dropped to 86%. Following Sweden's draw with Japan, which also secured their advancement, the probability fell to 82%. After Paraguay earned points and surpassed South Korea, the "Taegeuk Warriors'" probability of reaching the Round of 32 has plummeted to 68%.

Compared to TA, South Korean domestic media is even more pessimistic. They immediately stated that South Korea's probability of advancing has dropped to 55%.

South Korean media lamented in unison:"Germany, Japan, and Australia — so-called allies — are completely unreliable!" "South Korean football is facing an unprecedented crisis; even Germany, Japan, and Australia have joined forces to try to eliminate us. Today, no one has extended a helping hand to South Korean football!"

Next, the final round of the remaining six groups will take place. The ultimate fate of South Korea may soon be revealed.