Striker Hwang Hee-chan (middle) on June 25 takes on a defender in Korea's final Group A game against South Africa in the FIFA World Cup soccer finals at Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe, Mexico. (Korea Football Association)

By Lee Jihae

The national soccer team has finished third in Group A at the FIFA World Cup after its upset loss to South Africa.

But Korea can still advance to the knockout round under a new system for the eight best third-place finishers among the 12 groups.

Led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, the Taegeuk Warriors on June 25 lost 1-0 to Bafana Bafana at Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe, Mexico.

Thapelo Maseko scored the game's only goal in the 63rd minute on a counterattack.

Korea thus finished third in Group A with a win and two losses for three points, behind Mexico and South Africa.

A berth in the second round is still possible, however, if Korea finishes among the top eight third-place finishers among the 12 groups. The top two teams of each group advance to the knockout stage.

Teams qualifying for the wildcard spots will be decided in the following order: points, goal difference, goals scored and fair play points (deductions for yellow and red cards). Korea earned just three points but with a goal difference of minus 1, so it will have to wait for the end of the group stage on June 27.

If Korea advances to the knockout stage under this system, it will play either Germany, which leads Group E, or the winner of Group G.

jihlee08@korea.kr