Final push for the knockouts - FIFA U-17 WORLD CUP
France alone will go into the final day of group matches at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015 sure of their place in the knockout stage. For the seven other teams, everything remains possible, and all will be giving their maximum in the race for automatic qualifying spots or a last-16 berth as one of the best third-placed sides.
Match of the day
Costa Rica-Korea DPR, 25 October, 19.00 local time
The hardest game to predict, this match will go a long way towards determining the outcome in Group E, where nothing has been settled yet. Los Ticos have impressed so far thanks to their win against South Africa and draw with Russia, but they need to remain wary of bottom side Korea DPR. The Asian champions lost to Russia before recording a courageous draw with South Africa despite playing almost the whole game a player short, and it is no easy feat forecasting how they will fare against their Central American rivals.
The other matches
In the other Group E game, South Africa will be looking to turn their first ever U-17 World Cup campaign into a fairytale. For that to happen, they will need to overcome leaders Russia, who boast the meanest defence in the section after conceding just one goal so far.
Of all the teams guaranteed a spot in the Round of 16, France are the most prolific, having racked up a remarkable ten goals in just two games. They have nonetheless shown signs of nerves along the way and looked particularly shaky at the back against Paraguay, who gave them a real fright by finding the net three times. The European champions now face another test in the shape of a Syria side hoping to clinch a place in the last 16 for the second time in their two World Cup bids.
As for Paraguay, they will need to be on their toes against New Zealand. Bottom of Group F on goal difference, the Oceanian hopefuls are by no means out of the running and can still finish runners-up if they grab all three points.
Player to watch
Well placed to progress, Russia have been bolstered by their ironclad defence, though they also owe a debt of thanks to Fedor Chalov. Top scorer for his side, Chalov doubled Russia's lead against Korea DPR before weighing in with a late equaliser to deny Costa Rica, both goals showcasing his impressive nose for goal.
The stat
14 – No goalkeeper has been more decisive at Chile 2015 than Korea DPR's Ri Chol-Song, who has kept out 14 shots in two matches. Brazil's Juliano has made one save more, but he has also contested three games.
The words
"We're happy to have won and qualified, but we need to correct the mistakes we made," Jean-Claude Giuntini, France coach.
Match schedule
Group F
France-Syria (16.00)
Paraguay-New Zealand (16.00)
Group E
Russia-South Africa (19.00)
Costa Rica-Korea DPR (19.00)
(All times local)