What does South Africa's path in the World Cup knockout rounds look like so far?

The permutations are endless at this stage, but things are starting to take shape and paths are being laid for the knockout rounds.

Much can change between now and the end of the pool phase, but it is interesting to see where Bafana would be if things finish as they are.

A win against the Koreans would see Bafana finish second in the pool unless the Czech Republic can pull off a surprise win against already-qualified Mexico in Mexico City.

If Bafana draw, they would then need the Czechs to lose to finish above them in the table on goal difference.

Two points will probably not be enough to finish as one of the best third-placed sides, but you never know …

If Bafana finished second, then as things stand their round of 32 opponents would be Switzerland.

They would then meet the winner of the Netherlands and Morocco in the round of 16, should they progress from that tie.

Intriguingly, in this moment it appears better to finish third in the pool as that would set up a round of 32 clash with Egypt, difficult but one where Bafana would fancy their chances, having upset the Pharaohs in the past and played them in the recent Africa Cup of Nations.

The winner of that tie would advance to a round of 16 clash with co-hosts United States or Ecuador.

The former have been in good form in the tournament so far, but Bafana would view either as beatable on their day.

The equations are likely to change as the final pool matches are played, and Bafana have a job to do first against the Koreans, but the path into the knockout stages for now does not look as daunting as it might have.