Goal differential explained: How FIFA’s tiebreakers come into play

The final round of World Cup group games is nearly upon us, which means it is time to reach for two things.

The remote control, for things are about to get seriously compelling. And the calculator, because they’re going to get decidedly complicated.

In theory, getting out of your World Cup group sounds simple. Finish first, advance to the round of 16. Finish second, same story, although your path through…