Mexico progresed to the Round of 32 with home advantage as Group A toppers when they beat South Korea 1-0, thanks to Luis Romo’s second-half strike in a World Cup match on Thursday.
The victory gave Mexico six points from two matches and secured their place in the knockout stage. It also guaranteed that their Round of 32 match will be played in Mexico City on June 30. Mexico became the first team at the tournament to qualify for the knockout rounds.
The only goal of the game came three minutes into the second half when Marcel Ruiz Romo took advantage of a costly mistake by South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-Gyu. The keeper dropped a cross after colliding with a team-mate, leaving Romo with the simple task of scoring into an empty net.
The goal completely changed the atmosphere inside Guadalajara Stadium after a disappointing first half that saw some home fans boo Mexico off the field at half-time.
Mexico started the match well and controlled possession, but struggled to create clear chances. As the half went on, South Korea grew into the game and looked increasingly dangerous.
Mexico captain Edson Alvarez, playing in central defence because of Cesar Montes’ suspension, produced a brilliant overhead clearance off the goal line to deny Son Heung-min, although the South Korean captain was later ruled offside.
South Korea finished the first half as the stronger side, enjoying more possession and causing problems for a frustrated Mexico team.
Romo’s goal shortly after the restart lifted both the players and the crowd. The co-hosts took control of the match that had been slipping away from them.
Mexico nearly doubled their lead midway through the second half when Raul Jimenez controlled a pass from Julian Quinones and fired a close-range volley, but Kim made an excellent save to keep his team in the game.
The South Korean goalkeeper was called into action again later, producing another fine stop to deny substitute Obed Vargas from long range.
As the clock ticked down, South Korea pushed forward in search of an equaliser and came very close to finding one. However, Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel made two outstanding saves in quick succession to protect his side’s lead.
First, he blocked a close-range effort with his foot before reacting quickly to stop the rebound on the goal line.
Mexico then had to withstand sustained pressure in the closing minutes, but they held firm to secure a second consecutive victory and become the first team to reach the knockout stage. They will now face one of the tournament’s third-placed teams in the next round.
The win was also significant because it gave Mexico their first World Cup group-stage victory on home soil outside Mexico City. It also ensured their first top-place finish in a World Cup group since 2002.
Mexico will complete their group-stage campaign against the Czech Republic, while South Korea can still qualify for the knockout rounds if they beat South Africa on Wednesday.
