The first ticket to the Round of 32 has been punched.
Mexico took down South Korea 1-0 in Guadalajara on Thursday to take Group A of the World Cup, so El Tri can play the group finale without pressure.
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The first half was all about Korea trying to take the sting out of the game by limiting Mexico’s touches and keeping control of the ball, especially in midfield.
However, Korea needed a bit more final product to really threaten Mexico. Star striker Son Heung-min was not doing enough to concer El Tri, which was a similar showing to Czechia in the opener as he struggled to make an impact.
Mexico’s lack of front-foot action compared to the South Africa game resulted in boos from the home crowd at halftime.
The key moment came early in the second half. In the 50th minute, what should’ve been a simple cross claim by Korean goalie Seung-gyu Kim turned into a nightmare.
Kim had the ball momentarily, but saw it slip through his fingers. Mexican midfielder Luis Romo was first to it as he stabbed it home.
Son then came off for Korea in the 57th minute, but no goal would come unlike what transpired in the comeback vs. Czechia.
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A couple of half chances came Korea’s way, but only one had the best shot at going in.
In the 87th minute, a perfect cross from the left flank by Ji-sung Eom reached both Hyun-jun Hang and Gue-sung Cho, but somehow 26-year-old goalie Raul Rangel kept it off the line.
Korea ended the game with the better expected goals, per FotMob, accumulating 0.69 to 0.48. A 1-1 scoreline would’ve felt fair given the chance Rangel prevented, but it’s Mexico that comes away with three points with no complaints.
No matter what happens in the group finale next Wednesday, Mexico will be top going into the Round of 32. El Tri will meet Czechia, which is still alive for a knockout spot.
Korea will hope to stay in second against South Africa, which also stayed alive after a disappointing opening-day showing against Mexico. Czechia and South Africa drew 1-1 earlier Thursday.
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