- Carlos Vela and Javier Hernandez goals lead Mexico to consecutive win
- Son scores late consolation goal during added time
- With two wins, Mexico moves to round of 16.
Mexico beats South Korea 2-1 to book a place in the second round. Though Mexico could not match their own standard, which they displayed against Germany, but they did enough to beat an energetic Korean side, who never gave up. El Tri would be happy with their overall efficiency but certainly will have to improve their passing.
The referee awards a penalty to Mexico around 26 minute of the game, when Jang Hyunsoo handled the ball in the South Korean penalty box. Carlos Vela scores his first World Cup goal as well as his first goal for Mexico in seven matches.
Although the first half was largely dominated by Mexico, South Korea had few counter attacks thanks to a determined performance from Son Heungmin.
Mexico increased the lead at 66th minute of the game. Lozano assisted Hernandez who, score the goal with a right footer.
Son scores an impressive goal, curling in a shot with his left foot into the far post from outside the penalty area. Son is the fifth player to score for South Korea at multiple World Cups, after Park Jisung (3), Ahn Junghwan (2), Yoo Sangchul (2) and Hwang Sunhong (2).
With today’s loss South Korea will be looking for results of other matches in Group-F for qualification into round of 16. On the other hand, Mexico has already confirmed their place in knock out stages.
Mexico (5-3-2):
GK:Guillermo Ochoa
D:Carlos Salcedo, Carlos Vela(G. dos Santos, 77′), Hector Moreno, Jesus Gallardo, Hector Herrer
M:Andres Guadrado (R. Márquez , 68′), Miguel Layun, Edson Alvarez,
F:Hirving Lozano(Jesús Corona, 71′) , Javier Hernandez.
South Korea (4-4-2):
GK: Jo Hyeon-woo,
D:Lee Yong, Son Heung-min, Ju Se-jong (Lee Seung-Woo, 64′), Hwang Hee-chan
M:Kim Min-woo (Hong Chul, 84′), Ki Sung-yueng, Kim Young-gwon, Jang Hyun-soo
F:Lee Jae-sung, Moon Seo-min (Jung Woo-Young, 77′).
Venue: Rostov Arena, Rostov-On-Don
Referee: Milorad Mazic (SRB); VAR: Daniele Orsato (ITA)
