Mexico secured a spot in the World Cup round of 32 after Seung-Gyu Kim's goalkeeping error gifted Luis Romo the winner vs South Korea.
Mexico became the first term to book a place in the world cup of round 32 after edging South Korea 1-0 in a tense, low quality Group A clash at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara.
The hosts didn't have to be brilliant, they just had to be less wasteful than South Korea goalkeeper. Seung-Gyu Kim's 50 minutes error proved decisive, handing Mexico the goal they needed to control the World Cup destiny.
A MATCH DECIDED BY KEEPERS
From the first whistle, this was never a classic. Both sides showed respect, Some might say fear, with the Group A wide open after matchday 1. Mexico had beaten South Africa, South Korea had stunned Czech Republic, so neither wanted to lose.
The caution meant chance were rare. When they did come, the goalkeeper where the stars. At one end, Kim produced a sharp save to deny Julian Quinones header in the 20th minutes after a lovely Alvarado cross. At the other, Mexico's Raul Rangel was called into action late but looked composed throughout.
The difference came on 50 minutes. Raul Jimenez rose to meet a cross and directed a fairly routine header towards goal. Kim got both hands to it but spilled the ball straight into the parts of Luis Romo. With the Keeper stranded, Romo showed composure to lift the ball over hin and into an empty net. 1-0 Mexico, and the stadium erupted.
RANGEL SEALS IT LATE
South Korea finally woke up chasing the game. Coach Myung-Bo's Hong threw on Gue-Sung Cho and suddenly Mexico's defense had a problem. In the 87th minute, Cho looked certain to score after a quick combination with Hyun-Jun Yang. instead, Rangel produced a match winning double save, first blocking Cho's shot then smothering the rebound.
Deep into stoppage time, Vazquez made a superb last ditch teckle to deny Cho again. By then, South Korea had only managed two shots on target allgame, both in the final minute. Too Little, Too Late.
WHAT IT MEANS FOR GROUP A
With six points from two games, Mexico now control Group A. A point vs Czech Republic next will guarantee top spot and a round of 32 match in Mexico City. Top the group Javier Aguilera's side could face England in the round of 16, if both Nations win their groups and Survive their first knockout games.
South Korea's situation is trickier. The goalkeeping error aside, Hong claimed everything went to plan. That's worrying. After their dynamic win over Czech Republic, they played timidly here. At 1,600m altitude, sitting deep and playing for a draw made sense on paper, especially with South Africa vs Czech Republic ending in a draw earlier. But this time it cost them. They must beat South Africa in their final game to advance.
KEY MOMENTS
● 16 minute: Alvarez acrobatic goal line clearance denies Son's lob
● 20 minute: kim save Quinones header from Alvarado cross
● 50 minute: GOAL Mexico Kim drops Jimenez header, Romo taps in
● 87 minute: Rangel double save keeps out Cho
● 90+4 minute: Vazquez last ditch block stops Cho again.
Tactical note: South Korea's play for a draw approach backfired, but don't be surprised if more teams copy it in round 2. With knockout in sight, caution often beat ambition at World Cup played in tough conditions.
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