GUADALAJARA, Mexico: Mexico booked their place within the World Cup knockout stage as Group A winners and secured house benefit for the spherical of 32 after Luis Romo’s second-half strike earned the match co-hosts a 1-0 win over South Korea on Thursday (Jun 18).
The victory moved Javier Aguirre’s aspect onto six factors from two matches and ensured their first knockout sport can be performed in Mexico Metropolis on Jun 30, whereas sustaining their excellent begin to the match.
Romo broke the impasse three minutes after the restart, capitalising on a pricey mistake by goalkeeper Kim Seung-Gyu. The South Korea keeper spilled a cross after colliding with a teammate, permitting the Mexico midfielder a easy end into an unguarded internet from the centre of the field.
The purpose reworked the temper inside Guadalajara Stadium after an uninspiring first half that ended with sections of the house crowd booing the hosts off the pitch.
Mexico had began brightly however struggled to show early possession into clear possibilities, with South Korea rising into the sport.
Captain Edson Alvarez, deployed in central defence after Cesar Montes’ suspension, produced a spectacular overhead clearance off the purpose line to disclaim Son Heung-min, though the South Korea captain was later flagged offside.
The Asian aspect completed the half stronger, controlling possession and unsettling a Mexico aspect that regarded more and more annoyed because the interval approached.
