Mexico, one of the World Cup co-hosts, clinched first place in Group A and became the first team to secure a place in the round of 32 after a 1-0 win over South Korea overnight between Thursday and Friday at Akron Stadium near Guadalajara. The result sends Mexico to the knockout stage and keeps it in Mexico City for its next match.
After a poor first half in which neither side created much quality football, Mexico found the decisive goal in the 50th minute. Julian Quinones sent in the cross, Raul Jimenez’s header was not clean, but South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu spilled the ball and Luis Romo reacted quickest to score from close range.
South Korea tried to respond with substitutions, including Hwang Hee-chan and Oh Hyeon-gyu, but struggled to create a real threat for long stretches. Mexico remained dangerous, and Quinones was given a big ovation when substituted after another strong performance.
The closing minutes were more open. Kim Seung-gyu briefly redeemed himself with a fine save against Vargas, while at the other end Raul Rangel made two crucial stops in the 87th minute, denying Cho Gyu-sung and Yang Hyun-jun. In stoppage time, South Korea kept pressing, but Mexico’s defense held firm, including a well-timed intervention by Vasquez to stop Cho from reaching a sure scoring chance. Mexico finished with a narrow but highly meaningful victory, first place in the group, and advancement to the next round. The other Group A matches are set for June 25, with Mexico facing Czechia in Mexico City and South Africa playing South Korea in Guadalupe.
