Mexico secured its place in the World Cup round of 32 on Friday morning with a 1-0 win over South Korea in Guadalajara, despite an unimpressive performance. Luis Romo scored the only goal after Javier Aguirre trusted him in midfield, and the result guaranteed Mexico first place in Group A. Raul Rangel then preserved the lead with a major late save, earning widespread praise in the Mexican media.
The biggest benefit for Mexico is that it will also play its next match at the Estadio Azteca. If it advances to the round of 16, that game too would be hosted at the iconic stadium. Aguirre is now expected to rotate for the next match against the Czech Republic, where 17-year-old Gilberto Mora is likely to feature. Guillermo Ochoa is also expected to start and make his sixth World Cup appearance, his fifth as the first-choice goalkeeper, in what could be his farewell match.
Mexican outlets praised Romo for delivering when it mattered. Julio Rodriguez wrote that, in football, there is always a second chance, and said Romo’s goal gave Mexico its second World Cup victory, adding that even without playing brilliantly, he was there to score and proved he can be relied on. Other coverage focused on Mexico’s poor overall display, with El Pais saying the team had to drop deep and defend, which frustrated the crowd after a flat first half ended with home supporters booing.
Rangel also drew strong praise for his late intervention. Several outlets said he saved Mexico in the closing minutes, while Sport Nation called his double save a possible “save of the tournament.” After the match, Aguirre said, “It was a complicated game, very complicated. In the end, the mistake decided it. The fans were the best part of the game.”
