Mexico takes advantage of failure, beats South Korea and goes to the knockout stages of the World Cup
Mexico defeated South Korea 1-0 this Thursday (18), at the Akron Stadium, in Guadalajara, and secured their place in the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup. The result defined one of the tournament's host countries as the first classified in the round of 16 stage.
The one who secured Mexico's qualification was Luis Romo, with a goal that was missed by goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu. The triumph confirmed the home team as leaders of Group A, with six points won and an advantage in the direct confrontation. The South Koreans stopped in second place.
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In its 18th participation in the World Cup, Mexico has already surpassed the 2022 campaign, in Qatar, when it stopped in the group stage. Its best result occurred in 1970 and 1986, editions in which the country reached the quarter-finals.
The hosts return to the pitch next Wednesday (24), at 10pm (Brasília time), to face Czechia at the Azteca Stadium. South Korea, on the other hand, still has a chance of advancing to the knockout stages and faces South Africa on the same date and time, in Monterrey.
The match
Supported by their fans, Mexico started with possession of the ball and took two shots from outside the area, which ended in the hands of goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu. In the 16th minute, center forward Son Heung-min was launched at speed, tried to cover and saw defender Edson Álvarez save almost on the line.
The Mexicans responded shortly after, with a header from striker Julián Quiñones who stopped after a good save from Seung-gyu. After a period of balance on the field, the South Koreans arrived with winger Seol Young-woo, in the 41st minute. He received a free kick in the area and sent the shot wide.
Booed by the fans at halftime, the Mexican team went on the attack in search of their goal. After four minutes, full-back Jesús Gallardo entered the area and hit the ball to the right of the opponent's goal. Afterwards, the home team crossed and Kim Seung-gyu was unable to hold the ball with his hands. It was left to midfielder Luis Romo, who only scored into an empty goal: 1-0 in Guadalajara.
At the 30-minute mark, Mexico almost expanded. Center forward Raúl Jiménez was called in by Quiñones and made a great save from Seung-gyu. South Korea scored a long-range attempt by midfielder Lee Kang-in, who went over the goal.
In the 40th minute, midfielder Obed Vargas, who came off the bench in the second half, stepped in from outside the area and forced Seung-gyu to make a great save. Soon after, center forward Cho Gue-sung completed a cross from the left with his head, but was stopped by a miracle by goalkeeper Raúl "Tala" Rangel.
See the ranking of the most valuable squads of the World Cup
Source: CNN