Co-hosts Mexico became the first team to secure a place in the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup after edging South Korea 1-0 in front of a jubilant home crowd at Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday.
A second-half goal from Luis Romo proved decisive as Mexico maintained their perfect start to the tournament and clinched top spot in Group A with one group-stage match still to play.
The breakthrough came shortly after halftime following a costly mistake by South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu. Attempting to deal with a high ball, Kim collided with one of his defenders and spilled possession directly into the path of Romo, who calmly slotted into an empty net to send the home supporters into celebration.
Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel then emerged as the hero late in the game, producing a brilliant double save in the closing stages to preserve the hosts’ lead and secure qualification.
The victory ensures Mexico will remain in the capital for their Round of 32 fixture, where they will face one of the tournament’s third-placed qualifiers.
Speaking after the match, Mexico coach Javier Aguirre praised both his goalkeeper and the passionate support from the Guadalajara crowd.
“It was a very emotional match and not an easy one,” Aguirre said. “Raul’s save was incredible. It was a tactical contest that may have been difficult for the fans at times, but they supported us throughout. We are grateful for the fantastic atmosphere they created.”
Mexico entered the match on the back of a 2-0 victory over South Africa in their opening fixture, while South Korea had rallied from behind to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1.
The visitors nearly opened the scoring after 15 minutes when captain Son Heung-min lifted the ball over Rangel, only for defender Edson Alvarez to clear spectacularly off the line with an acrobatic bicycle kick. Although the assistant referee later raised the offside flag, replays suggested the decision was a close one.
Mexico responded through Julian Quinones, whose powerful header forced a sharp save from Kim and briefly energized the home crowd.
The first half otherwise lacked clear-cut opportunities, with South Korea enjoying extended periods of possession but failing to create meaningful chances. The hosts were met with frustration from sections of the crowd at the halftime whistle.
Mexico emerged with greater urgency after the break and were rewarded when Romo capitalized on Kim’s error to score the only goal of the match.
South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo attempted to spark a comeback by introducing Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Hwang Hee-chan before the hour mark, withdrawing veteran captain Son in a surprise tactical change.
However, the Koreans struggled to break down Mexico’s defense and only threatened seriously in the closing minutes, when Rangel produced two outstanding saves to deny a late equalizer.
The result leaves South Korea second in Group A on three points, while South Africa and the Czech Republic remain in contention after drawing 1-1 earlier in the day.
South Korea will face South Africa in their next group match, while Mexico take on the Czech Republic as they seek to complete the group stage with a perfect record.
