Mexico reach knockout stage after edging South Korea

GUADALAJARA: Co-hosts Mexico became the first side to secure a place in the World Cup knockout rounds after a 1-0 victory over South Korea at Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday.

Luis Romo scored shortly after the break to send Mexico through as Group A winners with one match still to play. The result means Mexico will stay at home for their last-32 tie in Mexico City, where they will face a third-placed team.

South Korea remain second in the group on three points, while the Czech Republic and South Africa are both still in contention after drawing 1-1 earlier in the day. Mexico will meet the Czech Republic in their final group fixture, a match described as a dead rubber, while South Korea will take on South Africa.

Mexico make the breakthrough after the interval

Both teams entered the match knowing a win would guarantee progress. Mexico coach Javier Aguirre made three changes to the team that had beaten South Africa 2-0 in the opening game a week earlier. South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo made one change, largely retaining the side that came from behind to beat the Czech Republic 2-1.

South Korea captain Son Heung-min had the first notable chance after 15 minutes, lifting the ball over goalkeeper Raul Rangel, but Edson Alvarez cleared with a bicycle kick on the line. Son, the Los Angeles FC forward, was then flagged offside after the move, although replays indicated it was a close decision.

Mexico responded when Julian Quinones, who had scored the opening goal of the tournament, tested South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu with a header. South Korea then controlled much of the remainder of the first half without producing a clear opening, though their possession quietened the home supporters and jeers were heard from the stands at halftime.

Mexico began the second half with greater urgency and took the lead five minutes after the restart. Kim came for a high ball and collided with one of his own teammates, spilling possession straight to Romo, who turned it into an empty net first time.

Rangel preserves Mexico's lead

Hong made a notable change before the hour mark, withdrawing Son and introducing Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Hwang Hee-chan. South Korea, however, struggled to create much in attack until the closing stages.

In the final minutes, Guadalajara-born goalkeeper Rangel preserved Mexico's lead with a superb double save to keep out South Korea and seal his side's second straight win of the tournament.

Mexico had opened their campaign with a 2-0 win over South Africa, while South Korea had started with a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic. Thursday's result ensured Mexico advanced with a game to spare and confirmed them as the first team into the knockout phase.