Vela and Hernandez put Mexico within touching distance of the knockouts

After losing their opening game against Sweden, a win was key for South Korea's hopes of making it out of the group. Their opponents Mexico, however, were no easy prospect, having shocked Germany in their own opener. 'El Tri' made just one change from the side that edged out the world champions, introducing Edson Alvarez for Hugo Ayala in defence, while Shin Tae-yong made three rotations.

 

June 23, 2018

The first half of the clash was quite an even affair, and both sides had their chances to find the net. Mexico were the more dominant in possession, and had slightly more the attacks but South Korea were able to channel it to star man Son Heung Min on various occasions. The Tottenham attacker was the focal point for all of his side's attacks, but the Mexican defence did well to prevent him getting a clear sight of the net during the half.

The opening goal of the game came in the 26th minute, and it was yet another penalty. Jang Hyun Soo was pulled up (slightly harshly) for a handball in the box, giving away the 14th penalty of the tournament. Carlos Vela stepped up to take it, and he sent Jo Hyeon Woo the wrong way, firing to the keeper's left with power to make it 0-1.

Vela's opener was the only goal of the first half, and South Korea went in at half-time knowing that at least one goal was realistically needed to keep their World Cup hopes alive. It was more of the same in the second half, though, and the Asian side were unable to turn chances into goals. 

Again it was fairly end to end, but Mexico's attacking quality counted and Javier Hernandez came up with a goal in the 66th minute to give Mexico a cushion. The striker was fed by Vela on the counter, and found himself on the edge of the box in space. The West Ham forward did very well, cutting back inside before slotting it under the goalkeeper's flailing arm. The goal was Chicharito's 50th for his nation, and it gave South Korea very little chance of emerging with any points on the day.

 

June 23, 2018

Shin Tae-yong made substitutes in order to try and impact the game after the second goal, and the 'Taegeuk Warriors' eventually found a goal through Son Heung Min. The forward scored a scorcher from around 25 yards out, jinking left and right before letting one fly past Guillermo Ochoa. Unfortunately, it came in the 93rd minute and it was too late for a comeback.

The referee blew his whistle just minutes later, drawing a close to an entertaining game. The victory put Mexico atop Group F with two wins in two, and they now look almost certain to make it through to the round of 16. South Korea, conversely, are not looking likely to progress. They sit bottom of the group on zero points, and will need a win over Germany in their final group game, along with favourable results elsewhere, to make it.