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Mexico knock South Korea out of World Cup with dominant performance

A Mexico fans is seen during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group F match between Germany and Mexico at Luzhniki Stadium on June 17, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Expert
23rd June, 2018
16

Mexico have put in a commanding display, controlling their contest against South Korea from the outset to take a 2-1 victory in Rostov.

The Central American nation, who shocked the footballing world with a victory over Germany in their tournament opener, continued their good form in this one.

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They controlled where the game was going to be played, ensuring the South Koreans spent plenty of time under pressure in defence.

While South Korea came out aggressive in defence, the tactic backfired on them, with four yellow cards and a staggering 24 free kicks across the course of the contest.

It continued to level the pressure on the Asian nation, with the first score of the match coming through Carlos Vela in the 26th minute as he slotted a penalty after a handball in the box.

Mexico kept pushing for goals, but couldn’t find another before halftime, even with the dominance of their midfield.

South Korea started the second half with a renewed focus and gameplan, going up the middle of the field, but still couldn’t crack Mexico, despite the best efforts of Son Heung-min.

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It was Javier Hernandez who sunk the South Koreans though, scoring a wonderful goal in the 66th minute.

While the Asian nation couldn’t get back on top of the contest, which got more and more sloppy as it approached the last quarter of an hour, they did have one bright spot as Heung-min kicked a wonder goal in injury time, giving his side a flicker of hope.

It will go down as one of the goals of the tournament, but in a losing effort, it means South Korea sit plastered to the bottom of their group with zero points from two games and next to zero chance of qualification to the Round of 16.

Mexico, on the other hand, have virtually booked their ticket to the Round of 16 and will now eagerly await the result of Sweden and Germany to find out exactly what they need to do in their final group game.

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