Mexico have temporarily moved to the top of Group F at the FIFA World Cup with a dominant performance resulting in a 2-1 win over South Korea.
The South Koreans struggled to get into the contest early, and while they were physical in defence, the strategy didn’t work for them as they gave away a staggering 24 free kicks during the contest.
While they didn’t pay off the free kicks, they did elsewhere, not being able to hang onto the ball or control where the game was played.
The second loss in a row means South Korea are now virtually out of the World Cup with no chance of recovery.
This is the first time Mexico has won back-to-back games at the World Cup since 2002, with the side looking confident and in-form as the tournament rolls on.
Final score
South Korea 1
Mexico 2
South Korea, after being dominated in their opening World Cup match must find a way to win against Mexico if they want to qualify for the knockout stages. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 1am (AEST).
South Korea began their tournament on the worst possible note, surrendering the game they were most likely to get a result in.
A difficult Group F presented them the challenge of world No.1 Germany, Mexico and Sweden. The Swedes appeared the team they were most likely to beat, but alas, they struggled to control the game.
While the statistics will indicate South Korea had 44 per cent possession, there was far too much of it at the wrong end of the field. They struggled to break down the Sweden defence, only firing five across the entire 90 minutes with none of them on target.
Key men up front Kim Shin-wook and Son Heung-min simply couldn’t find the space to work it and it showed, with Sweden applying the pressure time and time again to ensure they took the three points with a 1-0 win.
Mexico, on the other hand, stunned the world as they picked up a 1-0 victory over defending champions and the top-ranked nation in Germany.
The Central American nation were always expected to get out of the group stage in second place, but with three points in that game, there is now a very real chance they will manage to finish first – and as long as Brazil finish first in Group E, that’ll be a godsend for the Round of 16.
Their win over Germany came with a mountain of hard work. They only had 33 per cent possession, but managed to man up well in defence during what was a fast and free-flowing contest.
The goal, scored by Hirving Loranzo turned out to be enough for Mexico to hold on for 55 minutes. They will be able to press further forward this time though and attempt to secure their stop in the knockout stages, with an obvious skill and talent advantage over South Korea.
The sides have played on ten previous occasions with Mexico leading the ledger 5-4 to go with a single draw. The last of those saw a friendly win 4-0 in 2014 for the Mexicans. Their only previous World Cup game was in 1998 as the Central American nation won 3-1.
Prediction
The Koreans will be under the pump, but barely stand a chance of controlling their Central American opponents. Mexico could run rampant here.
South Korea 0 – Mexico 3.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of this Group F contest from 1am (AEST) and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.
KenoathCarnt
Guest
Having said that Mexico were the better team.
User
Roar Rookie
Do I have the next match in me
Scott Pryde
Expert
That'll be all from me tonight. Be sure to join us again at 4am though as Germany take on Sweden in a crucial contest. I'll be back at 6am for New Zealand and England in the Rugby League. Bye for now.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thoughts Roarers?
Scott Pryde
Expert
FULLTIME Mexico have temporarily moved to the top of Group F at the FIFA World Cup with a dominant performance resulting in a 2-1 win over South Korea. The South Koreans struggled to get into the contest early, and while they were physical in defence, the strategy didn't work for them as they gave away a staggering 24 free kicks during the contest. While they didn't pay off the free kicks, they did elsewhere, not being able to hang onto the ball or control where the game was played. The second loss in a row means South Korea are now virtually out of the World Cup with no chance of recovery. This is the first time Mexico have won back-to-back games at the World Cup since 2002, with the side looking confident and in-form as the tournament rolls on. South Korea 1 Mexico 2
KenoathCarnt
Guest
Kind of feel sorry for South Korea the second goal they conceded shouldn't have been allowed the Mexican player clearly fouled the Korean player in disposesing the ball. Who knows what the result could have been although they did bottle some great chances.
Scott Pryde
Expert
FULLTIME Mexico hang onto possession, working it all the way back to Ochoa who kicks it long and forward. The five minutes of stoppage time are up and the whistle sounds for the final time as Mexico beat South Korea in Rostov, knocking them out of the World Cup with two straight defeats. South Korea 1 Mexico 2
Scott Pryde
Expert
90 + 4' - South Korea looking to push forward and they are running out of time here, but they turn it over and Mexico will turn it over in their attacking line. South Korea 1 Mexico 2
Scott Pryde
Expert
90 + 3' - GOAL SOUTH KOREA, SON HEUNG-MIN Hold the phone ladies and gentlemen! This has come from absolutely nowhere. Literally, nowhere. Heung-Min has been the man all day for South Korea and he now finds a bit of space from beyond the penalty area, firing and putting the ball into the top right corner! Wow! Absolutely unsavable. South Korea 1 Mexico 2
User
Roar Rookie
Beautiful strike beautiful goal
Kurt
Guest
Holy cr*p that was a goal.
Scott Pryde
Expert
90 + 2' - The free kick is not quite on the money. Not bad, but not good. Deflected out to Herrera though who tries to hit it off the bounce, but the shot has gone sailing over the crossbar. South Korea 0 Mexico 2
Scott Pryde
Expert
90 + 1' - Herrera now goes to ground. He wins a free kick in a dangerous spot, just beyond the corner of the penalty area on the right-hand side of the pitch. South Korea 0 Mexico 2
Scott Pryde
Expert
90' - South Korea give away another free kick. 21 fouls now. And, as much as there have been plenty of stoppages, it's unfortunate we are going to have another five minutes of this match, because it's over. Five minutes of stoppage time. South Korea 0 Mexico 2
Scott Pryde
Expert
88' - Son Heung-min now fires a shot way over the crossbar from outside the penalty area. They made a break going up the middle there, but the end result more or less sums up their day. South Korea 0 Mexico 2
Scott Pryde
Expert
85' - Mexico might keep pushing for another one here. While Sweden still have to play Germany, goal difference could be crucial in finishing first and avoiding Brazil in the Round of 16. South Korea 0 Mexico 2
KenoathCarnt
Guest
Geez Guus Hiddink getting South Korea to a semi final? He has to be one of the most underrated mangers in recent history.
Scott Pryde
Expert
83' - More free kicks for Mexico. Let's blow fulltime on this one already. SUB: South Korea - Hong Chul (on), Kim Min-woo (off) South Korea 0 Mexico 2
KenoathCarnt
Guest
Unnecessary overthinking when the opportunity is right in front of you.
Scott Pryde
Expert
80 - A few throw-ins in a pretty dangerous spot for South Korea. Kim taking them, but then Jung Woo-Young, who has only been on the field for a handful of minutes, sends Moreno to the deck and picks up a card. YELLOW CARD: Jung Woo-Young (South Korea) South Korea 0 Mexico 2