Co-Hosts Mexico beat South Korea, qualify for World Cup knockout rounds

Co-hosts Mexico defeated South Korea 1-0 at a delirious Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday, becoming the first team to reach the knockout rounds of the World Cup. After a dreary first period, Luis Romo’s goal just after half-time, thanks to a goalkeeping error, put Mexico through as Group A winners with a match to go.

Mexico stopper Raul Rangel made a superb double save in the dying minutes to preserve their lead. Finishing top keeps Mexico at home in the last 32 with a game against a third-placed team in Mexico City. “It’s really difficult to deal with the emotions,” coach Javier Aguirre said of the challenges going into the game. He reserved special praise for Rangel and the supporters in Guadalajara.

“His save was just amazing,” said Aguirre. “It was quite a tactical match, and hard to digest for the fans, but they were outstanding.
“I would just like to say thank you to them, they’ve been fantastic ever since we got here. “Mexico jerseys were everywhere, everywhere you turned it was green shirts,” he added.

South Korea are second on three points, with the Czech Republic and South Africa also still alive on one. Hong Myung-bo’s side face South Africa next and are still in a good position to advance.