Mexico has successfully advanced to the World Cup knockout stage as Group A winners. A second-half goal by Luis Romo earned the tournament co-hosts a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea on Thursday, securing home advantage for the Round of 32.
With six points from two matches, Javier Aguirre's squad is the first team to qualify for the next round. Their first knockout match is scheduled to be played in Mexico City on June 30.
The breakthrough came just three minutes into the second half. South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-Gyu collided with a teammate and dropped a cross, leaving an open net for Romo to easily tap the ball home.
"It was a very close game; we didn't give up a single centimetre," Mexico coach Javier Aguirre told TV Azteca. "It was a game where whoever made a mistake would lose, and it was them. The match itself might be forgettable, but the result is one to remember."
Romo’s goal completely shifted the atmosphere at Guadalajara Stadium. The first half was largely uninspiring, with Mexico struggling to turn early possession into clear chances. The frustration peaked at halftime when sections of the home crowd booed their own team.
South Korea had ended the first half looking the stronger side, controlling the ball and unsettling the hosts. Their best early moment came from captain Son Heung-min, though his effort was spectacularly cleared off the line by Mexican captain Edson Alvarez before the offside flag was raised.
After taking the lead, Mexico regained control. Goalkeeper Kim Seung-Gyu made up for his earlier error by producing an outstanding save to deny Raul Jimenez a close-range volley. He later made another sharp dive to stop a long-range shot from Mexican substitute Obed Vargas.
South Korea pushed heavily for an equalizer in the closing minutes, but Mexican goalkeeper Raul Rangel preserved the lead. Rangel made a brilliant double save from point-blank range, first blocking a shot with his foot before scrambling to stop the rebound.
The 1-0 result holds historical significance. It is Mexico's first World Cup group-stage victory on home soil outside of Mexico City. It also marks their first top-place finish in a World Cup group since 2002 a tournament where Aguirre was also at the helm.
Mexico will close out their group stage against the Czech Republic. Meanwhile, South Korea must secure a win against South Africa on Wednesday to keep their tournament hopes alive.
