ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia, (Reuters) – Mexico built on the momentum from their stunning victory over world champions Germany by overpowering South Korea 2-1 yesterday to take a giant step towards the last 16 of the World Cup.
Carlos Vela put them ahead from the penalty spot in the 26th minute at Rostov Arena, which had been taken over by Mexico’s sea of fanatical supporters.
All-time top scorer Javier Hernandez sealed victory in the second half, finishing off an unstoppable move from breakout player Hirving Lozano.
It was Hernandez’s 50th goal for his country and his fourth strike at a World Cup, taking him level with Luis Hernandez as Mexico’s leading scorer in soccer’s global showpiece tournament.
Korea’s talismanic forward Son Heung-min struck a scorching consolation goal in stoppage time from outside the area. Germany’s later 2-1 win over Sweden means Mexico will have to wait until their final Group F game against the Swedes on Wednesday to clinch their place in the last 16, with a draw guaranteeing they make it through.
The hapless Koreans, who have no points after two matches and have only won one of their last 11 World Cup fixtures, can still theoretically qualify for the next round but they need to beat Germany and hope Mexico win against Sweden.
“We came to Russia with a lot of criticism but we’re working hard and have a lot of talent. We have humility but we beat Germany and South Korea and now we have to play against Sweden and stay cool and calm,” goalscorer Hernandez said.
“We cannot afford to get caught up in all this, we have to continue our job and stay humble, of course we should enjoy this but tomorrow we start working again.”
ROUSING CHANTS
As the game kicked off Mexico fans sang “We are the home team” and with green shirts dotted all over the stadium and rousing chants of “Ole!” bellowing around the arena every time their side passed the ball, it was hard to disagree.
Conditioned by the dry heat that has been a feature of every game at the Rostov Arena,Mexico did not quite have the same thrust and energy as against Germany, although they still controlled most of the play and looked far more dangerous.
Korea improved on their opening defeat by Sweden although their main tactic consisted of searching for Son with long balls behind the defensive line.
The closest they came to scoring in the first half was with a header from a corner whichMexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa tipped over the bar.
Mexico’s breakthrough came when captain Andres Guardado’s cross was blocked by a stray arm from Korean defender Jang Hyun-soo, and Vela kept his nerve from the spot, sending goalkeeper Cho Hyeon-woo the wrong way and stroking the ball home.
Lozano proved a constant threat to the Koreans whenever he came darting down either wing, blasting over in the first half and later having a goalbound shot blocked by opposing captain Ki Sung-yueng.
His remarkable pace punished Korea, catching them out on the break and setting up Hernandez to finish them off, the 30-year-old beating a defender with a flick of his left foot and tucking the ball into the net with his right.