Carlos Vela and Javier Hernandez scored either side of half-time as Mexico qualified for the knockout stage of the World Cup with a 2-1 victory over South Korea.
Below are four talking points from the game at the Rostov Arena.
Mexico still most dangerous on counter-attack
This was always going to be an interesting examination of Mexico’s credentials. Following their superb counter-attacking game plan in the 1-0 defeat of reigning world champions Germany, El Tri were always likely to see more of the ball here, and they would also have to adjust to a situation where they were the favourites to triumph.
Mexico did pass that test with a 2-1 triumph, but they again looked most dangerous on the break. Scoring the first goal of the game through a Vela penalty forced South Korea to push up the pitch a bit more, particularly after the break. This in turn led to the match becoming stretched as Mexico wee afforded space to attack in transition, which they did brilliantly in the 66th minute as Hernandez scored his 50th goal for his country.
South Korea improved but on brink of exit
South Korea started slowly in Rostov, but by the end of the first half it was they who had taken more shots. Shin Tae-yong’s men did not press high up the pitch and instead focused on forming a compact defensive shape, before springing forward quickly when the ball changed hands. They looked to set Son Heung-min free on the counter-attack with long balls over the top of the Mexican backline, an approach which their opponents struggled to deal with at times.
South Korea’s failure to find the net during that positive spell towards the end of the first half proved costly, though, and they did not really pose the same level of threat after the interval until Son scored a wonderful goal in stoppage time. A place in the round of 16 is now surely beyond them.
Mexican front four so dangerous
Hernandez finished well when played through by Hirving Lozano shortly after the hour-mark, cutting inside and slotting the ball into the net. The West Ham United striker is largely seen as a fox in the box at club level, but he has impressed with his link-up play and movement into deeper areas so far this tournament.
Miguel Layun, Lozano and Vela were all excellent too, with Mexico’s front four exchanging quick passes throughout the match. Their speed of execution makes them extremely difficult to defend against, with Lozano and Vela also able to drift past defenders with ease.
Cho impresses again in South Korea goal
Cho Hyun-woo may have conceded two goals here having previously been beaten once against Sweden, but he has done himself no harm with his performances in Russia. The 26-year-old goalkeeper only had six caps to his name before the tournament got under way, but he is now his country’s undisputed No.1 after his exploits against Sweden and Mexico.
Cho commanded his box well and used his agility and reflexes to make some fine stops, while he also demonstrated a willingness to leave his box and sweep up behind his back four. The Daegu custodian may even have done enough to earn himself a move to Europe after the World Cup.
