ZAPOPAN, Mexico — Mexico has officially secured the top position in Group A and has become the first team in the World Cup to move on to the knockout stage, thanks to a crucial goal by Luis Romo, which led to a 1-0 victory over South Korea on Thursday.
The match, attended by a lively crowd of 45,522 at Guadalajara Stadium (Estadio Akron), saw both teams starting cautiously, seemingly satisfied with a draw, especially since both had won their previous matches. However, five minutes into the second half, Romo capitalized on a mistake by South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-Gyu, who mishandled a cross, allowing Romo to easily slot the ball into an open net.
The game became more dynamic in the second half, and by the end of the match, the World Cup co-hosts celebrated their second victory of the tournament. Here are some insights from our reporters present at the game.
Aguirre’s pragmatic style pays off … just barely
There’s a distinct contrast within Mexican soccer, particularly regarding the national team under coach Javier Aguirre.
Historically, fans and pundits have demanded an entertaining, attacking style of play at both the club and national levels. However, Aguirre, a revered figure in Mexican soccer, has established himself as a tactician known for his defensive solidity, particularly with smaller clubs in Europe.
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Balancing these differing expectations is challenging, and as we observed on Thursday, Aguirre often opts for a possession-wary strategy to strengthen defensive organization, employing offside traps while not fully committing to an attacking style.
This tactical approach resulted in some uninspiring moments. By halftime, discontent grew among the fans, who voiced their frustration through boos after a scoreless first half. However, Aguirre demonstrated flexibility when necessary; following Romo’s goal, he permitted his team to express themselves more freely. Although this allowed South Korea some chances during a frantic finish, Mexico held on for the win.
It’s a difficult balance, but for now, Aguirre seems to have found it. — Cesar Hernandez
Son adjusts to a new role for South Korea
For the last decade, most of South Korea’s offensive output was centered around the dynamic Son Heung-Min on the left wing. However, head coach Hong Myung-Bo switched to a 5-2-3 formation just months before the World Cup, aiming for greater defensive stability, which led to a positional shift for Son.
With Lee Kang-In and Lee Jae-Sung both deemed indispensable, it was Son who was pushed up to play as the main striker. While he’s familiar with this position in club football, adjusting to it in the national team may take some time.
Son had only 21 touches before being substituted in the 57th minute, the fewest among South Korea’s starting outfield players. He still managed to pose a threat with a well-placed shot over the advancing Raúl Rangel that was brilliantly cleared off the line by Edson Álvarez, although the play was later ruled offside.
For South Korea to advance, they need Son to be more engaged in the game. Finding the right tactical solution for Hong ahead of their next match against South Africa is crucial, especially since a positive result is still necessary to secure progression.
Could Lee Jae-Sung adapt to a more defensive midfield role, enabling Son to function as one of the attacking playmakers while introducing Oh Hyeon-Gyu, who has made an impact as a substitute, to lead the line? Ultimately, it falls to Hong to decide. — Gabe Tan
Fan frustration with hydration breaks grows
Both hydration breaks during Thursday’s match were met with boos from fans, continuing a trend of discontent with the three-minute stoppages.
In each instance, players were ready to resume play in under two minutes, but the referee was bound by FIFA’s mandate for three-minute breaks, leading to visible frustration. Players and coaches alike seem to feel these pauses are unnecessary, particularly given that they disrupt gameplay without providing significant tactical opportunities.
While some broadcasters utilize these breaks for commercial purposes, the real benefactors appear to be media companies rather than the players or fans.
Despite the valid reasons for hydration breaks during extreme heat, the temperature was a moderate 71 degrees Fahrenheit during the second-half stoppage. The pressing question remains whether FIFA will heed the fans’ dissatisfaction — but don’t count on these breaks being eliminated anytime soon. — Mark Ogden
Romo finds himself in the right spot
Having been on the bench during Mexico’s World Cup opener, few expected Romo to make the starting lineup for Thursday’s clash. If Aguirre sought a more forward-thinking option, young standout Gilberto Mora would have been a logical choice, while for a versatile choice, Álvaro Fidalgo fits that bill well.
However, Romo was chosen. Known primarily as a defensive midfielder, his best performances come from a more reserved position. On Thursday, Aguirre’s tactical choices meant Romo remained largely idle in a midfield that required minimal engagement beyond basic passing.
Then came the goal in the 50th minute. Romo found himself in an advanced position thanks to a cross delivered by winger Julián Quiñones, and while this was not an unusual sight for him, it turned out to be a decisive moment as he netted the winning goal.
Romo was in the right place at the right time, but the pressing question moving forward is whether he will maintain his starting position. His inclusion would stabilize the defense, yet, paradoxically, it may also reduce Mexico’s offensive dynamism through the midfield. Time will tell if he can further make his mark. — Hernandez
Kim Seung-Gyu’s roller-coaster tournament continues
After just 1½ matches, South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-Gyu has shown potential for the Golden Glove. He impressed with remarkable saves in the win against Czechia, and in the match against Mexico, his crucial stop of a Quiñones header kept the score level at halftime.
However, disaster struck in the 50th minute when he ventured too far off his line to claim a high ball and – with no pressure – committed a costly error, allowing Romo to score the winning goal.
Despite this, South Korea can credit Kim for keeping the scoreline respectable. He made an exceptional close-range save against Raúl Jiménez late in the match and followed it up with an incredible dive to stop a powerful effort from Obed Vargas that was heading for the bottom corner.
Kim will be aware that he has a capable backup in Jo Hyeon-Woo, who previously made headlines with seven saves against Germany during the 2018 World Cup. Nevertheless, Kim seized the starting role in 2022, and his shot-stopping prowess and ball-handling skills keep him in the coach’s plans. However, Jo’s commanding presence in goal remains notable.
While Kim’s position as starter seems secure for now, he must avoid making similar mistakes in future games. — Tan
Mexico secures round of 32, but challenges lie ahead
As a powerhouse in the Concacaf region, Mexico aims to showcase their ability to compete on the world stage during the World Cup. However, their history shows only two runs to the quarterfinals, both during tournaments hosted in Mexico in 1970 and 1986.
Reaching the last eight has become a national aspiration, and this victory over South Korea sets Mexico on a clear path toward the quarterfinals. Winning Group A would mean a match in Mexico City’s legendary Estadio Azteca for their round-of-32 game, and potentially facing the winners of Group L, likely either England or Croatia in the round of 16.
Despite their win over South Korea, El Tri were largely underwhelming and lack a decisive attacking edge. If they reach the round of 16 against top-tier teams like England or Croatia, their chances of winning would be slim.
While home advantage and playing at higher altitude could aid Mexico, they will ultimately need to enhance their performance to progress deeper into the tournament. After failing to break the round-of-16 barrier in 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018, it may be another early exit for Mexico at this World Cup. — Ogden