Mexico become first side into World Cup last 32 as Romo's goal sinks South Korea

Mexico became the first nation to secure a place in the World Cup knockout stage, defeating South Korea 1-0 in Guadalajara to top Group A. Luis Romo’s 50th-minute strike proved the difference, with goalkeeper Raul Rangel producing a crucial late double save to protect the lead.

The opening half was largely uneventful, with Mexico managing only three shots as both sides cancelled each other out in a cautious, compact contest. The breakthrough came early in the second period when South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung Gyu spilled the ball after a collision with his own defender Lee Gi Hyuk inside the penalty area. Romo reacted quickest, slotting into the unguarded net.

South Korea pressed for an equaliser and came closest in the 87th minute, when Rangel first denied a close-range header from Cho Gue Sung and then kept out Yang Hyun Jun’s rebound attempt in a brilliant double stop that preserved Mexico’s slender advantage.

The victory means Mexico, as co-hosts, will play their last-32 fixture on home soil and could remain on home ground through to the last 16 should they advance.

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre acknowledged the difficulty of the win in his post-match press conference. “It was difficult. We know them very well. They put us under a lot of pressure,” he said. “They didn’t give us any space, and neither did we. In the end, it felt like one mistake was always going to make the difference one way or the other. It wasn’t a great match, and the opposition didn’t allow us to do much.”

South Korea coach Hong Myung Bo was measured in his assessment, insisting his side executed their game plan before the decisive error. “We played just as we planned. The way we conceded was disappointing,” he said. “We kept our composure throughout the game. We will focus on preparing for the next game now.”

South Korea still have a strong chance of progressing, facing South Africa in their final group match on Wednesday, where a point is expected to be enough to reach the knockout rounds.