South Korean blunder gifts hosts’ perfect victory
Hosts Mexico marched into the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout rounds following a tense 1-0 victory against South Korea at Estadio Akron on Friday. Midfielder Luis Romo capitalization on a dynamic second-half error guaranteed progress to the Round of 32.
Success on home soil earned the team three successive World Cup wins for the first time ever. Playing in front of a passionate local crowd in Jalisco, the national team also sustained their flawless historical record against Asian football nations on the biggest stage.
Caution dominated the opening period, limiting clean opportunities for both sides. Julian Quinones tested opposition goalkeeper Kim Seung-Gyu early, while South Korean captain Son Heung-min saw his attacking runs restricted by organized defending. Everything changed five minutes into the second half when Kim Seung-Gyu dropped a simple cross. Romo quickly lifted the loose ball into an open net, securing his first goal in major tournament football.
Late pressure from the visiting side nearly altered the outcome. Mexican goalkeeper Raul Rangel delivered a vital close-range stop against substitute Cho Gue-sung to protect the narrow advantage. South Korea now faces a must-win final group fixture against South Africa.
Image Courtesy: ANI
