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Thursday night was special in the majestic Guadalajara stadium. Filled with Mexican faithful – including the city’s boxing legend Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez – and the traditional Cielito Lindo song blaring all night, Mexico became the first team to reach the round of 16 at the World Cup.
But it wasn’t easy. The second half became increasingly anxious for Mexico as South Korea pressed for an equalizer. But El Tri held on and became the first team to advance to the round of 16 and, moreover, win first place in the group.
It was an improvement on the opening win against South Africa, but again, despite the victory, I would say it was not a classic and Mexico coach Javier Aguirre will be looking for more guile in the round of 16.
But you know what? Do Mexican fans care? No, the team is at the top of the table and on its way to the round of 16.
Here are my takeaways.
1. Mexico still needs more creativity…
For most of the match, both teams struggled to create anything. This was due to opposing philosophies.
Mexico has looked to its midfield for creative answers, notably with Roberto Alvarado as its desired architect, but South Korea’s greatest strength is consistently pressing and intoxicating the center of the field. As a result, Mexico failed to find any rhythm.
On the other hand, South Korea looked to surprise the Mexican defensive line with quick runs and use Son Heung-min as much as possible, but he also struggled.
After 45 minutes, the crowd booed after seeing little progress and the host team knew they had to improve. South Korea, however, was quite happy with their first-half result, knowing that the more they frustrated Mexico, the more agitated they would become.
In the second half, Mexico continued to press. As a result, the match opened with the South Korean players struggling with tired legs and a big goalkeeping error. But Mexico must move forward in a multifunctional way.
2. …But this Mexican trio was excellent
After a cautious start, the goal came in the 50th minute thanks to South Korean stopper Seung-Gyu Kim, who made a horrible mistake when running into his own defender after trying to hold the ball after a cross, but dropped it and Luis Romo took advantage.
Romo was excellent at the stadium where he plays his club match. The Chivas midfielder, who can also play in central defense, has proven his versatility. But against South Korea, it was his experience that showed today as he read the game very well in midfield.
Edson Áxlvarez was also very good. The former West Ham player, now at Fenerbahçe, had to step in this evening as central defender to replace Cesar Montes, suspended after being sent off against South Africa. Alvarez played very well, directing the play and protecting the Mexican box with confidence.
He even made an acrobatic save that probably would have been one of the top 10 moments of this tournament following Son’s attempt in the first half, as the ball was lobbed over the goalkeeper. There was an offside, but Álvarez didn’t know it. Either way, it was a wonderful permission.
Finally, a tribute to goalkeeper Raúl “Tala” Rangel, who delivered his World Cup moment by making an instinctive save to deny a scrambled attempt off the line with one hand. It was a huge moment that demanded his attention for a few minutes. He was fine and above all, he protected his team’s lead and victory.
3. Raúl Jiménez needs more support
I understand why Aguirre opts for a lone striker, as his mentality is to create solidity from midfield and create opportunities from wide areas, hoping that Jiménez – a prolific threat in the air – pushes them away. It works against weak opposition, but South Korea are intelligent, able to read the gamelan, and South Korean manager Hong Myung-bo simply needed his two centre-backs to keep up with the 35-year-old striker, who is by no means the quickest man.
(Photo by CARL DE SOUZA / AFP via Getty Images)
Going forward, Aguirre should start thinking about using two strikers or at least having an attacking midfielder closer to the last striker in order to disrupt the opposition. He has options. Julian Quiñones, Santiago Gimenez or even “Memote” Martinez could appear even higher. But with Mexico now top of the group and booked their ticket to the round of 16, I hope Aguirre tinkers with his lineup.
4. Unfortunately, Sonny is no longer as effective
(Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Much like my point about Jiménez, it’s the same with the iconic Son Heung-min, who at 33 is no longer as electric on the international stage as he once was. The current LAFC star and Tottenham legend was taken off relatively early at 57 minutes of action. After a poor first match against Czechia, where he also came off in the 62nd minute for Hwang Hee-chan, it is clear that he also needs a partner closer to him to provide more.
4 ½. What’s next
Mexico, now winner of the group, meets Mexico on Wednesday and faces the Czech Republic. He also knows that his round of 16 match against one of the eight third-ranked teams will also take place in CDMX. As for South Korea, the team still has a lot to play for as they aim to finish in second place when they face South Africa on Wednesday in Monterrey.
