Mexico has secured first place in Group A following a decisive 1-0 victory over South Korea. The result marks El Tri’s best group-stage performance at a World Cup since 2002.
The match hinged on a critical defensive stand in the 87th minute. With South Korea pressing for an equalizer, Guadalajara goalkeeper Raúl Rangel executed a spectacular double save. He first denied Cho Gue-Sung before immediately recovering to block a close-range follow-up from Yang Hyun-Jun.
Luis Romo scored the lone goal earlier in the contest. However, Rangel’s heroics were required to maintain the lead against a South Korean side known for late offensive surges. Analysts are already calling it the save of the tournament.
Rangel, a 26-year-old Chivas standout, has now earned 16 caps for the national team. His performance solidifies Mexico as the first team to qualify for the knockout stage from Group A, ending a two-decade drought for top-seed advancement.