Mexico first team through after Romo strike

Mexico became the first team to reach the World Cup knockout rounds after a tense 1-0 victory over South Korea in a charged atmosphere in Guadalajara. Luis Romo delivered the decisive moment five minutes into the second half, capitalising on a disastrous mix-up when goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu collided with his own defender and spilled a high ball directly into the midfielder’s path.

Romo calmly poked into an empty net, igniting celebrations across the stadium. South Korea, who had controlled long stretches of the first half, struggled to respond despite an early scare when Son Heung-min’s looping effort was cleared off the line by Edson Álvarez. Coach Hong Myung-bo surprisingly withdrew Son before the hour, and Korea created little until the closing minutes, when Raul Rangel produced a superb double save to preserve Mexico’s lead. With six points, Mexico secure top spot in Group A, while South Korea remain second ahead of South Africa and the Czech Republic.