A Terrific Slugfest Between Mexico and Korea
The Guadalajara Stadium ( The Estadio Akron) in the high altitudes of Zapopan in Mexico witnessed a terrific slugfest in the winner-takes-all Group A contest between Mexico and the Republic of Korea.
A Place In The Rd of 32 Was At Stake
Both teams, at 3 points each with Mexico leading on goal difference, had the chance to book themselves for the round of 32.
A Cagey Affair, but Koreans Dominated Play
The match, though cagey at times, was a gripping affair with both teams trying their best to make it difficult for the other. There was nothing much to choose between the two sides. The Koreans held more possession ( 57℅ against 43℅ by Mexico) and had two corners too.
The Mexicans Were Frustrated
The Koreans held sway over Mexico, frustrating them at times. Such was the defence that Mexico could not get a single corner in the entire match.
An Error From Seung-gyu and Romo Scores For Mexico
The Mexicans, however, were always on the lookout to score, but the Koreans were not prepared to crack. But the moment of truth arrived in the 50th minute. Kim Seung-gyu, Korea’s goalkeeper, failed to collect a long ball cleanly. As he fell to the floor, the ball popped out of his hands and fell in front of Luis Romo, who made no mistake in guiding the ball into the net. Seung-gyu fell on the floor in agony. All the hard work had come to nought.
Mexicans Defend Bravely As Koreans Misfire
The Mexicans then defended bravely as the Koreans were wasteful, missing opportunities when they had to score.
The Co-hosts Hang On For An Important Win
The co-hosts hung on to the lead like dear life and collected vital 3 points and a ticket to the Round of 32.
Disappointment For Korea
The Koreans were hugely disappointed. They had lost after playing a good game. That one error cost them dearly. They just can’t afford to lose against South Africa in their final Group A match.
Czechia vs Bafana Bafana in Atlanta
Czechia took on the Bafana Bafana in Group A at the Atlanta Stadium, after their loss to Korea last week. The Czechs and the South Africans both had to win to keep their next stage alive.
Czechia Draw First Blood Through Sadilek
Czechia drew first blood as Michal Sadilek scored in the 6th minute. The South Africans did not allow further inroads with tactical discipline to keep the Czechs at bay.
Mokoena Equalises For South Africa As Czechia Allow The Game To Drift
The Europeans were seriously hampered by an out-and-out striker; they let the game drift instead of trying to shut it off. The price was heavy as South Africa got a penalty in the 83rd minute, which Teboho Mokoena converted with great composure to square off the match.
Tori Penso Made Headlines Too
The Match gained headlines, too, as female referee Tori Penso conducted the match smoothly and with distinction.
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