Pacey and precise, Mexico continues to impress against South Korea
Mexico has built on the momentum from its stunning opening victory over world champion Germany by beating South Korea 2-1 and taking a giant leap towards reaching the last-16 of a World Cup it has taken by storm.
Carlos Vela smashed them into the lead from the penalty spot in the 26th minute at Rostov Arena, which had been taken over by Mexico's sea of fanatical supporters.
All-time top scorer Javier Hernandez sealed victory in the second half, finishing off an unstoppable move from breakout player Hirving Lozano.
External Link: South Korea v Mexico timeline
The goal was Hernandez's fourth strike at a World Cup and took him level with Luis Hernandez as Mexico's leading scorer in football's premier international tournament.
Korea's talismanic forward Son Heung-min struck a scorching consolation goal in injury time from outside the area.
As the game kicked off Mexico fans sang 'We are the home team' and with green shirts dotted all over the stadium and rousing chants of 'Ole!' bellowing around the arena every time their side passed the ball, it was hard to disagree.
Conditioned by the dry heat that has been a feature of every game at the Rostov Arena, Mexico did not quite have the same thrust and energy as against Germany although they still controlled most of the play and looked far more dangerous.
External Link: South Korea v Mexico chalkboard
Korea saw an improvement from its opening defeat to Sweden although its main tactic consisted of searching for Son with long balls behind the defensive line.
The closest they came to scoring was with a header from a corner which Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa tipped over the bar.
Mexico's breakthrough came when captain Andres Guardado's cross was blocked by a stray arm from Korean defender Jang Hyun-soo, and Vela kept his nerve from the spot, sending goalkeeper Cho Hyeon-woo the wrong way and blasting down the middle.
External Link: South Korea v Mexico heatmap
Lozano proved a constant threat to Korea whenever he came darting down either wing, blasting over in the first half and later having a goal-bound shot blocked by opposing captain Ki Sung-yueng.
His remarkable pace punished Korea, catching them out on the break, allowing Hernandez to finish them off.
Reuters
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