Mexico first to reach World Cup knockout stage after beating South Korea

Co-hosts Mexico secured their spot in the knockout stages of the World Cup with a 1-0 victory over South Korea at Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday, becoming the first team to do so. Luis Romo scored shortly after halftime following a goalkeeping error, putting Mexico through as Group A winners.

Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel made a crucial double save in the dying minutes to preserve the lead. Finishing top of the group keeps Mexico at home for the Round of 32, where they will face a third-placed team in Mexico City. South Korea sit second with three points, while the Czech Republic and South Africa both have one point and remain in contention.

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre made three changes from the opening win over South Africa, while South Korea's Hong Myung-bo made just one alteration. South Korea captain Son Heung-min had an early chance in the 15th minute, but his effort was cleared off the line and he was flagged offside. Julian Quinones forced a good save from South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu with a header.

The first half was largely controlled by South Korea, who passed the ball comfortably but failed to create clear chances, drawing boos from the home crowd at halftime. Mexico came out with more intent in the second half, and five minutes in, Kim came for a high ball, clattered into his own player, and spilled it to Romo, who tapped into an empty net. Hong surprisingly substituted Son before the hour, bringing on Hwang Hee-chan, but South Korea's attack remained toothless until the final minutes when Rangel came to Mexico's rescue.

Mexico will face the Czech Republic in their final group game, while South Korea take on South Africa. South Africa and the Czech Republic drew 1-1 earlier in the day.