World Cup: Mexico on the verge of advancing to round of 16
Published:Saturday | June 23, 2018 | 12:23 PM
Striker Javier Hernandez scored his 50th international goal to help Mexico take a big step towards the last 16 of the World Cup with an impressive 2-1 win over South Korea.
Mexico took the lead through a Carlos Vela penalty - the 14th of the tournament already – in the 26th minute after Jang Hyun-Soo's handball.
Son Heung-Min gave South Korea fleeting hopes of earning a point with a sublime, curling strike from 25 yards.
Mexico will advance to the last 16 for the seventh straight World Cup should Sweden beat Germany in Saturday's final game, which starts at 1 o’clock local time.
Vela's penalty means more spot-kicks have now been awarded in Russia than in the entire 2014 tournament in Brazil.
This is due, in part, to the introduction of Video Assistant Referees (VARs). Six of the penalties were awarded after video reviews.
The record for penalties at the World Cup stands at 18 in 2002.
We want to hear from you! Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-449-0169, email us at editors@gleanerjm.com or onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com.