South Korea player ratings as Son Heun-Min scores a wonder goal in defeat to Mexico

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  • Mexico made it two wins in two to top Group F after a 2-1 win over South Korea at the World Cup.

    Carlos Vela scored the opener at the Rostov Arena from the spot in the 26th minute before playing in Javier Hernandez for Mexico’s second in the 66th minute.

    Tottenham’s Son Heung-min pulled on back for the Koreans late on with a stunning strike from range.

    Here, we look at how the Mexican players performed.

    STARTING XI (4-4-2)

    Cho Hyun-woo – Made a good finger-tip save to deny Layun in the first half. Stretched himself to keep out Guardado’s shot from the edge of the box in the second period as well. 6

    Lee Yong – Had the unenviable task of attempting to keep Lozano quiet and lost more duels than he won. No surprise that he committed the most fouls in the process and was eventually booked. 4

    Jang Hyun-soo – Had to shuttle across to deal with Lozano on occasion and had mixed results. Gave away the penalty as Guardado’s cross struck his outstretched hand. 4

    Kim Young-gwon – The centre-back didn’t hold back when he flew into a couple of challenges and earned himself a booking. Was decent with the ball at his feet though and sprayed it around reasonably well. 5

    Kim Min-woo – More or less coped with Layun on his side but his main contribution was playing long balls forward down the left channel for the likes of Hwang and Son to chase down. 6

    Moon Seon-min – Tracked back to help deal with Lozano on occasion. Had a couple of shots that failed to find the target and created a half-chance before he was replaced for the final 15 minutes. 6

    Ju Se-Jong – Put in a disappointing performance in the middle of the park. Gave the ball away regularly as his passing was poor. He was better without possession though, winning the ball on a few occasions. 5

    Ki Sung-yueng – Had a header from a corner tipped over by Ochoa. Was more influential in the second half with his passing. Tested the keeper again with a powerful effort and made a vital block as the last man to deny Lozano. 7

    Lee Jae-sung – Was the more advanced of the two central midfielders to start with but put himself about and won a few tackles. Played the ball through for the forwards at times and had a few shots himself. 6

    Hwang Hee-chan – Was a live wire down the left wing, causing Edson Alvarez plenty of problems with his trickery early on. Was one of Korea’s main threats going forward. 6

    Son Heung-min – A strong runner up front, he came alive on the counter-attack. Had a couple of shots blocked and was denied by Ochoa after breaking clear. Good delivery from set-pieces as well. Scored with a phenomenal strike at the death. 7

    Son Heung-min (R) scored a superb goal at the death.

    Son Heung-min (R) scored a superb goal at the death.

    SUBS

    Lee Seung-Woo – Replaced Ju Se-Jong in the 64th minute on the left side of midfield and played a few good passes forward. 6

    Jung Woo-Young – Was introduced in place of Moon Seon-Min in the 77th minute and didn’t make an impact. N/A

    Hong Chul – Came on for Kim Min-Woo in the dying moments and only had a few passes to make before the final whistle. N/A

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