Mexico has 1 foot in round of 16 after victory over South Korea

Mexico's forward Javier Hernandez (R) embraces Mexico's midfielder Giovani Dos Santos (L) after the final whistle of the Russia 2018 World Cup Group F football match between South Korea and Mexico at the Rostov Arena in Rostov-On-Don on June 23, 2018.
KHALED DESOUKI / AFP / Getty

Mexico's group stage safety is now nearly assured after defeating South Korea 2-1 on Saturday.

Juan Carlos Osorio's men could have their spot in the round of 16 confirmed if Sweden avoids defeat against Germany later in the day.

South Korea pushed hard late for a potential tying goal after Tottenham Hotspur forward Heung-Min Son beat Guillermo Ochoa in the third minute of stoppage time with a fantastic left-footed curler from outside the box, though the Asian side failed to find the equaliser.

Carlos Vela opened the scoring from the penalty spot after defender Hyun-Soo Jang handled Andres Guardado's 24th-minute cross attempt. Javier Hernandez added Mexico's second in the 66th minute, finishing off a counter-attack that was initiated by Hirving Lozano's long run from his own half.

In contrast to Mexico's hopes, South Korea now needs Germany to beat Sweden to have a chance of staying alive until the final matchday. The Taegeuk Warriors would then need to defeat Die Mannschaft themselves and hope Sweden loses to Mexico, while boasting a superior goal difference among themselves, Sweden, and Germany.

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