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WORLD CUP 2018, GROUP F: VELA Y HERNANDEZ PUT MEXICO ON THE VERGE OF QUALIFICATION

 
Javier Hernandez celebrates his 50th International Goal. (c) Clive Mason/ Getty Images
   
    The Aztec speedsters Mexico squared off against a Korea Republic side, who knew a loss means a return ticket out of Putin’s land. High in spirits after defeating world champs Germany, a win all but guarantees qualification to the Round of 16.
    Juan Carlos Osorio nicknamed “the Great Rotator”, picked the same side that ensured Jogi Löw’s men left empty-handed. Carlos Vela got the South Americans from 12 yards out on course for the victory with less than quarter of an hour to go. The Asians had chances alright, with Tottenham Hotspur attacker Heung Min Son, failing to hit the target thrice on the spin after being played in from a quick counterattack. Ki-Seung Yong’s header from the resulting corner tipped over by Guillermo Ochoa. The Standard Liege stopper has registered 14 saves already this tourney. Look away now, David De Gea. Halftime finished 1-0 to the Mexicans.
    Would they rue those missed chances, the Koreans? They had chances alright after the restart, although not generating any fuss. Ki-Seung Yong’s fierce drive the most notable of all attempts. Like the opportunists they pose to be, Mexico picked the Asians on the counterattack. Roadrunner Hirving Lozano sped past two lunging challenges, and slid his pass to an unmarked Javier Hernandez: who had the presence of mind to get past the incoming defender, and wrongfoot the Korean goalie with his placed effort. That’s the Little Pea’s 50th International Goal for his country. West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini doing the Salsa as we speak. They would pull one back though, the Koreans. Heung Min Son picked it the top corner with 3 minutes of injury time to go. Mexico win two games in the World Cup for the second time in their history. 2-1 it ended.
   Hey, we’ve got Germany next v Sweden. Emil Forsberg’s teammates know a win would send the defending champions back home stunned, whilst sending them through to the knockout round. Are the machines still working, Mister Löw? 

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