World Cup 2018, South Korea vs Mexico: 5 Talking Points

South Korea were eliminated from the group stages of a World Cup for the second consecutive edition as Carlos Vela and Javier Hernandez combined to propel Mexico into the last 16.

Vela opened the account from the spot after Jang Hyun-soo was penalized for handling the ball in the area, before Chicharito clinically rounded off of a counterattacking move to put the game beyond doubt.

The Taeguek Warriors were unconvincing for the most part of the match and were largely dependent on Son Heung-min to carry most of the burden, who pulled back at the death, but the damage was already done. South Korea have been knocked out.

Here are the major talking points:

#1 Mexico need to tighten some screws at the back

Mexico's defence wasn't as obstinate today

In the historic win over Germany last week, the El Tri frustrated the world champions with well-drilled and organised defending. Keeping things watertight at the back, the Die Mannschaft could find little space going forward and could only muster a couple of half-chances when upped the ante in the final few minutes. Today, that robustness was quite lacking.

The Mexican defence left acres of space at the back for Korea, and Son especially, to run into and there were many nervy moments. Guardado once misplaced a pass that allowed the Spurs star to ran towards the area and strike thrice, while Lee Seung-woo put in some delectable crosses that needed Ochoa's intervention. But the worst moment came in the 75th minute when Rafael Marquez laid a tame backpass towards Ochoa that Hwang intercepted and almost rounded off for Korea's opener.

Mexico eventually did concede when Son let rip one howitzer into the far post, though there was nothing Ochoa could do about it. Yet, the game showed there are kinks in Mexico's armour and Germany, on this day, would've exploited it to their benefit.

#2 VAR is impressive, the referees less so

Mexico win a penalty for an apparent handball by Hyun-soo

Earlier in the day, Belgium were the beneficiaries of a non-existent penalty. Eden Hazard was brought down right on the edge of the area and the referee was quick to point to the spot. He didn't even make an effort to run to the VAR screen and look into it to validate his decision. Because had he consulted the video technology, the penalty wouldn't have stood and Belgian would then have had to make do with only a free-kick.

In this game, Mexico were at the favourable end of the penalty after Jang Hyun-soo appeared to thwart Guardado's cross with his hands. But replays showed the ball actually hit the underside of his hand while he lunged into a tackle. The VAR rulebook suggests only a deliberate block by the hands should result into a penalty. But once again, the match official had no qualms in sticking to his original decision.

This was a close call, but in both cases the VAR should've been called into action, prompting a closer look at the incidents.

#3 Son fighting a lone battle

Son had to do it all himself

Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-Min is the most marquee player in an otherwise mediocre South Korean outfit. And the gulf in class was laid bare today when he carried the whole unit on his shoulders.

Son was the vital cog that kept Korea tick until the end. With a little more help, they would've probably escaped with a draw maybe. He was isolated up front and was left to deal with three to four white shirts in the area all by himself after being fed with the long balls. This was primarily the case in the first-half. The most notable moment was the triple effort when Son tried his luck with three consecutive shots, only for each of them to be blocked by the Mexicans. And even when he took his third shot, there was no Korean insight to connect with.

Although Hwang and Lee grew into the game during the final quarter, the impact bordered on insignificance as Son continued to shine bright and his goal in the injury time was a reflection of a fight he fought all alone. It was pure quality from the Spurs ace as his labours finally paid off.

This South Korean side is largely one-dimensional and the chronic dependence on one man to do everything has now cost them a place in the next round.

#4 Chicharito has another feather in his cap

Chicharito hits 50 goals with Mexico

Javier Hernandez is a Mexican great. The 30-year old has been prolific for his side ever since he burst onto the scene in 2009 and today, reached a landmark of 50 goals, the first Mexican player in the history to register such a feat.

Guardado dispossessed a Korean midfielder and sent a long ball for Lozano to latch on to, who then scythed down a few steps to lay off for a completely unmarked Hernandez, and the former Manchester United striker did the rest, clinically disposing of it into the far post with a low drive. Hernandez wheeled away in celebration and the euphoria on his face said it all.

The Mexican hero had done it again. And this was his 50th international strike, only the 8th player in this tournament with such a feat. Hernandez became the all-time top scorer for Mexico last May, surpassing Jared Borgetti's tally of 46. But this is a first in Mexico's history and Hernandez has plenty more in his legs on current form.

#5 Germany are in trouble

Will they join Mexico in the last 16?

The defending world champions were off to the worst possible start when they went down to a sprightly Mexico in the opening day. But with this win, Mexico have sealed a last 16 spot and most likely, the pole position in Group F. They still have to play Sweden in the last round, but a point would be enough to get the job done.

Either way, the pressures clearly on Germany here. The Die Mannschaft not only have to have to win both their games, but also finish with a better goal-difference to avoid a potential meeting with Brazil in the last 16. Had Mexico failed to win today, the door would've been open for either of Sweden or Germany to finish atop the group. But with 6 points in the bag, the El Tri are sailing into the next round and their only task in the final matchday is to avoid a defeat.

Sweden, having traversed a rough road to reach here, are giving in either, as this promises to be an intriguing finish to the group.