Romo fires Mexico into World Cup knockout phase

Luis Romo scored in the second half as Mexico became the first team to secure a place in the World Cup round of 32 with a 1-0 win over South Korea on Thursday.

After a scrappy first half, Romo broke South Korea's resistance early in the second with a close-range finish at Guadalajara Stadium.

Mexico defended resolutely thereafter to claim its second win in as many matches and move to six points in Group A, three ahead of second-placed South Korea.

After opening their campaign with victories, both sides looked cagey early, appearing mindful of the value a point could hold in the race for the knockout rounds.

South Korea settled more quickly and looked to stretch play through the flanks during the opening exchanges. Mexico, however, remained organized defensively and gradually established greater control of possession as the half progressed.

Despite growing in confidence, the tournament co-host struggled to break down South Korea's compact defense.

The best chance of the half arrived after 20 minutes when Roberto Alvarado delivered an inviting cross from the right for Julian Quinones, whose header forced a smart save from Kim Jun-hong.

South Korea threatened only sporadically but thought they had gone ahead when Son Heung-min raced onto a pass behind and lifted an effort beyond the advancing goalkeeper, before Cesar Montes cleared off the line. It proved inconsequential after the offside flag was raised.

Neither side created another clear opening before the break as the match settled into a cautious rhythm.

Both teams raised the tempo after the break and Mexico made the breakthrough in the 50th minute through Romo.

Kim appeared to do well to collect a Quinones header but spilled the ball after bumping into teammate Lee Gi-hyuk, allowing Romo to fire into an empty net.

South Korea enjoyed more possession after falling behind but could not turn it into meaningful chances.

Mexico nearly doubled its lead in the 75th minute when Raul Jimenez controlled a cross from Quinones and shot from a tight angle, but Kim reacted quickly to keep his side in the game.

The Koreans pushed forward in the closing stages and came closest to an equalizer three minutes from time when Cho Gue-sung's header was kept out by goalkeeper Raul Rangel, who then reacted quickly to block the rebound.

Lee Han-beom headed wide from a late corner as South Korea searched for a way back, but Mexico survived a tense finish to secure a second straight victory and book its place in the knockout stage.