It wasn’t pretty but Vasco’s men got the job done in a grueling 1-0 game over South Korea. In doing so, they have clinched Group A with an entire game to spare. How did Mexico do it?
Vasco’s Tactics
- Many fans, me included, were not sure about Luis Romo starting over Alvaro Fidalgo or Gilberto Mora. I’m still not sure about that decision but I understand Vasco’s desire to essentially play a double pivot with Erik Lira + 1. The Cesar Montes red card meant Edson Alvarez had to slide into the backline, leaving Vasco to go ahead with Romo. Both teams were essentially playing not to give up a goal and truly picked their spots to push forward. The gamble to play a more defensive midfield paid off for Vasco and frustrated South Korea for most of the 90 minutes. Romo rewarded Vasco’s faith with a goal capitalizing on a keeper mistake. One of my biggest criticisms of Tata Martino in Qatar was his inability to change styles. Vasco has shown the ability to be more pragmatic with his tactics and understand how a game will be played. He understands what this player pool can and what it cannot do. More importantly, his players have bought in.
- Roberto Alvarado was basically playing even with Jorge Sanchez in what appeared like a backline of 5 when out of possession. Compare the average position of Piojo (#25) and Quinones (#16). With their double pivot, Mexico clogged the middle and forced South Korea to go out wide. With only 1 forward, Korea struggled to feed him: Heung-Min Son had 19 touches in 57 minutes. Even with his focus being defensive, Piojo created one of Mexico’s best chances of the night with a great cross to Quinones that needed a great save to keep the game even at 0-0. Another solid game for Piojo.
- I was very nervous about Edson stepping into the backline as he is definitely out of form and is coming off his worse season in Europe. BUT he stepped up against South Korea and did not have any big mistakes. He grew into the game and in my opinion, had a better game than Johan Vasquez. Not sure the last time that has been said about a Mexico centerback. Going forward, I would not be surprised to see him start over Montes in the round of 32.
- Raul Rangel might have been a little shaky against South Africa but stepped up huge against a desperate South Korea team pushing for an equalizer. This double save will be one we talk about for a long time.
Up Next
- With Mexico already through to the next round as the winner of the group, the final group stage game means nothing. Only Brian Gutierrez is carrying a yellow card and I expect he will not play against Czechia. But what other rotations will Vasco implement? Mexico’s Round of 32 game wont take place until June 30th in Mexico City. He could easily trot out the same 11 against Czechia and have everyone well rested for it or rotate players. I think he starts a rotated squad but not a brand new 11. If he wants to keep Edson as his starting CB, then he will play against Czechia. Edson needs minutes. The game against South Korea was his first 90 minute performance since before Christmas 2025. Either way, the team and the fan base can relax for a bit to enjoy winning their first World Cup Group since 2002.