Mexico player ratings as Carlos Vela stars in 2-1 win over South Korea to top Group F

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  • Mexico made it two wins in two to top Group F after a 2-1 win over South Korea at the World Cup.

    Carlos Vela scored the opener at the Rostov Arena from the spot in the 26th minute before playing in Javier Hernandez for Mexico’s second in the 66th minute.

    Tottenham’s Son Heung-min pulled on back for the Koreans late on with a stunning strike from range.

    Here, we look at how the Mexican players performed.

    STARTING XI (4-2-3-1)

    Guillermo Ochoa – Made a decent save from a corner. Came off his line well to thwart Son who had run in behind. Had a couple of other routine saves to make. Helpless against Son’s strike. 7

    Edson Alvarez – Had a tough time dealing with Korea’s wing wizard Hwang Hee-chan but coped well and grew into the role as the game went on. Had more touches than anyone else. 6

    Carlos Salcedo – Kept close tabs on Son and made a vital block to deny the Spurs man. Was on hand to make another block in the second half. Was good on the ball and made the most passes as well as clearances. 7

    Hector Moreno – Stood firm in central defence alongside Salcedo and went about his business with minimum fuss. Was kept busy by Son’s runs in behind and blocked the Korean’s shot on one occasion. 6

    Jesus Gallardo – Had a decent performance at left-back. Perhaps should’ve done better when Jae-Sung cut inside and laid the ball off for Son to score a beauty. 5

    Hector Herrera – One rash challenge aside, he was excellent with his tackling in midfield and helped Mexico dominate that area of the pitch. Was accurate with all five of his long passes. 6

    Andres Guardado – Buzzed about in midfield and it was his cross that won the penalty for hand ball. Had a couple of good efforts at goal and led by example on his 150th cap. 7

    Miguel Layun – Had an effort tipped over brilliantly by the Korea keeper. Was good with his delivery from the right and created a couple of fine chances. 6

    Carlos Vela – Calmly tucked away the penalty to open the scoring. Set up Layun for a great chance with a good run and square pass. Provided the assist for the second goal. Was the chief creator as well and was impressive with his dribbling. 8

    Hirving Lozano – Always a threat going forward, weaving his way past defenders, but was impressive defensively as well. Got back quickly and threw himself in front of a shot from Lee Yong. Was fouled repeatedly and had a few attempts at goal. 7

    Javier Hernandez – Was largely kept quiet and was incredibly selfish when he refused to play in Layun who was breaking clear on the right. Showed good composure to cut in and score the second. 6

    Carlos Vela scored Mexico's opener.

    Carlos Vela scored Mexico’s opener.

    SUBS

    Rafael Marquez – Came on for Guardado in the 68th minute. A horrendous pass back to the keeper nearly led to a goal for Korea. Otherwise, helped see the game out. 5

    Jesus Manuel Corona – Was brought on for Lozano in the 71st minute who picked up a knock. Didn’t really impact the game and was dispossessed a couple of times. 5

    Giovani dos Santos – Replaced Vela in the closing stages and didn’t have time to leave an impression. N/A

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