Overview
- South Korea won 2-1 with goals from Koo Hyun-Bin (19') and Nam Ian (49'), after Aldo De Nigris leveled for Mexico with a diving header just before halftime (44').
- Mexico controlled long stretches and created early chances, including a shot off the crossbar, but lacked end product as goalkeeper Park Dohun produced key saves.
- The decisive play came from a second-half giveaway by Mexico keeper Santiago López that set up Nam Ian for the winner seconds after the restart.
- The match was played at Aspire Zone Pitch 1 in Al Rayyan/Doha, opening Group F that also includes Ivory Coast and Switzerland; Switzerland defeated Ivory Coast in the other fixture.
- Mexico remains in contention under the new format in which the top two plus the eight best third-placed teams advance, with Costa de Marfil up next on Friday before facing Switzerland.