Mexico 3-2 South Korea: FIFA international friendly

The Mexican national team had a tough night at the Wiener Neustadt stadium in theri first friendly of the November international break. El Tri defeated South Korea 3-2 with goals from Raul Jimenez, Uriel Antuna and Carlos Salcedo, while Hwang Ui-Jo and Kwon Kyung-Won scored for the Asian team.

Mexico had to rally from behind

The first half had a slow tempo, with the Mexican national team having the majority possession of the ball, but unable to finish the offensive plays in the last third of the pitch. El Tri had at least four clear occasions to open the scoreboard, but on three occasions their shots were too wide and once the South Korea goalkeeper Gu Sung-Yun made an amazing double save.

It was not until the 20th minute of the game that Tottenham player Son Heung-Min crossed the ball for Hwang Ui-Jo who tapped the ball for the first goal of the game. South Korea will finish the first 45 minutes with the advantage, but not playing better than Mexico.

A lethal second half for Mexico

The second half had a different course for Mexico as their players returned with the efficiency they didn’t have in the first 45 minutes. Head coach Gerardo Martino replaced Sebastian Cordova and ‘Tecatito’ Corona with Uriel Antuna and Orbelin Pineda. These substitutions changed the game for El Tri.

In the 67th minute Orbelin Pineda crossed the ball for Raul Jimenez who finally found the back of the net and equalized the match. Two minutes later, once again the Cruz Azul midfielder gave his second assist of the game, but this time giving Uriel Antuna a great through ball and the Chivas player gave Mexico the lead 2-1.

Then in the 70th minute after a set piece from Charlie Rodriguez, the captain Hector Moreno headed the ball to Carlos Salcedo who received in inside the box and shot a cannon to increase the lead for Mexico. South Korea would attempt a late comeback when Kwon Kyung-Won scored the second goal of the game but time ran out and Mexico took the victory 3-2.