Mexico book knockout berth in defeat

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The Republic of Korea's (ROK) emphatic 2-0 victory against defending champions Germany at the FIFA World Cup on Wednesday paved the way for Mexico's progress to the Round of 16 even though they suffered a thumping 3-0 defeat against Sweden.

As the two Group F games were played simultaneously and they headed for a nail-biting finish, the Mexicans joined group-toppers Sweden to sail into the next round even after their loss.

The decisive match started with a breathtaking tempo, as both sides demonstrated aggressiveness and determination from the very beginning, and Jesus Gallardo was booked by the referee within the first minute. A floppy back-pass by the Swedes gave Mexico their first goal-scoring chance in the 16th minute, but Carlos Vela's curling shot just missed the goal inches wide of the far post.

Mexico survived a penalty scare as the referee stopped the game to review VAR, then refused to revise his initial judgment. Sweden pulled ahead in the 50th minute when Viktor Claesson's shot ended up an unanticipated assist for Ludwig Augustinsson, whose calm half-volley gave Sweden a 1-0 lead.

The Scandinavians were awarded a penalty after Hector Moreno fouled Marcus Bergin in the box. Captain Andreas Granqvist made no mistake from the spot. Mexico defender Edson Alvarez scored an own goal in the 74th minute to help Sweden seal the victory and top position on the group standings on a superior goal difference.

Sweden finished top of Group F on goal difference, with both teams on six points ahead of the ROK and Germany on three apiece, after the champions went down to the players of the ROK in a shock result in Kazan.

Sweden's Albin Ekdal (C) and Gustav Svensson celebrate after beating Mexico at the Ekaterinburg Arena in Ekaterinburg. /VCG Photo

The result marked a remarkable swing in Swedish fortunes after the crushing disappointment of losing to a stoppage-time goal from Germany's Toni Kroos four days ago.

For Mexico, the lackluster performance in Yekaterinburg marked a reality check. The Mexicans were a shadow of the team that pundits were tipping as potential champions after their sparkling start to the tournament.

Sweden, by contrast, look like a side capable of going further - a turnaround for a team that struggled to score in their pre-World Cup games.

Without an improvement on this performance, Mexico risk falling once again in the last 16, the same stage where they have been knocked out in the last six World Cups.

They will now face the winners of Group E in Samara on July 2, while Sweden will play the runners-up the following day in St Petersburg.

(With agency input)