Mexicans are made to sweat for a last-16 spot

IN THE 94th minute, the Mexico supporters finally celebrated. Sombreros in the air, drinks flying and fans joyously embracing. On the pitch, some players were on their haunches, breaking down in tears. Tears of distress? For some, surely. While news of South Korea’s win filtered through to fans, many Mexico players did not know. They thought they had blown it. The last nation to win their first two group games and still exit before the knockout rounds does not exist anymore. Yugoslavia, in 1950, were the last team and after a second-half implosion, Mexico looked set to join them. And then the South Koreans saved the day to secure Mexico’s place in the last 16. As for Sweden, what a response. From the desolation of a last-minute defeat by Germany, they clambered off the canvas to the top of Group F. The first Mexican concern came inside 15 seconds, when Jesus Gallardo was booked to record the fastest yellow card in World Cup history. Sweden should have had an early penalty, when Javier Hernandez controlled the ball with his arm in the penalty area. Referee Nestor Pitana turned down the appeals but VAR intervened. Replays showed Hernandez handled, but despite that, the official stood by his decision to not award a penalty. Sweden’s breakthrough came in the 50th minute, when Ludwig Augustinsson rifled into the goal. Confidence disappeared from Mexico — typified by Hector Moreno’s clumsy foul, with Andreas Granqvist smashing home the resulting penalty. Victory was sealed when a long throw was flicked on and Mexico’s Edson Alvarez turned into his own net.