Mexico coach calls for more protection of his skilful players
ROSTOV- ON- DON: Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio complained about a lack of protection for his players, who were fouled 24 times in the 2-1 win over South Korea in Group F.
“For the good of football and talented players, I hope the referees will take responsibility,” he said.
Mexico placed one foot in the World Cup’s last 16 and left South Korea on the brink of elimination after goals from Javier Hernandez and Carlos Vela clinched a 2-1 victory in Rostov.
Hernandez became the first Mexican player to score 50 goals for his country, after 104 appearances, with Vela earlier opening the scoring through yet another penalty kick.
Son Heung-min’s stunning long-range effort in stoppage time gave South Korea a glimmer of hope but it was too little too late.
Mexico lead Group F on six points after two games, having backed up their shock victory against Germany with another display to suggest they can go deep in this tournament.
“Sometimes against teams that have less of a footballing tradition than the biggest nations, you can tend to rest on your laurels and lose concentration,” Osorio said.
“But it was a deserved victory. We are very happy and we share that with the whole of the country.”
South Korea coach Shin Tae- yong said his team “lacked experience” at international level.
“We have systemic problems. We must think how we can improve our domestic league and work with young players. We lack experience. That doesn’t come overnight. But we have no regrets.” — AFP