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World Cup Roundup: Mexico closes in on next round, Germany stays alive

Mexico followed up its World Cup-opening win against Germany with another dominant performance Saturday, June 23, beating South Korea 2-1 in Rostov-On-Don, Russia, as it eyes a spot in the knockout round.

The only blemish for El Tri came on a stoppage time goal by Son Heung-Min to make it close, but time was called shortly after the goal to give Mexico six points and first place in Group F.

Carlos Vela, who plays for Los Angeles FC in MLS, opened the scoring with a 26th-minute penalty kick. Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez provided what proved to be the game winner in the 66th minute — his 50th international goal, most in Mexico national team history.

Mexico dominated the pace of play throughout (controlling possession for 58 percent of the match) and narrowly missed scoring several more goals. Mexico is the fifth team to reach six points this World Cup, and just the second non-European club to do it (joining Uruguay).

Germany’s later 2-1 win over Sweden means Mexico will have to wait until their final Group F game against the Swedes on Wednesday, June 27, to clinch their place in the last 16, with a draw guaranteeing they make it through.

Germany 2, Sweden 1

A dramatic stoppage-time goal from Toni Kroos gave holders Germany a 2-1 win over Sweden on Saturday in Sochi, Russia, to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup last 16.

Kroos curled in a superb strike from an indirect free kick to grab the three points for the four-time world champions, who are now level with Sweden in Group F on three points and behind Mexico who have six.

Sweden took the lead in the 32nd minute when Ola Toivonen finished confidently after Germany’s Toni Kroos gave the ball away in midfield.

Marco Reus equalized in the 48th minute, meeting a low cross from Timo Werner, and despite having Jerome Boateng sent off in the 82nd minute, Germany kept going and Kroos earned them a famous win.

The Germans take on South Korea in their final Group F match on Wednesday while Sweden takes on Mexico.

Belgium 5, Tunisia 2

For the second time in as many games, Romelu Lukaku scored twice as Belgium poured it on against Tunisia in Moscow.

Teammate Eden Hazard also scored twice for Belgium, which secured a spot in the knockout stage with the victory.

Tunisia will be eliminated if England secures a point in their game against Panama on Sunday, June 23.

Michy Batshuayi also scored for Belgium, who is on a 21-match unbeaten streak and faces England Thursday, June 25, in the Group G finale.

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