Mexico fans warm to South Korea after World Cup qualifier, 'It's not over yet'

The atmosphere in Guadalajara shifted dramatically from intense rivalry to warm camaraderie following South Korea's World Cup qualifying match against Mexico. Despite a challenging 90 minutes where Mexican fans' boos were palpable, the mood transformed instantly after the final whistle.

“

Korea played better than expected. If there were no mistakes, Mexico would have had a difficult game. I support Korea's success in the rest of the tournament.

Local fans, like Gabriel, acknowledged South Korea's strong performance, stating, "Korea played better than expected. If there were no mistakes, Mexico would have had a difficult game." He added, "I support Korea's success in the rest of the tournament." Another fan, Jose Juan, expressed confidence in South Korea's advancement, saying, "Don't worry. Korea will definitely win against South Africa in the next match. Korea has enough skill to advance to the next stage (Round of 32)."

However, some fans questioned the timing of Son Heung-min's substitution. Taxi driver Enrique asked, "Why did Korea take out Son Heung-min so early?" He added, "I was curious because their most threatening attacker was being removed. It was fortunate for us (Mexico)." The substitution indeed drew cheers from the Mexican crowd.

“

Don't worry. Korea will definitely win against South Africa in the next match. Korea has enough skill to advance to the next stage (Round of 32).

The shift in fan behavior was stark. On the day of the match, the home crowd's overwhelming support and deafening noise contributed to a critical error by South Korea's goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu and defender Lee Ki-hyuk, leading to the first goal. "My call might not have been heard clearly by (Lee) Ki-hyuk," Kim Seung-gyu admitted. This mistake left South Korea with one win and one loss, placing them second in the group and necessitating calculations for advancement.

“

Why did Korea take out Son Heung-min so early? I was curious because their most threatening attacker was being removed. It was fortunate for us (Mexico).

Despite the setback and the continuation of their "second match winless jinx" (4 draws, 8 losses), South Korea's path to the Round of 32 remains open. A draw against South Africa on November 25th would secure their spot. As Lee Chang-sun, head of the Guadalajara Korean Association, noted, "Monterrey has more Korean residents than Guadalajara, and Mexicans like Korea so much, it will feel more like home than here." The journey for coach Hong Myung-bo's team is far from over.

“

My call might not have been heard clearly by (Lee) Ki-hyuk.