Mexico and South Korea Share the Spoils in Nashville Thriller
Heung Min Son #7
Setting the Scene at GEODIS Park
For the first time ever, Mexico’s men’s national team played at GEODIS Park in Nashville, and the atmosphere was electric. Over 27,000 fans packed the stadium, with a sea of green jerseys dominating the stands but a lively contingent of South Korean supporters making themselves heard. The match was part of MexTour 2025, as El Tri continue preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup they will co-host.
@Mexico
First-Half Control for Mexico
Mexico started strong, controlling possession and pressing South Korea deep into their own half. Rodrigo Huescas looked lively on the right wing, combining with Hirving “Chucky” Lozano to create dangerous moments. The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute, when Raúl Jiménez rose highest to head home a pinpoint cross from Huescas, giving El Tri a deserved 1–0 lead.
South Korea had limited chances in the first half, with only Heung-min Son managing a speculative long-range shot that Guillermo Ochoa comfortably saved.
Raul Jimenez #9 @Mexico
South Korea Fight Back
The second half told a different story. South Korea raised their intensity and took advantage of defensive lapses from Mexico. In the 65th minute, Son Heung-min showed why he is regarded among the world’s elite — cutting inside the box and smashing a left-footed shot past Ochoa to make it 1–1.
Just ten minutes later, South Korea stunned the Nashville crowd when Oh Hyeon-gyu curled a shot into the far corner to give the visitors a 2–1 lead. Mexico’s defense, missing suspended César Montes and injured Edson Álvarez, struggled to contain Korea’s sharp counters.
Santiago Gimenez #11 Scores in Stoppage time to tie it for Mexico
Stoppage-Time Drama
With time running out, Mexico threw numbers forward. Substitutes Alexis Vega and Jorge Sánchez injected fresh energy, and in the 93rd minute, their persistence paid off. Sánchez slipped a clever pass to Santiago Giménez, who slotted home coolly to rescue a 2–2 draw for El Tri. The late equalizer sent the largely pro-Mexico crowd into a frenzy, ensuring the debut at GEODIS Park ended on a high note.
Key Performers
Raúl Jiménez (Mexico): Showed his experience with an early goal and strong hold-up play.
Santiago Giménez (Mexico): Super-sub who delivered the clutch equalizer in stoppage time.
Heung-min Son (Korea): World-class finish to spark Korea’s comeback.
Oh Hyeon-gyu (Korea): His strike nearly handed Korea a famous win.
Lessons Learned
Mexico: Showed resilience and depth, but defensive lapses remain a recurring concern. Without Montes and Álvarez, the back line looked shaky under pressure.
South Korea: Demonstrated pace, precision, and the ability to punish mistakes. Closing out matches, however, remains an area to improve.
Looking Ahead
Mexico will continue their tour in October with high-profile friendlies against Colombia in Arlington and Ecuador in Guadalajara. South Korea, meanwhile, leave Nashville encouraged by their performance, knowing they can compete with top-tier opposition as they prepare for World Cup 2026.