ULSAN, South Korea -- Mexico thought it was playing South Korea on Friday night in Ulsan. In the end, it lost 2-1 to Kashiwa Reysol thanks to goals from Hwang Sun Hong and Man of the Match Yoo Sang Chul, who both play for the Chiba-based team.
With Australia toppling France in the first Group A game of the evening, South Korea and Mexico, the two losers from the first round of matches, had everything to play for in Ulsan's brand new Munsu Stadium. The Australians are top of the group with six points, followed by France and South Korea with three. The Koreans may have to beat Australia 4-0 to advance on Sunday, but with the confidence of Friday's win and home advantage, anything is possible.
With the solid Kashiwa Reysol trio of libero Hong Myung Bo, midfield engine Yoo and striker Hwang forming the backbone of the team, the Koreans looked far more comfortable than in their 5-0 drubbing by France on Wednesday.