ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia -- Three thoughts from Rostov Arena as Mexico defeated South Korea 2-1 to take control of Group F at the 2018 World Cup with goals from Carlos Vela and Javier Hernandez.
1. Vela pulls the strings for rampant Mexico
Vela had a long wait to step up and strike Mexico's 26th minute opener past Jo Hyeon-Woo from the penalty spot. Who knows what was going through his mind? Perhaps a more emotional character mind would've thought about four years ago and the abuse he took when he failed to show up for the World Cup in Brazil, or what missing would do to his confidence.