Mexico and South Korea Battle to a Thrilling 2-2 Draw in Nashville
The international friendly between Mexico and South Korea at Geodis Park in Nashville turned into a true spectacle, keeping the crowd on edge until the final whistle. Both sides came into this match with confidence—Mexico fresh off their Gold Cup win and South Korea riding high after a victory over the United States—and neither team was willing to back down.
The game opened with intensity from the very first minutes. Mexico, looking sharp in possession, tested goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu early on, while South Korea responded with dangerous counterattacks. By the 22nd minute, the breakthrough was made. Raul Jimenez, one of El Tri’s most reliable scorers, rose above his defender to head home a perfect cross from Rodrigo Huescas. With that, Mexico took a 1-0 lead, and the Nashville crowd erupted.
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But South Korea wasn’t rattled. They continued to press forward, with Son Heung-min watching from the bench during the first half. After halftime, the LAFC star entered, and the momentum began to shift. Just after the hour mark, Son showed why he remains one of Asia’s greatest footballers. A clever build-up saw the ball bounce his way, and with a thunderous volley, he equalized. It was his 53rd international goal, another highlight in his decorated career.
The Taegeuk Warriors weren’t done. By the 75th minute, Oh Hyeon-gyu capitalized on a brilliant pass from Lee Kang-in and smashed a shot off the post and into the net. South Korea now had the lead, 2-1, and for a moment it seemed like Mexico’s unbeaten streak was about to end.
Yet El Tri showed resilience. Substitutes made an impact, especially Santiago Gimenez. He came close in the 89th minute with a strike that narrowly missed, but the young forward didn’t waste his second chance. In stoppage time, he collected a pass from Jorge Sanchez, dribbled past Kim Min-jae, and fired into the top corner. The stadium exploded as Mexico drew level at 2-2 with almost no time left.
The final whistle was blown shortly after, and the 27,000 fans in attendance knew they had witnessed a thrilling contest. For Mexico, the draw extended their unbeaten run to nine matches, while South Korea proved once again that they are more than ready for next summer’s World Cup. Both managers will view the game as a valuable test, especially with squad selections still being fine-tuned.
In the end, it wasn’t just about the scoreline. It was about two nations, both World Cup-bound, showcasing their talent, their depth, and their determination. Mexico’s attack looked dangerous, South Korea’s technical play was sharp, and players on both sides staked their claims for roster spots. If this friendly was any indication, fans are in for some electrifying football when the 2026 World Cup arrives.
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