The Mexican team defeated South Korea on the second day of the 2026 World Cup. Raúl Rangel, goalkeeper of El Tri, believes that “Vasco” Aguirre's team can compete with any team. They are motivated after their passage to the round of 32.

“I already said it and I dare say it: We are here to compete with any team,” said the Chivas de Guadalajara goalkeeper after the game.

Despite Raúl Rangel's confidence, we must be aware that El Tri did not play their best game. Mexico won with a goal from Luis Romo after the South Korean goalkeeper left the ball alive inside the area.

Even though El Tri had more shots on goal, the Asians felt very comfortable on the field. For many passages of the game they dominated possession of the ball. El Tri played with “grit”, but lacked offensive ideas.

El Tri did not shine, but they achieved the three points and their qualification to the next round of the 2026 World Cup. The Aztec team has already secured first place in Group A. Worse, Raúl Rangel does not anticipate events and thinks about the last duel of the group.

"I'm happy, but we have to turn this around. We have to enjoy it, of course, but we have to think about the next rival, which is the Czech Republic," he added.

Rangel's epic save

Near the end of the match, South Korea had a very clear play to tie the score. A header inside the small area was very well saved by Raúl Rangel. In two halves, the Chivas de Guadalajara goalkeeper was one of the great heroes of the night with that save.

"It was very fast, it was a pure reaction. I couldn't tell you very well what I experienced because I only remember the impact with my teammate and already having the ball, but I was very focused. I showed up at the moment my team required it and I'll stick with that," he described.