"The result is quite disappointing but the players executed the plans well overall," Hong said. "It's a shame we conceded the goal the way we did but the players gave their best effort."

Korea Republic looked to be in control but conceded five minutes into the second half when goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, in attempting to catch the ball following Raul Jimenez's header, crashed into Lee Gi-hyuk. Luis Romo gleefully tucked the spilled ball into the net.

"We expected Mexico to come out firing from the get-go and I reminded our players we couldn't afford to lose possession in dangerous areas. We wanted to keep the match goalless in the opening 20 minutes and we did just that. Then we seized the control of the match."

While the result was disappointing, Korea Republic remain very much in control of their fate and Hong urged his players to remain focused.

"We still have one more match to play. We don't need to hang our heads, no matter how disappointing this outcome is."

The loss meant Korea Republic remained on three points and - crucially - two ahead of Czechia and South Africa and victory against the latter on Wednesday will ensure knockout stage qualification.