Mexico 0-0 South Korea Half Time Thoughts: Stong First-Half But Nothing To Seperate The Two sides

The improvement in quality from the other fixture in Group A on Thursday evening is night and day. This match was always going to provide more competition, and you'd expect both sides to make the knockouts.

It's been narrow, but I've been impressed by both Mexico and South Korea. The match tempo is high, and the teams are well-disciplined; all that's missing is that vital goal to put some difference between the two teams.

After a shakeup to the starting eleven, Mexico has started strong, but remains cautious so far. Javier Aguirre's choice to re-include Edson Álvarez in the team tonight has provided dividends when he cleared a lofted attempt from Heung-Min Son off the line early in the first half.

Julián Quiñones has been Mexico's standout attacker so far; his chances have thinned since last week's fixture, but he was denied the opener thanks to a stupendous close-range save from Raúl Rangel.

Son has been South Korea's danger man in this game; his Premier League experience has aided him in finding space between the Mexico defenders, and his pace has provided him with opportunities in behind.

The midfield duo of Seung-Ho Paik and In-Beom Hwang has been hard at work. The double-pivot, complemented by the wingbacks, has continued their fast-paced pressing from last week's tie, leading them to recover possession with ease.

A goal is needed to provide some jeopardy into this game, as both teams are looking to qualify for the round of 32 tonight. Both nations have attacking options at their disposal; it's just a matter of time before this game is opened up.