Half-time report: Vela penalty sends Mexico 1-0 up

Carlos Vela scored a 27th-minute penalty to give Mexico an early lead in the match against Korea Republic in Rostov Arena.

Carlos Vela's 26th minute penalty gave Mexico a 1-0 lead against Korea Republic in Rostov Arena

A penalty, following a clear handball from Korea's Hyun-soo Jang inside the box, resulted in Carlos Vela converting from the spot for Mexico in the first half in Rostov Arena. El Tri, after its stunning victory against Germany, dominated the proceedings with a couple of half chances for Javier Hernandez and Hirving Lozano.

In the 21st minute, Tottenham's Heung-min Son escaped the offside trap to race to the goal but shot twice at the defenders. But in the 27th minute, Javier Hernandez's pass hit Hyun-soo Jang's outstretched arm prompting the referee to point to the spot which Vela duly converted. Lozano went close in the final minutes of the first half but Korean goalkeeper was able to keep it out.