GUADALAJARA, Mexico — With Mexico a few minutes away from securing a spot in the knockout stage of the World Cup it’s hosting with the US and Canada, goalkeeper Raul “Tala” Rangel extended his right arm and positioned his hand perfectly to keep the ball from crossing the line, denying South Korea an equalizer.
The 87th-minute save by the goalkeeper, who is from the Guadalajara region and plays for local club Chivas, sealed a 1-0 win and a first-place finish for Mexico in Group A. El Tri became the first team to advance from the group stage.
“It was very quick, it was pure reaction,” Rangel said according to AP.
“I couldn´t really tell you what I saw, because I remember the moment of impact with my teammate and me having the ball. But I think I was really focused, I came through when team needed me, and I´m happy about that.”
Coach Javier Aguirre said he felt confident about having Rangel in goal at the World Cup.
“He showed me a lot of determination ever since we called him up for the first time,” Aguirre said. “He played very well for his team this season.”
Rangel’s Chivas plays at Estadio Akron, Guadalajara’s World Cup host venue. Luis Romo, who scored Mexico’s goal on Thursday, also plays for the club that traditionally only fields players from Mexico.
“Tala is at home, he is happy,” Aguirre said. “And I’m happy for him.”
