Sweden top Group F after beating Mexico 3-0

YEKATERINBURG, Russia - Sweden reached round of 16 at the World Cup as Group F leaders after a convincing 3-0 victory over Mexico in Yekaterinburg Arena on Wednesday.

Mexico also advanced to the knockout stage as runners-up thanks to Germany's shock defeat 2-0 to South Korea.

The decisive match started with a breathtaking tempo, as both sides demonstrated aggressiveness and determination from the very beginning, and Jesus Gallardo was booked by the referee within the first minute.

A floppy back-pass of the Swedes gave Mexico first goal-scoring chance in the 16th minute, but Carlos Vela's curling shot just missed the goal inches wide of the far post.

Mexico survived a penalty scare as the referee stopped the game to review VAR, then refused to revise his initial judgment.