Mexico vs. Korea Republic Olympic Soccer: Score, Highlights, Twitter Reaction

Mexico and South Korea may have ended their opening Olympic game knotted in a 0-0 tie, but the game certainly wasn't lacking for intrigue.

The Koreans were relentless, pressing Mexico high up the pitch and dominating the early play. But Mexico played solid defense of its own and started developing some creativity in the attack when star player Giovani Dos Santos finally made an appearance in the second half.

South Korea probably deserved the win, but give Mexico credit for keeping them off the score sheet. Let's take a look back at this exciting match.

Highlights

Twitter Reaction

Grant Wahl liked how South Korea looked to start the game. Of course, one wonders if they started so strongly because Giovani Dos Santos didn't start for Mexico...

"

Like what South Korea coach Hong Myung-Bo (ex-LA Galaxy) has done with his team, which is outplaying Mexico so far. Still 0-0.

— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) July 26, 2012"

FOX Soccer says succinctly what everyone who watched this match was thinking:

"

FT Mexico 0 South Korea 0 ... Mexico has to be happy with a point on a day when they were outplayed

— FOX Soccer Trax (@FOXSoccerTrax) July 26, 2012"

Tom Marshall summarizes the Mexican effort:

"

Mex fail to shine and impress only in brief sparks. Positive is the def looked solid. Onwards and upwards, hpeflly. Mexico 0-0 Corea del Sur

— Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) July 26, 2012"

"

Thought Chaton Enriquez was excellent when he came on. Raul Jimenez dangerous. Overage players Oribe and Salcido have to take bull by horns

— Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) July 26, 2012"

What Each Team Must Do Moving Forward

For South Korea, it's pretty simple—they need to finish their chances.

The team's energy and pressing attack stymied the Mexican side for most of the game (though it helped that Mexico showed a complete lack of creativity moving forward without Dos Santos on the pitch). But the South Koreans simply couldn't find the back of the net, and surely they will leave this match disappointed that despite dominating they only managed a draw.

For Mexico, Dos Santos must start. Before his insertion into the game, Mexico looked like a team simply passing the ball back and forth rather than one with a plan of attack going forward. Mexico has plenty of talent with Marco Fabián, Oribe Peralta and Carlos Salcido, but Dos Santos makes this team go.

This is the toughest task for either side in the group, so I expect both countries will advance. But each will leave this game with disappointment, South Korea for not securing three points and Mexico for playing below expectations.

Hit me up on Twitter—my tweets bring it home like Big Easy.