'191cm Mexican Kim Min-jae' Sent Off → Won't Play Against Korea 'Good News for Hong Myung-bo's Squad'... Foreign Media Say "Harsh, Unjust Red Card"

*This content was translated by AI.

A hole has opened in Mexico's defense. Starting center back Cesar Montes (29) was sent off and will not play against Korea. This is clearly good news for Korea.

Ranked 15th by FIFA, Mexico defeated 60th-ranked South Africa 2-0 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup North American Group A opener at Mexico City Stadium at 4 a.m. Korean time on the 12th.

However, Mexico suffered a painful loss. In stoppage time of the second half, after victory seemed almost certain, Montes received a direct red card for recklessly stopping an opponent's breakthrough. As a result, Montes will be unable to play in the second match against Korea.

Montes, standing 191cm tall, is a pillar of Mexico's defense, comparable to 'Mexico's Kim Min-jae'. He not only dominates aerial duels thanks to his height but also plays a key role in stable man-marking and initiating build-up play from the back. Montes' absence, who anchored the defense, will be a burden for Mexico's defensive line. Although there are backup defenders, they fall short of Montes' presence. Even though Mexico secured a victory in the opener, they now face Korea, which boasts a lineup of difficult attackers, without their defensive core.

The U.S. 'Sporting News' also predicted that "the suspension of key defender Montes will bring significant changes to the future trajectory of the Mexico national team."

Thus, the change in Mexico's defense without Montes is an opportunity for Hong Myung-bo's squad. Attackers equipped with speed and finishing ability, such as Son Heung-min and Hwang Hee-chan, must further exploit Mexico's defense, which has lost its defensive leader.

Meanwhile, 'Sporting News' reported on Montes' sending-off, stating, "This was the harshest of the three red cards issued in this opening match."

The outlet added, "The referee judged that Montes had denied an obvious goal-scoring opportunity and ordered an immediate dismissal. However, opinions among local broadcasters were divided on the call." It further noted, "Landon Donovan, a commentator for Fox Sports in the U.S., called it a 'harsh red card' and disagreed with the decision, while referee analyst Mark Clattenburg stated that the referee's decision was correct."

It continued, "It remains questionable whether Montes' play actually constituted denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, making the call somewhat unjust for Mexico."

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*This content was translated by AI.