Raúl Rangel uses 'pure reaction' to make save that moves Mexico into knockout stage of World Cup

GUADALAJARA, Mexico (AP) — With Mexico a few minutes away from securing a spot in the knockout stage of the World Cup it's hosting with the U.S. and Canada, goalkeeper Raúl “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. “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.”

The 26-year-old Rangel came up big twice in the decisive play.

He stopped Yang Hyun-jun’s attempt with his extended arm immediately after he saved a close-range header by Cho Gue-sung. The ball ricocheted up as Rangel collided with a teammate going to the ground, but he was able to block Yang's strike on the rebound.

Rangel got the starting role for the World Cup after an injury earlier this year to Luis Ángel Malagón, Mexico's expected starter in goal.

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.”

AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup

Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel (1) makes a save on the goal line during the World Cup Group A soccer match between Mexico and South Korea in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel (1) makes a save on the goal line during the World Cup Group A soccer match between Mexico and South Korea in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

South Korea's Cho Gue-sung (9) heads the ball towards Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel during the World Cup Group A soccer match between Mexico and South Korea in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel (1) reaches to stop the ball during the World Cup Group A soccer match between Mexico and South Korea in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel (1) makes a save on the goal line during the World Cup Group A soccer match between Mexico and South Korea in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

LONDON (AP) — Henry Nicholls and Rachin Ravindra dug in against England and reinforced New Zealand's hefty 100-run first innings lead in The Oval test on Friday.

New Zealand was 94-2 in 25 overs — effectively 194-2 — at tea on day three with Nicholls on 39 and Ravindra on 35.

England rode the lift in spirits from a precious last-pair partnership of 53 between tailenders Matthew Fisher and Sonny Baker to lunch with the wickets of the New Zealand opening batters soon after.

Captain Tom Latham was out for 4 when he edged behind Jofra Archer's slowest delivery of the third over at 140 kph (87 mph). In the same over, Nicholls popped up a 147 kph delivery that dropped safely and his inside edge was beaten by a 145 kph shooter.

Devon Conway lasted six overs longer when he was out driving at Josh Tongue and gave a thick edge to second slip on 11 at 28-2.

It could have been worse for New Zealand. Tongue should have had Ravindra on 7 but wicketkeeper James Rew spilled a tough, low chance into his left glove.

Chances dried up from there and the batters took the sting out of England and lulled a crowd bathing in sunshine. The pitch was still offering some grip; one Tongue delivery barely rose above the shoelaces and shot under Ravindra's bat.

Ravindra likes to play and so offers chances, but he also expertly clipped Baker off his toes to the boundary, one of his seven.

Nicholls hit part-time spinner Root, England's leading wicket-taker in the current side with 73, for consecutive driven fours as tea approached. But it was a rare show of anger in his careful 64-ball innings.

Nicholls and Ravindra restored the momentum back to New Zealand after England batted through the entire morning after being 238-9.

AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket

England's Joe Root bowls on day three of the second cricket test between England and New Zealand, in London, Friday June 19, 2026. (Ben Whitley/PA via AP)

New Zealand's Tom Latham leaves the field after being dismissed on day three of the second cricket test between England and New Zealand, in London, Friday June 19, 2026. (Ben Whitley/PA via AP)

New Zealand's Devon Conway leaves the field after being dismissed on day three of the second cricket test between England and New Zealand, in London, Friday June 19, 2026. (Ben Whitley/PA via AP)

New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra bats on day three of the second cricket test between England and New Zealand, in London, Friday June 19, 2026. (Ben Whitley/PA via AP)

New Zealand's Henry Nicholls bats on day three of the second cricket test between England and New Zealand, in London, Friday June 19, 2026. (Ben Whitley/PA via AP)