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Mexico coach 'learns a lot' from Sweden defeat

Yekaterinburg - Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio said he had learned a lot from Wednesday's 3-0 Soccer World Cup defeat to Sweden as his side prepare for the last 16 in Russia.

Despite failing to build on their eye-catching wins over Germany and South Korea, Mexico secured their passage to the knockout rounds as Group F runners-up after holders Germany were beaten 2-0 by the Koreans.

Osorio's team came unstuck against their Scandinavian rivals' more direct approach in Yekaterinburg.

"I respect Sweden's style of play, but I don't agree with it," he said. "My sin was to be a purist, it's taught me a lot of lessons.

"We need to find a middle way to stop opponents in the air but still play our own style. Sweden are very strong in the air and very good at defending so we have learnt a lot today.

"But I insist, we are through (to the knockout stages) because we have beaten Germany and South Korea."

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